Strangers and Pilgrims
Hebrews 11:13-16
Intro:
A. The Death that was Premature - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, (see 11:39)
· Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
How many of God’s people died, not having received the promises?
Make no mistake – those promises are reliable.
B. The Discernment that was Persuasive - but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them,
They were so far off, that they could only be seen through the eye of faith.
· Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Romans 1
· 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
· 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
· 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
· 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
C. The Decision that was Passionate – and embraced them
EMBRACE: to draw to one’s self; to receive joyfully, welcome
This was not a reluctant decision.
This was not a half-hearted decision.
This was not done out of peer pressure or obligation.
This was a decision that embraced.
They were exited about what God had in store for them.
D. The Disavowing that was Profound - and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
We don’t belong here!
They didn’t try to fit in everywhere they went.
They didn’t assimilate.
They were not chameleons.
This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.
E. The Declaration that was Plain - 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
These Old Testament saints were called “strangers and pilgrims” on the earth.
The New Testament believer is also called “strangers and pilgrims” on the earth.
1 Peter 2
· 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
· 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Abraham and Sarah and Isaac were all called “strangers and pilgrims” in Hebrews 11.
We are called “strangers and pilgrims” in 1 Peter 2.
Some things we can glean about the example of these Old Testament Saints about being a “pilgrim and stranger.”
What do we (or should we) have in common with them?
I. The Preoccupation of the Wanderer - that they seek a country.
SEE Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
What does it mean to seek a country?
What does it mean for the child of God to be seeking Heaven?
The main thing I notice is they are not seeking anything HERE!
Jesus said it like this in Matthew 6:
· 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
· 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Then he closed out the chapter with this admonition:
· Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Paul the Apostle said it like this:
Colossians 3
· 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
· 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
And he said it like this in Philippians.
Philippians 3
· 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
· 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
· 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
II. The Precaution to the Worldly – 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Let’s dissect this verse:
A. if they had been mindful of that country – stop looking and thinking about that country!
MINDFUL: remember, to call to mind; to think of and feel for a person or thing; to hold in memory, keep in mind, to make mention of
B. from whence they came out – don’t forget that God brought you OUT!
If God had wanted you there, He would have left you there!
He wanted you OUT – so STAY OUT!!!
C. they might have had opportunity to have returned
Mark it down! - Satan will provide the opportunities!
He would love it if you returned.
SEE John 6
· 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
· 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
· 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
III. The Preferring of the Wonder – vs. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
· Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
A. The Wonder of a Preferred Country – no question about it – heaven is better!
B. The Wonder of a Personal God – God is not ashamed to be called THEIR GOD!
C. The Wonder of a Prepared City – for he hath prepared for them a city.
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