Homeward Bound

I. Introduction: After a long journey, no matter how pleasant the trip, it is refreshing to return home. Soldiers battling numerous enemies on foreign soil feel great joy when they return to their home, to those who love them, the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of home. There is something in us that longs for home. This morning I want to talk about the Christians journey home.

II. Our earthly existence is temporal

A. The heavens and the earth will be destroyed

B. 2 Peter 3:10 – All will melt away Psalm 102:25-26 – God will bring an end to all things

C. Life is brief

D. James 4:14 – life is a vapor Isaiah 40:6-8 – All flesh is like grass We are made of dust and will return to the dust

III. We have a spiritual home that is eternal

A. Though our flesh is temporal, our spirit is eternal

B. 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 –Flesh cannot inherit the eternal home2 Corinthians 5:1 – The spirit will outlive the flesh

C. God has prepared an eternal home for our eternal spirit

D. John 14:1-3 – Jesus is preparing a place for us Hebrews 11:16 tells us that God has prepared a city for us Matthew 25:34 – the faithful inherit a home prepared for them

E. God’s people are citizens are citizens of that eternal home

F. Philippians 3:20-21 – We are currently citizens of that eternal home Ephesians 2:19 – Citizens of God’s kingdom, not foreigners

G. If we are citizens of the eternal home, we are foreigners on earth

H. Hebrews 11:13-16

I. Though Abraham was promised a great expanse of earthly land he did not receive it but it was given to his descendants Abraham was confident that God would keep His promise and give the land to his descendants. Earthly land mattered little to Abraham for the land he desired was in a heavenly country. Since his citizenship was in heaven, he was a foreigner on earth

J. Should not worry about being accepted by the world—we don’t belong here

K. “This World Is Not My Home”

IV. My home in heaven helps me keep my earthly life in proper perspective

A. I must please God instead of pleasing man

B. 1 Peter 2:11 – as foreigners we must resist the lusts of the flesh

C. Our earthly home calls to us wanting us to find our satisfaction here2 Timothy 4:10 – Sometimes the world succeeds in calling souls away from God1 Peter 1:17 – we must live in respect of God and His law while we abide in this foreign land because our allegiance is to Him

D. Realize I am put here to bring glory to God and do His work

E. Ephesians 2:10 – We were created by God to be His workers1 Peter 2:9-10 – We are holy priests with holy service entrusted to us1 Corinthians 15:58 – You labor is not in vain

F. Nourish the eternal body/less focus on the earthly

G. 1 Timothy 4:8 – Bodily exercise is less important than spiritual exercise

H. Some spend much time each day in physical exercise—even changing schedules to permit exercise—but little time in study, prayer, and meditation, not even bothering to schedule time for spiritual growth. Some spend much money on vitamins and supplements every month but balk at spending money on books or other resources that would help them “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.”

I. Hebrews 5:12-14

J. Spiritual growth only comes through taking in the word and using it. Just as muscles grow weak without exercise, spiritual reasoning is weak when it is not exercised. The health and strength of our spirit should be a priority over physical health

K. Death is just the beginning of a new life with God

L. 2 Corinthians 5:1 – “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Philippians 1:20-21 – To live is Christ, to die is gain Revelation 14:12-13 – Rest from labor

M. Allows me to endure disappointment on this earth

N. Moses

O. While Israel journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, Moses, in a moment of pride, disobeyed God’s command and did not give God the glory for giving water to His people in the wilderness. Moses’ desire: Deuteronomy 3:23-28 Moses’ reality: Deuteronomy 34:1, 4-5 This faithful man of God received an eternal home but not his earthly desire; disappointment is swallowed up in heavenly bliss My life may not turn out how I hoped it would; I may face more suffering and trials than I expected. Though my days may be “few and full of troubles,” I have a home where there is no sorrow, suffering, tears, death, or separation.

P. Health problems

Q. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – The outward man perishes but the soul grows2 Corinthians 10:9-10 – Sufferings strengthen our inner man

V. Conclusion: The thought of our eternal home should comfort us and strengthen us as we endure suffering and temptations. Why should you have this hope? You have the promise of Jesus: John 14:1-3 (previously read). Peter wrote that your eternal home is reserved in heaven, 1 Peter 1:3-4. Do you have a place reserved?