Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Consequences of Life in Christ Colossians 3:1-4 The vast majority of people are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good - or earthly good either Jesus is superior over creation, the church, philosophy and religion Sin is a problem of the mind and heart, not just outward behavior

Consequences of Life in Christ Colossians 3:1-4 Seek what is above Set our mind on what is above Have our lives hidden with Christ Will share in His future glory

Consequences of Life in Christ Colossians 3:1-4 The key to godliness is Christ - Paul refers to Him 5 times in 4 verses Our identification is with Jesus’ death (vs. 3) resurrection (vs. 1) life (vs. 3 & 4) glory (vs. 4)

Raised with Christ Colossians 3:1 A first class conditional statement – assumes positive affirmation – “since” Identification with Jesus’ death & Resurrection Colossians 2:12 Romans 6:4

Raised with Christ Colossians 3:1 Death with Christ frees us from bondage to sin, Satan and the world - Romans 6 As slaves of righteousness : 1 John 2:15 1 Cor. 10:13 2 Timothy 2:22 James 4:7

Raised with Christ Colossians 3:1 In mercy Jesus paid our sin debt In grace we are adopted into God’s family - John 1:12 We are new creations in Christ - 2 Cor. 2:17. This is a radical conversion

Raised with Christ Colossians 3:1 Being raised with Christ results in a changed: Purpose of life Way of thinking Nature of life Destiny

Seeking What is Above Colossians 3:1 A present tense command and therefore an ongoing quest. Seeking encompasses active searching, striving, investigating and pursuing. Without a change of purpose there will not be any growth or evidence of a living faith - James 2:14-26

Seeking What is Above Colossians 3:1 This cannot be done passively, we must actively seek the things above These are heavenly things because that is where Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 12:2). Matthew 6:19-21

Seeking What is Above Colossians 3:1 Ecclesiastes: the pursuit of worldly success - wealth, fame, power, pleasure - is vanity Matthew 6:33 God wants us preoccupied with Him, not the things needed for daily existence Seek the things above - God’s kingdom and righteousness, laying up treasure in heaven

Thinking on What is Above Colossians 3:2 To seek the things above, you must also set your mind on those things You must continually be choosing the direction of your thoughts

Thinking on What is Above Colossians 3:2 Those with their minds set on earthly things are in great danger – Romans 8:4-5 2 Corinthians 4:4 Romans 1:28 Even professing Christians – Philippians 3:18-19

Thinking on What is Above Colossians 3:2 Romans 12:1-2 Only as our minds are renewed are we able to be transformed to live godly lives The minds is renewed through the word of God and the Holy Spirit – John 16:8 Titus 3:5 1 John 2:27

Thinking on What is Above Colossians 3:2 We must be diligent to learn - 2 Tim. 2:15 memorize - Psalm 119:11 live by the Scriptures - 2 Tim. 3:17 Set your mind on God’s word and its application to your life as directed by the Holy Spirit

Thinking on What is Above Colossians 3:2 To be heavenly minded is to understand the truths and values of heaven and put them into practice here on earth The manner in which you live your life will reveal what you let your mind dwell upon

A Life Hidden with Christ Colossians 3:3 Your old self was crucified with Christ, but the new self was resurrected with Christ to be alive to God The spiritual position we now have with God will not be fully realized physically until the Lord returns

A Life Hidden with Christ Colossians 3:3 Full redemption now would be preferred, but God’s plan for the present is a benefit to others - Phil. 1:23 Our spiritual position in Christ gives us hope for the future redemption of our body – Romans 8:23

A Life Hidden with Christ Colossians 3:3 Having your life hidden in Christ means it is secure – John 6:37 – can’t be lost John 10:29 – can’t be stolen Romans 8:31-39 – can’t be separated This hidden life causes confusion in the present, but it will be fully seen at Christ’s return

Future Glory Colossians 3:4 This occurs at Jesus’ second coming - that is when He returns in glory with His saints. At present, Jesus is hidden from the physical sight of men, but all will see Him at His return - Rev. 1:7 Christ is our life - Galatians 2:20

Future Glory Colossians 3:4 I seek the things above and set my mind on them while waiting for the return of my Lord. This future hope results in a present action of striving to live a pure life - 2 Peter 3:4; 1 John 3:3

Conclusions What do you seek in life? What do you set your mind on? What is your hope for the future?

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ