Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life Our Identity: Joyful Exiles
18 snips
Apr 10, 2026 A reflection on living with resurrection power now and what that life looks like. The idea of Christians as resident aliens and pilgrims is explored. Practical guidance on balancing cultural engagement with faithful distinctiveness is discussed. The talk challenges listeners to be both offensive and attractive in their witness while rooting identity in Christ.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Resident Aliens Living Between Two Worlds
- Christians are resident aliens: fully engaged in society but citizens of heaven, not fully assimilated or tourists.
- Peter’s Greek word parapedemoi describes living long-term in a culture without surrendering ultimate allegiance to it.
Pilgrimage Explains Persistent Longing
- The exile image makes the Christian life a pilgrimage: even loved and pardoned, believers remain unfinished and long for home.
- Keller illustrates 'home' as a place where everything fits deepest longings, not merely comfort or possessions.
One Foot In One Foot Out Identity
- Exile requires neither withdrawal nor assimilation but a posture of one foot in the culture and one foot out.
- Christians keep cultural identities (race, career) yet distance themselves from cultural idols because ultimate allegiance is to God.
