Intro: The Apostle Peter writes to the believers about the importance of our walk with God. He reminds us that
we are pilgrims passing through this world, and this is not our final resting place. Notice our text in v. 17, “…pass
the time of your sojourning here in fear.”
This word “sojourn” is from a root word meaning to
be a visitor or to abide as a stranger in a foreign residence. It reminds us of our pilgrimage. This world is a stopping off
place for us. It is but a dressing room for eternity, a place to get ready for something bigger and more important. We are
just passing through, stopping by on our way home.
The phrase “pass the time” literally means to busy oneself.
There are some things we are to be busy with during this pilgrimage. We are not here forever, but while we are here we are
supposed to be busy with some things.
And so, I want to preach on “Pass The Time Of Your Sojourn.” How are
we supposed to busy ourselves on our way through this world? Pass the time of your sojourn:
I. Faithfully In
Obedience: v. 13-16, We are commanded to be holy, that is to be clean before God. And we are taught to “hope to the
end” for grace. It is the lesson of faithful obedience, daily and continual striving to behave holy as we have been
birthed holy.
A. Preparation For Holiness: v. 13, prepare your mind with sobriety. Get serious about
serving the Lord. Get serious about serving him all the way to the last breath of life.
B. Purification
of Holiness: v. 14, We are not to follow the same lifestyle lived before we met God or the same lifestyle led by others who
don’t know God.
C. Practice Of Holiness: v. 15-16, “All manner of conversation”
This conversation means behavior. In your daily lifestyle you should practice cleanliness, religious and spiritual piety,
dedication to God and his service. This service of holiness is an everyday activity of obedience to the Word of God. Live
faithfully in obedience.
II. FEARFULLY TOWARD JUDGMENT: v. 17, Every man’s work will be judged.
II Cor 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done
in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” Consider the price of your redemption…
When you carelessly go through a Christian sojourn without concern for the judgment, you trample underfoot the sacrifice of
Jesus. He saved us to bring us out of this world, to change us. Consider standing before God and having to answer the question
of why you neglected daily the commandments of your sweet crucified Lord!
III. FERVENTLY IN LOVE: v.
22, Our souls were purified by obeying the truth- that is trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ, and this is evidenced by our
love for the brethren. I John 3:14, John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another.” I John 4:20
IV. FINISHING THE JOURNEY: v. 24, Our time is limited. Use every
day and every moment. Busy yourself with the things of God.
Conclusion: We are going to die. We are
not here forever. This is a pilgrimage; it is a sojourn. Pass your time wisely. Busy yourself with living for Jesus. Live
life here in preparation for something bigger, better, and more important than this world of sin.
