I Peter 2:11-12I Peter 2:11-12 Dear friends, I urge youDear friends, I urge you, , as aliens and as aliens and strangers strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. us.

Hebrews 11:13-14Hebrews 11:13-14

All these people were still living by faith when All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.them from a distance. And they admitted that And they admitted that they were they were aliens and strangers aliens and strangers on earth. on earth. People who say such things show that they are People who say such things show that they are looking looking for a country of their own.for a country of their own.

I John 2:15-17I John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the Do not love the world or anything in the world.world. If anyone loves the world, the love of If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives but the man who does the will of God lives forever.forever.

Romans 12:1-2Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God —this is sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God —this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.will.

We live in a world that seeks to draw us back We live in a world that seeks to draw us back into itself. This is a never ending call of the into itself. This is a never ending call of the world, the old nature world, the old nature (the flesh) and Satan to be in the process of (the flesh) and Satan to be in the process of becoming like anything other than Christ.becoming like anything other than Christ.

We must stand against the tide of We must stand against the tide of “naturalization” “naturalization”

and instead, maintain ourselves as aliens and instead, maintain ourselves as aliens embedded embedded

within a fallen race representing our within a fallen race representing our “homeland”.“homeland”.

The example of Abraham from The example of Abraham from Genesis 23, Genesis 23,

when Sarah died.when Sarah died.

Understand the lifetime process.Understand the lifetime process.Keep a “tent” perspective.Keep a “tent” perspective.

Build an excellent reputation.Build an excellent reputation.Take nothing from the world.Take nothing from the world.

Understand the lifetime process.Understand the lifetime process.

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”bury my dead.”

Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as someone someone who really didn’t belong where he was living.who really didn’t belong where he was living.

How deeply rooted are we here? How deeply rooted are we here? Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspectiveperspective..

When you live in a tent, you don’t plan on staying long.

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”bury my dead.”

Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as someone someone who really didn’t belong where he was living.who really didn’t belong where he was living.

How deeply rooted are we here? How deeply rooted are we here? Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspectiveperspective..

Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”bury my dead.”

Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as someone someone who really didn’t belong where he was living.who really didn’t belong where he was living.

How deeply rooted are we here? How deeply rooted are we here? Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspectiveperspective..

II Corinthians 5:1-10 1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”bury my dead.”

Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as someone someone who really didn’t belong where he was living.who really didn’t belong where he was living.

How deeply rooted are we here? How deeply rooted are we here? Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspectiveperspective..

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”bury my dead.”

Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as someone someone who really didn’t belong where he was living.who really didn’t belong where he was living.

How deeply rooted are we here? How deeply rooted are we here? Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspectiveperspective..

Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”bury my dead.”

Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as Even after 60 years, he still viewed himself as someone someone who really didn’t belong where he was living.who really didn’t belong where he was living.

How deeply rooted are we here? How deeply rooted are we here? Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspectiveperspective..

II Peter 3:10-13 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

11Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. years old. 22She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her. for Sarah and to weep over her. 33Then Abraham rose Then Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, He said, 44“I am an alien and a stranger among you. “I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.” bury my dead.” 55The Hittites replied to Abraham, The Hittites replied to Abraham, 66"Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. "Sir, listen to us. You are a mighty prince among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead." us will refuse you his tomb for burying your dead."

““a prince of God (the gods)”a prince of God (the gods)” Perhaps he was no longer a manipulator for Perhaps he was no longer a manipulator for advantageadvantage

““We want to bless you.”We want to bless you.”

Establish and maintain a good Establish and maintain a good reputationreputation

77Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. people of the land, the Hittites. 88He said to them, "If He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf behalf 99so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you.”site among you.”

The respectful bow ~ humilityThe respectful bow ~ humility

You would think that a “mighty prince” would not You would think that a “mighty prince” would not need need an intermediary, but Abraham uses the accepted an intermediary, but Abraham uses the accepted system.system.

Does not expect a status/circumstance based Does not expect a status/circumstance based discount. discount.

Be known for humility and integrity.Be known for humility and integrity.(Our lives are a commentary about God.)(Our lives are a commentary about God.)

Establish and maintain a good Establish and maintain a good reputationreputation

77Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. people of the land, the Hittites. 88He said to them, "If He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf behalf 99so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you." site among you." 1010Ephron the Hittite was sitting Ephron the Hittite was sitting among his people and he replied to Abraham in the among his people and he replied to Abraham in the hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. his city. 1111"No, my lord," he said. "Listen to me; I give "No, my lord," he said. "Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead.”your dead.”

There is something going on with Ephron. There is something going on with Ephron. Abraham sends Abraham sends a messenger, but Ephron announces an offered a messenger, but Ephron announces an offered gift, seeking some manner of status and or gift, seeking some manner of status and or boasting of his wealth.boasting of his wealth.

Establish and maintain a good Establish and maintain a good reputationreputation

Owe the world no Owe the world no favorsfavors

77Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. people of the land, the Hittites. 88He said to them, "If He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf behalf 99so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you." site among you." 1010Ephron the Hittite was sitting Ephron the Hittite was sitting among his people and he replied to Abraham in the among his people and he replied to Abraham in the hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. his city. 1111"No, my lord," he said. "Listen to me; I give "No, my lord," he said. "Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead." dead." 1212Again Abraham bowed down before the Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land people of the land 1313and he said to Ephron in their and he said to Ephron in their hearing, "Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price hearing, "Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there.”there.”

Abraham’s refusal of the gift is as public as Ephron’s Abraham’s refusal of the gift is as public as Ephron’s boast.boast.

Owe the world no Owe the world no favorsfavors

1414Ephron answered Abraham, Ephron answered Abraham, 1515“Listen to me, my “Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.”dead.”

Ephron is still boasting . . .Ephron is still boasting . . .

Owe the world no Owe the world no favorsfavors

1414Ephron answered Abraham, Ephron answered Abraham, 1515“Listen to me, my “Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.” dead.” 1616Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the according to the weight current among the merchants. merchants.

Abraham would have not have done anything Abraham would have not have done anything wrong in taking the land as a gift, but he chose to wrong in taking the land as a gift, but he chose to not give Ephron not give Ephron the chance to have himself be in Ephron’s debt.the chance to have himself be in Ephron’s debt.

Remember chapter 14, his refusal of the King of Remember chapter 14, his refusal of the King of Sodom’s gift.Sodom’s gift.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2121The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goodsand keep the goods for yourself.” for yourself.” 2222But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath earth, and have taken an oath 2323that I will accept nothing that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ Abram rich.’ 2424I will accept nothing but what my men have I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre.with me—to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their Let them have their share.” share.”

Owe the world no Owe the world no favorsfavors

1414Ephron answered Abraham, Ephron answered Abraham, 1515“Listen to me, my “Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.” dead.” 1616Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the according to the weight current among the merchants. merchants.

Abraham would have not have done anything Abraham would have not have done anything wrong in taking the land as a gift, but he chose to wrong in taking the land as a gift, but he chose to not give Ephron not give Ephron the chance to have himself be in Ephron’s debt.the chance to have himself be in Ephron’s debt.

Remember chapter 14, his refusal of the King of Remember chapter 14, his refusal of the King of Sodom’s gift.Sodom’s gift.

Recall that he did receive gifts from Pharaoh and Recall that he did receive gifts from Pharaoh and AbimelechAbimelech which was more of a disgraceful thing. (life-long which was more of a disgraceful thing. (life-long process)process) Owe the world no Owe the world no

favorsfavors

1414Ephron answered Abraham, Ephron answered Abraham, 1515“Listen to me, my “Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.” dead.” 1616Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the according to the weight current among the merchants. merchants. 1717So Ephron's field in Machpelah near So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre--both the field and the cave in it, and all the Mamre--both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field--was deeded trees within the borders of the field--was deeded 1818to to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city. Hittites who had come to the gate of the city.

The only property that he owned was a grave The only property that he owned was a grave site . . .site . . .

Owe the world no Owe the world no favorsfavors

1414Ephron answered Abraham, Ephron answered Abraham, 1515“Listen to me, my “Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead.” dead.” 1616Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the according to the weight current among the merchants. merchants. 1177So Ephron's field in Machpelah near So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre--both the field and the cave in it, and all the Mamre--both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field--was deeded trees within the borders of the field--was deeded 1818to to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city. Hittites who had come to the gate of the city. 1919Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan. Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 2020So the field and the So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site.a burial site.

The only property that he owned was a grave The only property that he owned was a grave site . . .site . . .

Owe the world no Owe the world no favorsfavors

Understand the lifetime Understand the lifetime process.process.You have come a long wayYou have come a long wayYou have a long way to goYou have a long way to goPatiently press onPatiently press on

Keep a “tent” Keep a “tent” perspective.perspective.Understand that there is Understand that there is moremoreSend “investments” homeSend “investments” homeHonor the homelandHonor the homeland

Build an excellent Build an excellent reputation.reputation.We are walking commentariesWe are walking commentariesApart from this, it is good to be Apart from this, it is good to be seenseen as being trustworthy.as being trustworthy.

Owe the world no favors.Owe the world no favors.seek no earthly statusseek no earthly statustake nothing from the take nothing from the darknessdarknessbe “owned” by God alonebe “owned” by God alone

Your attitude should be the same as that of Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with Goddid not consider equality with God something to be grasped, something to be grasped, but made himself nothing,but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself he humbled himself

and became obedient to deathand became obedient to death — —even death on a cross!even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest Therefore God exalted him to the highest place place

and gave him the name that is above and gave him the name that is above every name,every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the in heaven and on earth and under the earth,earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,Lord,

to the glory of God the Father. to the glory of God the Father.