Sunday, May 3, 2020 am ONLINE LESSON
Set Your Mind On Things
Above
Colossians 3:1-2
One of the things we find continually in the New
Testament is how Christians are to be different.
It is to be at the core of who we are.
It is based upon the fact that we are not of this world.
When we speak of our citizenship being in heaven (Philippians
3:20), we are sojourners and pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11), being “not of this
world” (John 17:14 as spoken of the apostles), concluding the “Sermon on
the Mount” we find two paths described (Matthew 7:13-14) with the true
path being narrow and difficult and traveled by few, and numerous other
descriptions that explain WHY we are different.
In So Cal we are an immigrant society with all
sorts of cultures. And those
from various parts of the world bring those cultures with them.
In many instances you can tell by mannerisms, what they eat &
wear and how they speak that they come from some other place.
Some can view these differences with prejudice (which is sinful),
or you can realize where they are from and try to accommodate them (cf.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 – a spiritual application).
The point is, their differences
are noticeable.
So what is it that makes a Christian different?
One passage that addresses this is Colossians 3:1-2ff.
This is a book where Paul is writing to the church at Colosse and
expressing concerns about their understanding of Christ Jesus.
In this book he seeks to establish the relationship a Christian
is to have with Christ, and makes of defense of why.
He addresses the relationship of Christ to God the Father,
creation, the church and even redemption, and why a proper understanding
of these things is important.
He then challenges them with practical applications concerning
that relationship.
That begins with the text we want to address in
this lesson – Colossians 3:1-2.
a.
We are to be seeking.
The word used here is not a casual glance, but someone purposely looking
for something.
Much like the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-36).
This is also the word in Matthew 6:33 – “seek first the kingdom of God…”
These passages ought to give us an idea of what it means to “seek those
things that are above”.
The word “seek” in our text is a present tense verb,
meaning this is ongoing action.
As Christians, we must learn that we can never stop looking to
improve.
Philippians 3:12-14 – we press on and we press toward the goal;
Hebrews 6:1 challenges us, “Let us go on to perfection”.
Like the word “seek”, these too are present tense verbs.
b.
Seeking also means we know what we
are looking for, or at least that we are looking for something.
Many people today are searching for answers related to life and
why we are here. Some have
already made up their minds, but others (AND troublesome situations can
increase this number) want answers and are seriously seeking.
Concerning this seeking, our job as Christians is two-fold.
i.
We must keep looking – we
can never stop seeking to improve or ensuring that we are right (cf. 2
Peter 1:10 – be diligent to make your call and election sure…).
ii.
We need to be ready to help others
who are looking – 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Peter 2:11-12, etc.)
c.
What are “those things that are
above”?
It would be things that originate and are associated with God and
heaven. Let’s consider a few
of these:
i.
God Himself – while this obvious,
we remind ourselves of this fact.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 speaks of God being in heaven as we are warned to not
be rash in making vows.
Matthew 6:9 at the beginning of the Lord’s prayer.
Matthew 5:16 as examples we seek to glorify God in heaven.
Mark 16:19 – Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The implication is clear in that expression that God is in
heaven.
It is BECAUSE God is in heaven that all other things originate there as
well.
ii.
Jesus is there - our text –
Colossians 3:1 – Christ is there, sitting at the right hand of God.
Hebrews 9:24, having completed His work on earth, Christ has entered
into heaven itself, which is the true “holy place” (a reference to the
inner chamber of the tabernacle/temple).
ARE we seeing to be with our Lord? (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
iii.
Heaven itself – our eternal reward
– it does us good to from time to time remind ourselves of what heaven
will be like to keep us seeking and striving for it.
2 Corinthians 5:1-2 – we have a house eternal in the heavens.
Paul began the letter to the Colossians by mentioning “the hope which is
laid up for you in heaven…” (Colossians 1:5)
1 Peter 1:4 speaks of our incorruptible and undefiled inheritance which
is reserved in heaven.
ARE we seeking a home in heaven when this life is over?
iv.
The word of God –
Psalm 119:89, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”
The fact that is it called the word of God implies that it originated in
heaven. This is why we show
such respect for His word, or at least we ought to.
1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul commended these brethren because they
received the word of God as the word of God and not from men.
1 Peter 4:11 – speak as the oracles of God, as if God were speaking
Himself.
This is why we must study regularly (2 Timothy 2:15).
2 Peter 1:3, His word provides for us “all things that pertain to
life and godliness.”
Are we seeking TRUE guidance from Him by studying His word on a regular
basis.
v.
His church – Ephesians 3:10-11.
The church was a part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
He intended it to be a spiritual sanctuary where we meet with God
and worship Him (according to His will), and with our brethren as we
assemble to exhort and edify one another (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25, 1
Corinthians 14:12).
If we are seeking things from above, we are going to be looking for the
church that pleases God and not ourselves.
That is why studying and following the pattern of the NT is so
important. This will affect
HOW we worship, what we do as the church, how we are organized, and how
we become a part of her, etc.).
vi.
Wisdom – A constant theme of
warning in scripture is to not be caught up in the wisdom of man.
Man’s wisdom seeks to dismiss God, change His will, and solve
problems without putting their trust in Him.
How tragic.
James 3:17-18 describes the character of the wisdom that is from above
AND contrasts it with the wisdom of this world.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 notes that Paul came declaring the testimony of God
and not his own or the wisdom of men.
IF we are seeking things above, we will want to follow what God says is
wise rather than men.
vii.
Our calling – Hebrews 3:1 speaks
of how we are partakers of the heavenly calling.
To us that means, our invitation to be with Him.
This is about obeying the gospel, and accepting the
invitation of our Lord (Matthew 11:28-30, Acts 2:38-40).
This is about being baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4, Galatians
3:27) as we obey His plan of salvation.
viii.
How to live your life –Ultimately,
seeking those things which are above, means we are seeking to live a
life BASED upon those things.
James 1:17 notes that every good and perfect gift comes from above.
This is in a context dealing with our need to resist temptations.
The point being when we seek those things from above, it will
direct HOW we live our lives.
Romans 8:5ff addresses how we live a life guided by the Spirit of God –
we let Him and His will direct all that we do.
Friends, if you are seeking those things that are above, it needs to be
with the intent that it will change you and govern how you live your
life.
a.
It is not enough to look for what
originates in heaven. What
do you do when you find it?
That is what Paul said next – SET YOUR MIND on things above.
What does this mean?
b.
Make up your mind.
You now have a goal to reach for. It is like the one running the
race and he looking to Jesus at the finish line (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Consider again the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-36) – what does
the merchant do when he finds it? He goes and sells all that he has so
that he can obtain it. IT
becomes his goal.
c.
We need goals – one who has set
his mind on something has a goal in mind.
A target that he is aiming for. This
is key to living the Christian life.
i.
One who is wandering about aimlessly will
accomplish very little. 1
Peter 1:18 – warns about “aimless conduct” which I believe applied to
their former life.
Ephesians 2:11-12 notes their former life being without Christ, aliens
and strangers (which can involve wandering), also they had no hope and
were without God in the world.
CHRISTIANS have goals – it is to be part of who we are.
Motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar once said, “If you aim for nothing, you
will hit it every time”. How
do we typically describe one who is not saved? As LOST! (cf. Matthew
18:11).
That is what happens when one has not direction.
ii.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – we are looking to Jesus,
who is in heaven and at “the finish line” of this race we call life.
I press toward the goal – Philippians 3:12-14.
That was his life!
2 Corinthians 5:9-10, We make it our aim – to be well pleasing to Him.
iii.
We need to be serious about our
goals – Hebrews 2:1 – give the more earnest heed.
Hebrews 10:23 – without wavering…
There are many who have things they would love to have.
They have dreams and would love to see changes.
But how serious are they about it?
Are you serious enough to make changes and sacrifices to achieve
your goal? Serious enough to
make it a priority?
iv.
Can others see where you are aiming?
We are to be examples. It
ought to be clear that we are striving for heaven.
Consider Timothy – 1 Timothy 4:12-16
d.
Not the things of the earth – this
is the man that is focusing upon himself (2 Timothy 3:2ff, Romans 12:3,
Philippians 21), material gain (Matthew 6:19-21), pleasures of this life
(2 Timothy 3:4, Luke 8:14), pride and lusts (1 John 2:15-17), carnal
things (Romans 8:13, 6-7).
This is the one who is putting his trust and hope in what this world has
to offer. Solomon did this
and realized how vain it was.
That is the message of Ecclesiastes.
We see what can happen when we put our trust and seek after the
temporal things of this world. Remember the warnings of Jesus – no one
can serve 2 masters – Matthew 6:24. We have to make a choice!
So, what have you set your mind on?
When we are focused on spiritual goals, it helps us address
whatever struggles we are facing.
If you continue reading Colossians 3:1-17 you find a practical
blueprint that can help you get where you are striving to arrive – IF
you are a Christian. Next
week I want to look at what these verses say.
In the meantime, let me encourage you to make up your mind that
no matter what happens this week and, in this world, you are going to
set your sights on an eternity with God.
Is there some way that we can help you with this?
If so, let me know.