Strangers and Pilgrims
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that believers are strangers and pilgrims in this world, destined for their eternal home in heaven.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that believers are merely strangers and pilgrims in this world, destined for a heavenly home rather than an earthly one. He draws from Scripture to illustrate that this life is a temporary journey through a wilderness, urging Christians to focus their hopes and affections on their eternal city, which is heaven. Brooks encourages believers to live with a sense of reverence and longing for their true home, where they will ultimately be united with Christ in glory. The sermon serves as a reminder that earthly attachments are fleeting and that true fulfillment lies in the eternal promises of God.
Text
"To God's elect, strangers in the world," 1 Peter 1:1
This world is a wilderness, and believers, as pilgrims
and strangers, must pass through it to their heavenly
Canaan. "For here we do not have an enduring city, but
we are looking for the city that is to come." Heb. 11:10
"And they admitted that they were strangers
and pilgrims on earth." Heb. 11:13
"Dear friends, I urge you, as strangers and
pilgrims in the world," 1 Peter 2:11
The Scriptures, by frequently calling believers pilgrims,
sojourners, strangers, does sufficiently evidence that
there is no abiding for them in this world. This world is
not their country, their city, their home, their habitation;
and therefore they are not to place their hopes or hearts
or affections upon things below. Heaven is their chief city,
their best country, their most desirable home, and their
everlasting habitation; and therefore the hopes, desires,
breathings, longings should be heaven-ward, glory-ward!
Oh, when shall grace be swallowed up in glory? When
shall we take possession of our eternal mansions?
When shall we be with Christ, who is best of all?
"Live your lives as strangers here in reverent
fear." 1 Peter 1:17
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding our identity as strangers and pilgrims - The temporary nature of our earthly existence - The hope of our eternal home
- II points: - The call to live in reverent fear - Avoiding attachment to worldly things - Focusing our desires on heaven
- III points: - The significance of grace in our journey - Longing for Christ and our eternal mansions - Encouragement to persevere as pilgrims
Key Quotes
“This world is a wilderness, and believers, as pilgrims and strangers, must pass through it to their heavenly Canaan.” — Thomas Brooks
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” — Thomas Brooks
“Dear friends, I urge you, as strangers and pilgrims in the world.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Reflect on your identity as a pilgrim and how it shapes your daily decisions.
- Cultivate a longing for your eternal home by focusing on heavenly things.
- Live each day with reverent fear, honoring God in all aspects of your life.