Redeemed by Christ: Living as Strangers and Pilgrims

Peter calls the church to “call on the Father” who “without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work,” and to “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” The address “Father” signals more than Creator. It names a real relationship. Unlike the Roman pater who might reject a child at his feet, the Father has bent down, taken sinners up to His breast, and claimed them as sons and daughters. Through Christ, “Abba” is not sentiment but access, provision, and welcome. The Father knows His children’s voice and opens His house.

God’s character stands steady. He is “no respecter of person.” Billionaire or beggar, Jew or Gentile, none stands nearer by rank, birth, or brilliance. If He cleanses, none may call unclean. The same love that gave the Son extends to all, and the same standard holds for all, for “He judgeth according to every man’s work.” Covered by the blood, the believer lives in assurance, but not in presumption. Jesus taught daily prayer for pardon so that sin never sets up house without confession and repentance. Works will be tested. Some will burn. Yet grace does not nullify good works. It births them. Worship, Scripture in hand and life, open-handed mercy, and forgiveness that heals the body and settles the soul are works that remain.

The text names the church “sojourners.” Strangers and pilgrims hold possessions lightly, set treasure in heaven, and refuse to love the world or be owned by it. Homes, cars, even a ’65 Mustang, cannot ride into glory. Let go. The journey is spiritual, and the Keeper is Father.

Peter roots this life in redemption. Believers were not bought “with corruptible things, as silver and gold,” nor by handed-down tradition, but “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Christ was “foreordained before the foundation of the world,” and “manifest in these last times” so that “your faith and hope might be in God,” the One who raised and glorified Him. Many carry foreknowledge of Jesus from songs and Scriptures; conversion comes when the Holy Ghost presses that knowledge into the heart and God is chosen because God first chose. Redeemed from an empty life, severed from sin’s claim, the church belongs to Another. Let repentance be quick, worship daily, compassion real, and confidence fixed in the Father’s house and the Son’s blood.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Call on the Father with reverence The name Father is access, not a slogan. Adoption means welcome, provision, and a voice recognized in heaven. Reverence keeps intimacy from sliding into presumption and keeps assurance warm. Prayer becomes the daily way a child lives near his Father. [25:41]
• 2. God shows no partiality Status cannot buy nearness, and poverty does not block it. The same love that gave the Son stands open to all, and the same standard of judgment stands over all. This levels pride and lifts despair, calling every person to grace and to honest works. [33:57]
• 3. Works tested, rewards that remain The blood gives entrance, but fire tests building materials. Some efforts serve ego and turn to ash. Works born of love for God and neighbor endure, and their reward is real. Let worship, Scripture-lived, mercy, and forgiveness be the lumber that lasts. [39:21]
• 4. Live as pilgrims, hold lightly Strangers and pilgrims do not clutch what cannot cross the grave. Possessions serve the journey; they do not set the destination. Loosened hands free the heart to obey quickly and to rejoice when Christ comes. Treasure fixed in heaven steadies the soul. [45:03]
• 5. Redeemed by the precious blood Silver and gold cannot buy a clean conscience or a new nature. The sinless Lamb paid with blood that is priceless, breaking the emptiness of a life apart from God. Redemption severs old claims and binds the heart to holiness, repentance, and hope in God. [57:32]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [22:51] - Scripture reading 1 Peter 1:17-21
• [24:09] - Prayer of thanksgiving
• [25:41] - Calling God Father
• [27:11] - Adopted, not rejected
• [33:57] - God shows no partiality
• [35:15] - Judgment according to works
• [38:39] - Daily repentance and worship
• [39:21] - Works that remain and reward
• [45:03] - Sojourners passing through in fear
• [46:56] - Hold possessions lightly
• [50:52] - Not redeemed with silver or gold
• [57:32] - Precious blood of the sinless Lamb
• [59:06] - Foreordained Christ, faith and hope
• [66:41] - Call to respond and intercession

1. What does it mean to "conduct yourselves with fear" as "sojourners" (1 Peter 1:17)? How does the sermon contrast this fear with presumption? [25:41]
2. According to the passage, what makes Christ’s blood "precious" (1 Peter 1:19)? How does the sermon emphasize its value compared to earthly wealth? [57:32]
3. The sermon mentions that "works will be tested" and some "will burn." What examples of enduring works are highlighted? [39:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between earthly "sojourners" and those rooted in the world? What practical choices mark a pilgrim? [45:03]

1. Why does God’s impartial judgment (1 Peter 1:17) both "level pride" and "lift despair," as stated in the sermon? How does this truth reshape our view of status or achievement? [33:57]
2. The sermon says, "Reverence keeps intimacy from sliding into presumption." How does addressing God as "Father" balance closeness with holy awe? [25:41]
3. What does it mean that "grace does not nullify good works [but] births them"? How does redemption through Christ’s blood motivate action rather than complacency? [39:21]
4. Why might holding possessions "lightly" (as pilgrims) free believers to "obey quickly" and rejoice in Christ’s return? [45:03]

1. What tangible step could you take this week to hold a possession, goal, or relationship "lightly" as a pilgrim? How might this shift your focus toward eternal priorities? [46:56]
2. The sermon warns against letting sin "set up house without confession." What daily habit could help you practice repentance before struggles take root? [38:39]
3. "Works born of love for God and neighbor endure." What is one act of compassion, forgiveness, or worship you’ve neglected that God is prompting you to prioritize? [39:42]
4. How would your prayer life change if you approached God with both childlike trust and holy reverence, avoiding presumption? [32:16]
5. The sermon contrasts empty traditions with redemption through Christ’s blood. Are there routines or habits in your life that feel "religious" but lack relational depth with God? How can you infuse them with fresh purpose? [55:08]
6. What practical choice (e.g., generosity, time management, speech) would visibly reflect your identity as a "sojourner" to others this week? [45:34]
7. The ’65 Mustang example illustrates loving the world. What earthly treasure or comfort do you need to release to avoid clinging when "Christ comes"? [47:54]