Knowing this world isn’t our true home changes how we wait for eternity.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40; 12:1-2, 7-11 

Central Truth

We’re already citizens of heaven. Not only should we long for heaven but being citizens should also alter us. We represent our true home even while we reside here temporarily.

Key Question

Why does God call us to live as strangers, exiles, and foreigners here?

Keep in Mind

We are called to live as outsiders, or strangers. Many of your students have felt like an outsider. Maybe they were new to a school or even to this group. They were on the outside looking in: They didn’t belong to a group; they didn’t get the inside jokes; they weren’t invited to hang out. Feeling like a stranger in a place that is supposed to be “home” is difficult. 

As you discuss the concept of living as strangers here, you’ll want to be sensitive to students who are struggling with feeling like outcasts. While God does tell us that this world isn’t our final home, we are here temporarily, and while we’re here, we’re also called to walk in community with other believers. Spend time encouraging students to look for others who need community. 

APPLICATION

How should knowing this isn’t your home change the way you live­­—your goals, your desires, the way you spend your time, and so on?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: If students live with the mindset that this isn’t home, then they’ll remember that everything they can gain here is temporary. Only eternal things will last, like our relationship with Christ, helping others know God, our worship, our love for God. Knowing this helps us hold everything here with a loose grip. 

FOR THE LEADER: No matter what goals or passions we have, we can approach them in a way that brings God glory. We can desire what God desires; we can spend our time in a way that draws us closer to Jesus; and we can use every minute to know Him and make Him known.