Christians You Are Pilgrims (Clip)
Anton Bosch emphasizes that Christians are pilgrims on earth, called to live as sojourners who abstain from worldly desires and focus on their heavenly journey.
This sermon focuses on the concept of Christians being pilgrims on earth, emphasizing the call to abstain from fleshly lusts that can harm the soul. It highlights the idea of believers being sojourners and pilgrims, reminding them of their temporary stay in this world and the need to live in a manner that honors God.
Full Transcript
In 1 Peter chapter 1, Peter begins and he says, An apostle of Jesus Christ to the pilgrims of the dispersion in Pontius, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. To the pilgrims. Same word that we find if we go back to verse 13.
Pilgrims on the earth. And so Peter writes and he's writing to Christians and he says, you are pilgrims. In verse 17, I think, verse 11 of chapter 2. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Identity of Christians as Pilgrims
- Peter addresses believers as pilgrims in 1 Peter 1:1
- The term 'pilgrim' signifies a temporary residence on earth
- Christians are called to view themselves as sojourners
-
II. The Call to Abstain from Fleshly Lusts
- Believers must abstain from desires that war against the soul
- Living as pilgrims requires spiritual discipline
- Fleshly lusts hinder the Christian's journey
-
III. The Heavenly Focus of the Pilgrim Life
- Earthly life is temporary and transient
- Christians should fix their hope on their eternal home
- This perspective shapes holy living
Key Quotes
“Peter writes and he's writing to Christians and he says, you are pilgrims.” — Anton Bosch
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” — Anton Bosch
“Pilgrims on the earth.” — Anton Bosch
Application Points
- Live each day with the awareness that this world is not your permanent home.
- Practice self-control by abstaining from desires that conflict with your spiritual well-being.
- Focus your hope and priorities on your eternal destination rather than temporary earthly pleasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a pilgrim in the Christian context?
Being a pilgrim means recognizing that Christians are temporary residents on earth, journeying toward their eternal home with God.
Why does Peter urge believers to abstain from fleshly lusts?
Peter encourages abstaining from fleshly lusts because they conflict with the soul's well-being and hinder spiritual growth.
How can viewing ourselves as pilgrims affect our daily lives?
Seeing ourselves as pilgrims helps prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures, leading to holy and disciplined living.
Which biblical passages highlight the pilgrim identity of Christians?
1 Peter 1:1, 1 Peter 1:13, and 1 Peter 2:11 explicitly refer to Christians as pilgrims and sojourners.