1. Strangers and Pilgrims Hebrews 11:13

2. Pilgrim Defined and Illustrated One who journeys in alien lands (Webster’s).One who journeys in alien lands (Webster’s). Sojourning in a strange place, away from one’s own people (Vine’s).Sojourning in a strange place, away from one’s own people (Vine’s). Abraham was a pilgrim: Gen. 12:1; Heb. 11:8-10Abraham was a pilgrim: Gen. 12:1; Heb. 11:8-10 Pilgrimage: a temporary abode…dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger” (Strong’s).Pilgrimage: a temporary abode…dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger” (Strong’s).

3. Christian Pilgrimage 1 Pet. 2:11: As sojourners and pilgrims1 Pet. 2:11: As sojourners and pilgrims –We are strangers on the earth, not citizens of the world. –“This world is not my home, I’m Just a passing through.” –We use whatever we are given in this life to get by (i.e. safe passage), but we do not live as though we belong here.

4. Christian Pilgrimage James 4:13-15: This life is temporary.James 4:13-15: This life is temporary. –The body is a tent-a temporary dwelling. –2 Cor. 5:1: We dwell in this tent now, but are looking for our permanent home with God. –Ps. 90:10: If we make this life our home (focus all of our energy on this life only) we set ourselves up to lose.

5. Christian Pilgrimage Phil. 1:21-23: Thinking like a pilgrim.Phil. 1:21-23: Thinking like a pilgrim. –To live is Christ—to imitate and to serve. –To die is gain—only then will we receive glory. –Vs. 23: The pilgrim is hard-pressed between the two, knowing that it is far better to depart and to be with Christ. –“Depart” is to pack up and move on— head home. –Pilgrims do not focus on the tent, but on the hope of a permanent abode.

6. The Life of a Pilgrim Phil. 3:20-21: Live for our true home.Phil. 3:20-21: Live for our true home. –We respect the laws of this foreign land. –But we conduct ourselves according to the laws of our homeland. –James 3:13, 17: Use wisdom “from above.” –1 Pet. 1:17-19: Conduct ourselves in fear. Col. 3:1-4: Focus on the end of the journeyCol. 3:1-4: Focus on the end of the journey –Heb. 11:13-16: Lay hold the promises, not physical pleasures.

7. The Life of a Pilgrim When we desire something better, we willingly go without while we wait.When we desire something better, we willingly go without while we wait. Heb. 12:2: Christ bore the cross for the joy that was set before Him.Heb. 12:2: Christ bore the cross for the joy that was set before Him. Luke 9:23-26: Likewise, if we dire the joy of our heavenly home, we must be willing to deny ourselves and take up our cross.Luke 9:23-26: Likewise, if we dire the joy of our heavenly home, we must be willing to deny ourselves and take up our cross. “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16

8. Conclusion Pilgrims are those who are waiting for a better home.Pilgrims are those who are waiting for a better home. Are you a pilgrim, or have you made this life your home?Are you a pilgrim, or have you made this life your home? If we want heaven to be our home, we must learn to see this life in the proper perspective.If we want heaven to be our home, we must learn to see this life in the proper perspective. “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”“This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.”