Strangers in a Familiar Place

What comes to mind when you hear the name...  Peter?

• In a boat acting smart.
  
• In a sea acting bold.
  
• In a garden acting tough.
  
• In a courtyard acting scared.
  
• On the beach being restored.
  

Peter’s first letter:

• Written in A.D. 64-65.
  
• Written from Babylon (Rome).
  
• Written to persecuted Christians.
  

1st Peter 1:1-2, Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

The term sojourner (exile) in the Bible refers to a person who is just passing through. 

How do we keep our identities as strangers in a familiar place?

BIG IDEA: 

The world will attack us with with everything it can ... Stand firm ... The world has no claim on you.

1.  We are strangers in this land ... Not because the land has changed but because we have changed.

Ephesians 1:7-8, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight...

• We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus and we belong to Him.

2.  We are strangers in this land ... We do not adopt its customs or embrace its worldview.

Romans 12:1-2, I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

• We pour our hearts and minds into things that will last for eternity.

3.  We are strangers in this land ... We exemplify the values and standards of our home in Heaven. 

Philippians 3:20, But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.

• We live every day with our bags packed, ready and eager for God to call us home.

What from this world seems to have the greatest tug on your heart?

Memory Verse:  1st Peter 1:2, May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

NEXT STEP:

• You are chosen by God ... Choose Him.
  
• You are cleansed by Jesus’ blood ... Thank Him.
  
• You are sanctified by the Holy Spirit ... Trust Him.