In the Christian tradition, believers are often referred to as "pilgrims" and "strangers" in this world, emphasizing their temporary residence on earth and their ultimate citizenship in heaven. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where followers of Christ are called to live lives distinct from the secular world, marked by holiness and a pursuit of spiritual rather than fleshly desires.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is vividly captured in 1 Peter 2:11 : "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." Here, the Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles," underscoring their transient status in this world. The exhortation to abstain from fleshly lusts is not merely a call to moral purity but a recognition of the spiritual battle that rages within the believer.

The Call to Holiness

The call to abstain from fleshly lusts is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. In Galatians 5:16-17 , Paul writes, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want." This passage highlights the internal conflict between the Spirit and the flesh, urging believers to live by the Spirit's guidance.

Living as Pilgrims

As pilgrims, Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that their true home is not of this world. Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of the heroes of faith who "acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." These individuals lived by faith, looking forward to a heavenly homeland, and their lives serve as a model for contemporary believers.

Practical Implications

Abstaining from fleshly lusts involves a conscious effort to reject behaviors and desires that are contrary to God's will. Romans 13:14 instructs, "Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." This directive calls for an active engagement in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, to strengthen one's resolve against worldly temptations.

The Role of the Church

The church plays a crucial role in supporting believers in their journey as pilgrims and strangers. Through teaching, accountability, and community, the church provides a nurturing environment where Christians can grow in holiness and resist the allure of fleshly desires. Ephesians 4:22-24 encourages believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Conclusion

While the journey of a pilgrim and stranger in this world is fraught with challenges, the call to abstain from fleshly lusts is a vital aspect of the Christian life. By living in accordance with the Spirit and seeking the things above, believers can fulfill their calling as saints, set apart for God's purposes.1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

V. ...
... Priests and kings are all spiritual names, as Christians, saints, the Church ... Dearly
beloved, I admonish you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... this is work above us; now our patience should look up ... if not all the miscarriages
of the saints and people ... and those that are to come less, than they are; and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

On the Difficulties and Duties of the Christian Life.
... of all that wisdom and goodness wherewith the best of saints have ever been ... be much
in our thoughts, it will make us as "strangers and pilgrims, to abstain ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part iii on the difficulties.htm

The Strait Gate;
... Dearly beloved, I beseech you," said Peter, "as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly ... assemblies; we were well thought of by thy saints, and were ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

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