The Pilgrim’s Confidence in God Alone By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
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Introduction
In these perilous times when the world trembles under the weight of fear, oppression, and uncertainty, the message of hope and truth resounds from the heart of the Living God. He calls His people to return to the true refuge—not systems of men, not governments, not the philosophies of this world, but to Him alone. As pilgrims and strangers passing through this temporal world, believers are being exhorted to walk in the Spirit, resist deception, and place their unwavering trust in God’s provision, protection, and presence.
This spiritual lesson explores the divine message above in depth. It clarifies the urgent call to forsake carnal dependencies and embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily living. God reminds His people that He is ever present, all-powerful, and fully able to sustain them in every circumstance. In a world given over to lies, false authority, and godlessness, the faithful are charged to stand firm as citizens of a heavenly kingdom. This lesson lays the foundation for victorious Christian living amidst adversity and deception, as it unfolds the beauty and power of trusting in God alone.
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The Ever-Present God as Our Refuge
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” — Proverbs 18:10
The Lord is not a distant or indifferent deity. He is the Living God, near to all who call upon Him in truth. When believers are surrounded by turmoil, when fear knocks at the door, and when darkness seems overwhelming, it is imperative to remember that our refuge is not found in worldly systems, but in the presence of God Himself. Trusting in Him means recognizing that He is fully able to provide, protect, and preserve those who look to Him.
The world’s refuge is unstable—anchored in shifting philosophies and fragile institutions. But God remains the Rock of ages, unchanging and faithful in all His ways. We are reminded that running to Him is the only place of true safety.
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The Folly of Looking to the World
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” — 1 Corinthians 3:19a
Despite the repeated failures of worldly systems to bring lasting peace or justice, many—even within the Church—continue to look to the world for answers. This misplaced confidence often stems from fear and spiritual blindness. But the Word of God warns that the wisdom of the world is foolishness before Him. Those who place their hope in carnal authorities and secular ideologies will inevitably be disappointed.
The world promotes a godless wisdom that exalts man and dethrones God. It beckons pilgrims to forsake the path of righteousness for the sake of acceptance, comfort, or false security. But those who follow such paths will find themselves entangled in lies and drained of spiritual vitality.
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The Danger of Carnal Companionship
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
As pilgrims walking the narrow road, believers will encounter others who seek to pull them off the path. Some may appear friendly or sincere but are no longer led by the Spirit. They have embraced lesser gods—comfort, compromise, and convenience—and they desire others to validate their choices by joining them. But the Word warns against the enticements of such companionship.
To remain in God’s will requires discernment and spiritual sensitivity. Not every invitation is from God. Not every path is His path. It is critical to keep moving forward in the Spirit, seeking God’s voice daily, and not being detained by those who have settled for spiritual mediocrity.
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Living by the Holy Spirit Mind
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6
Every day presents choices—whether to listen to the Spirit or the flesh. The Lord exhorts His people to walk in the Holy Spirit mind, to obey what He says, and to reject the reasoning of the carnal mind. When the mind is yielded to the Holy Spirit, direction becomes clear, peace is restored, and strength is renewed.
Choosing to walk in the Spirit is not an abstract idea—it is a deliberate, daily pursuit. It means rejecting fear, trusting God's Word above man's opinions, and submitting fully to divine instruction. Only through this obedience can a pilgrim maintain the path of righteousness.
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The Rejection of Truth Brings Condemnation
“He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already...” — John 3:18a
Jesus made it clear that to reject the truth is to choose condemnation. God does not force truth upon any person. Yet when people prefer lies over the truth, they seal their own fate. The tragedy of many in the Church today is that they know the truth but do not love it enough to follow it.
Truth must be embraced wholeheartedly. It is not enough to merely acknowledge it intellectually. A pilgrim must walk in the light, obeying the truth and living it out—lest they be led astray by delusions that result in spiritual death.
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God’s Provision Over the Arm of Flesh
“Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm…” — Jeremiah 17:5a
One of the marks of a true pilgrim is complete dependence on God’s provision. In seasons of lack or abundance, God desires His people to look only to Him. The temptation to lean on human strength, finances, or institutions is ever-present, but it leads to spiritual bondage and disappointment.
God is faithful to provide exactly what His people need—not always what they want, but what is essential for their growth and His glory. His provision surpasses human calculation because it is rooted in divine wisdom and eternal purposes.
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The Idolatry of Worldly Power
“For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.” — Psalm 96:5
In a time where authoritarianism and global powers are rising, many are being enticed to bow before the gods of government, technology, and cultural control. But these powers are not to be feared or worshipped. They are but tools in the hand of God, allowed for a season, destined for judgment.
The believer’s fear must be directed toward God alone—not the fear of torment but reverent awe and holy respect. The gods of the heathen are dead and lifeless, yet multitudes sacrifice to them daily. The true pilgrim must not bow.
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Resisting the Powers of Fear and Control
“Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul…” — Matthew 10:28a
The world has unleashed a flood of fear—through pandemics, economic hardship, surveillance, and social control. But fear is a tool of manipulation. The people of God must resist this spirit of fear and instead be filled with boldness that comes from the Holy Spirit.
Even in the face of persecution or threats, God calls His people to stand firm. The peace of Christ is not circumstantial—it is spiritual. When hearts are rooted in His presence, no worldly power can shake them.
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The Uplifting Power of God's Presence
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” — Isaiah 40:31a
In every circumstance, the answer is not found in escape but in elevation. When God’s people dwell in His presence, they are lifted above fear, confusion, and oppression. His mercies are new every morning, and He walks with those who trust Him.
Confidence in God must not be shaken by temporal laws or earthly rulers. It is sustained by worship, obedience, and thanksgiving. Those who abide in His presence will overcome.
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Summary
This lesson calls the faithful to turn from worldly dependence and embrace God as their only refuge. It exposes the futility of trusting in man and calls attention to the deception that accompanies carnality, false authority, and idolatry. It exhorts believers to live daily by the Holy Spirit mind, to resist fear, and to remember their identity as pilgrims and citizens of a heavenly kingdom. God is present, powerful, and always faithful to those who trust in Him.
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Conclusion
In these last days, deception abounds, and the temptation to compromise increases. But the Lord’s call remains clear: stay true, stay separate, and stay submitted. The pilgrim’s journey is not about ease but about faithfulness. God is not calling for popularity or earthly success—He is calling for obedience. Those who obey will shine as lights in the darkness and will be upheld by His mighty hand.
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Call to Action
Beloved, do not delay. Examine your heart. Are you looking to the world or to God? Are you walking in the Spirit or listening to the flesh? Choose today to reject the gods of men, the lies of culture, and the tyranny of fear. Come boldly into the presence of your Refuge. Live daily by the Holy Spirit mind and set your eyes on the eternal kingdom.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God is with you. Though others may fall, though many may be deceived, the Lord will uphold you if you trust Him. Do not be shaken. Do not compromise. You are not alone—He is ever present. As a pilgrim of light, keep walking forward. Your God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You recognizing my need for salvation. I confess that I have trusted in the world and followed the ways of the flesh. But today, I turn to You with all my heart. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins and rose again for my redemption.
Lord Jesus, I invite You into my heart. Be my Savior, my Lord, and my Refuge. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in all truth. Help me to walk as a pilgrim, trusting in You alone.
Thank You for saving me. I choose to follow You all the days of my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
