Introduction:     We are living in a world that flaunts the flesh and magnifies lust. It seems that everything that the Christian holds dear such as biblical morality and values are sneered at and mocked as old fashion and out of step with our progressive thinking society. The whole mindset of people today is in opposition to the way we are supposed to live. The true born-again, sold out, surrendered saint of God finds himself swimming upstream and living against the flow. God did not save us to go along with sin, but to stand against the current. Here are three important principles we should never forget if we are to live against the flow. Always Remember:

I.          WE’RE JUST PASSING THROUGH (V. 11)

            A.        We Are Foreigners In This World.
“Strangers” = a picture of someone who is in a country long enough to rent a house, but who’s citizenship is in another country. (Illus: you can always pick out foreigners).

• Do not become entangled with this world and forget where your citizenship is.
• Do not allow this world to dictate to you how to dress, what is fun, what the purpose of life is or what determines success. You are to be governed by the country of your citizenship (heaven).

            B.         We Are Visitors In This World.
“Pilgrims” = a picture of someone who is in a country, but doesn’t stay long enough to rent a house; a temporary passing through.

• I’m not to allow this world to be the source of my happiness, my wisdom, or the source of my purpose.
• I am a citizen of heaven. I’m to be governed by God’s kingdom, God’s perspective, and God’s outlook!

As believers we are always going to be a little out of place. If you want to live your life in such a way as you fit in with this world’s system, you cannot walk with this BOOK! I’m not sure we believe that! (Illus: so many lives are shaped by T. V., videos, CD’s, etc.). I’m watching the church lose its spiritual power and influence, families falling apart…why? We have been infected by worldliness in the church where absolutely nothing is wrong and we are being taught that you can contaminate yourself with everything that denies this Book and still walk in the power of God. But, beloved you cannot…it is impossible! When we watch what the world watches and listen to what they listen to and live the lives they live we will not walk in the power of God! Unless there is REVIVAL in the church and we decide to be pilgrims and strangers and fight against the flow we’ll not have the power of God!

II.         WE’RE NOT PLAYING GAMES (V. 11)
We’re in a war. What is fleshly lust? “Lust” = is an inordinate desire. “Fleshly lust” = the evil desires of our physical nature. (Illus: My biggest enemy is me…Moody).

            A.        What Is The Flesh? (Gal. 5:19-21)
The Bible says that all of your life as a Christian you are going to be in a warfare with the flesh. Do you think you’re going to win this war by compromising with the thinking and lifestyles of this world?

• This war speaks of a fully equipped army on a military campaign overrunning the enemy. It means being on the offensive.
• The sins of the flesh war against your soul. They will destroy your happiness, your joy, your sanity; walk with God, your fellowship with God. They will destroy the peace that passing all human understanding. They will destroy you on the inside and life will not be worth living, you will miserable and not be happy because you are going with the current, because the flesh has overtaken you!

            B.         What Can I Do?
Most Christians deal with the flesh by repenting and returning to the same sin. The Bible says to:

• “Abstain” = to hold oneself off constantly.
• I cannot do that in the flesh; if I’m not walking in the Spirit.
• How can I do that? By surrendering every area of your life to the Holy Spirit. (Illus: He’s still working on me…garbage in; garbage out).

III.       WE’RE ON PUBLIC DISPLAY (V.12)
“Honest” = a behavior that is beautiful.

            A.        What Others See

            B.         What Others Say

The lost need a gospel witness to be saved. “Day of visitation” = the day of God’s inspection and salvation. (Luke 1:68) "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people," Unbelievers will be won the Christ by our honest lives and glorify God in their salvation.

Conclusion:       Swimming against the current is not easy, but it is worth it!