Thank you for joining us in studying the Bible together. It doesn’t matter if you’ve read the Bible many times or just recently started following Jesus; there is something here for everyone, and with God’s help, you will hear what He is saying to you.
Last time, we started Colossians 3. This is the part in Colossians where Paul switches from teaching us how to believe to living right. Since Jesus is the Messiah who saved you, it will affect how you live. It is more than a nice thought; it comes out in our lifestyle.
Again, our title is “Risen with Christ.” We will finish verses 1-7. We had the first two changes resulting from being risen with Christ, a change in desires and our deliberation, and today is the final two changes, our destiny and our discipline. J Mark will begin by reading Colossians 3:1-7, so please turn there if you can.
1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
7 which you once walked when you lived in them.
In verse 2, Paul urges us to set our minds on heavenly things. Psalm 1:2 gives us a picture of what this looks like. “[the godly man’s] delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night.” That means we should be filling our minds with Scripture, turning it over and over in our thoughts, savoring its richness. Think on heavenly things instead of things limited to earth and this life.
We must think consciously about how we can use earthly things to advance heavenly things. How can I lay up treasure in Heaven? How can I use the resources God has given me, whatever those are, to bless others and bring Him glory?
The reason for the command to think on heavenly things is that you have died. A dead person has no consciousness of – or connection to – the things of earth. They cannot be tempted by their favorite food, a get-rich-quick scheme, or a pornographic picture. They can’t desire an easier life or extravagant wealth. As Believers, you and I are to be separated from the things of the world by our death and resurrection with Christ. That’s not a popular message in today’s world. Many false teachers loudly proclaim that following Jesus will bring you health, wealth, and a life of ease. Usually, they are the only ones who become wealthy.
Furthermore, Paul says, your life is hidden, or concealed, with Christ in God. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, “With Christ in God asserts Christ’s union with God and emphasizes our union with God in Him.”1 This verse is another refutation of the Gnostic denial of Jesus’ deity. He is with God, He is God, and we are in Him.
So, what is it that dominates your daily thoughts? Things from above or things from the earth? Again, reviewing my thoughts of recent weeks and months leaves me feeling convicted and realizing the need to refocus on what matters.
The Next CHANGE (that results from our being risen with Christ) is,
