Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, believers are often described as "pilgrims and strangers" on the earth, reflecting their temporary residence in this world and their ultimate citizenship in heaven. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where the faithful are depicted as sojourners seeking a homeland, not of this world, but a heavenly one. As such, they are called to live lives that are distinct from the world, guided by divine direction and purpose.Biblical Foundation The notion of being pilgrims and strangers is vividly illustrated in Hebrews 11:13-16, where the patriarchs are described as having "acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth" . This acknowledgment is not merely a passive acceptance but an active pursuit of a heavenly country, demonstrating a faith that looks beyond the temporal to the eternal. Prayer for Direction As pilgrims and strangers, saints are acutely aware of their need for divine guidance. The journey of faith is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, necessitating a continual reliance on God for direction. The psalmist captures this dependence in Psalm 25:4-5, where he prays, "Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You" . This prayer reflects a heart that seeks God's will above all else, recognizing that true wisdom and direction come from Him alone. Examples of Praying for Direction Throughout Scripture, we find numerous examples of saints who, as pilgrims and strangers, sought God's guidance through prayer. King David, a man after God's own heart, frequently inquired of the Lord before making decisions, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:2, "So David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' And the LORD said to David, 'Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah'" . David's reliance on God's direction underscores the importance of seeking divine counsel in all matters. The Apostle Paul also exemplifies this practice. In his missionary journeys, Paul consistently sought the Lord's guidance, as evidenced in Acts 16:6-10, where the Holy Spirit directed him away from certain regions and towards others. This passage highlights the dynamic nature of prayerful dependence on God for direction, as Paul and his companions were sensitive to the Spirit's leading. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers as they navigate their pilgrimage. Jesus promised His disciples that the Spirit would lead them into all truth (John 16:13). This promise extends to all believers, assuring them that they are not left to wander aimlessly but are guided by the Spirit's wisdom and insight. Practical Implications For modern-day saints, the call to be pilgrims and strangers involves a conscious effort to seek God's direction through prayer. This requires a posture of humility and a willingness to submit to God's will, even when it diverges from personal desires or societal norms. By prioritizing prayer for direction, believers align themselves with God's purposes, ensuring that their journey reflects His glory and advances His kingdom. In summary, as pilgrims and strangers, saints are called to a life of prayerful dependence on God for direction. This practice is rooted in a biblical understanding of their identity and mission, as they seek to navigate the complexities of life with divine wisdom and guidance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 43:3O send out your light and your truth: let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill, and to your tabernacles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:5 Library The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Unbelievers Upbraided The Chorus of Angels The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ... Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ... The Pilgrim's Progress Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: A Treatise of the Fear of God; Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a community church? | GotQuestions.org What was Jesus' message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: All Saints Are Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Actuated by Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Exposed to Persecution Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not at Home in This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not Mindful of This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Strengthened by God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Die in Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Forsake all for Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Hate Worldly Fellowship Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have a Heavenly Conversation Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have the Example of Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have Their Faces Toward Zion Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Invite Others to Go With Them Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Keep the Promised in View Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Long for Their Pilgrimage to End Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly City Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly Country Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pass Their Sojourning in Fear Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pray for Direction Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Rejoice in the Statutes of God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Shine As Lights in the World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Abstain from Fleshly Lusts Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Have Their Treasure in Heaven Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should not be Over Anxious About Worldly Things Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: The World is not Worthy of Pilgrims and Strangers: Described Pilgrims and Strangers: God is not Ashamed to be Called Their God Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints are Called to Be Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints Confess Themselves Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints of Old Pilgrims and Strangers: The Apostles Pilgrims and Strangers: Typified: Israel Related Terms |
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