The Warfare and Witness of the Pilgrim

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:11-12)

1. Our Identity (v.11)
We are Strangers and Pilgrims
(see Hebrews 11:8–16)
• As Pilgrims this world is not our home! We do not belong here and that should show in our lives.
• As Pilgrims we are by faith travelling to our heavenly home. It is a “better country.” Think about what that means.
• As Pilgrims we cannot be “mindful” of the country we have left or we might start looking for a way to go back.

2. Our Warfare (v.11)
The battle against the Sinful Desires
of your own Heart
(see James 1:14–15)

3. Our Witness (v.12)
Just because we are strangers in this world does not mean that we can ignore or be hostile with those that still live in it.
• Conversation” = lifestyle.
• Peter is saying live your life among the unsaved world in an upright or honorable way.
• “by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
• God is saying live your life among the unsaved world in a way that leads them to give him glory.