Description

For Christ-followers, this life is temporary, and heaven is our eternal reward. We are told to “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3, NLT). Yet that doesn’t mean we check out of this life and coast along to the end. There is an old saying: “He was so heavenly minded that he was no earthly good.” But the truth is, when we fully comprehend the realities of heaven that await those who trust in Jesus, it motivates us to bring as many people as possible with us. It also gives us hope to anchor us during life’s storms.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335645

In this episode, Pastor Chris Teien unpacks Colossians 3 to show why our focus should be on eternal realities, not just earthly concerns. Discover what it means to live with a heavenly mindset, resist the world’s distractions, and invest in what truly matters.

Key Points

1. Look Ahead to Eternity in Heaven (Colossians 3:1-4)

• As believers, we are raised to new life with Christ (v.1).
• Our focus should be on heavenly realities, not earthly distractions (v.2).
• Our true life is hidden with Christ and will be revealed in glory (v.3-4).

2. Look Away from Earthly Traps (Colossians 3:5-9)

• We must put to death sinful desires, including immorality, greed, and idolatry (v.5-6).
• Anger, slander, and dishonesty damage relationships and our witness (v.8-9).
• Our identity in Christ means we are no longer controlled by our past life.

3. Look Awesome—Knowing and Growing in Christ (Colossians 3:10-11)

• God calls us to put on a new nature and be renewed in knowledge (v.10).
• In Christ, all believers are united, regardless of background or status (v.11).
• When we grow in Christ, our lives reflect His goodness and purpose.

Notable Quotes

• “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven.” – Colossians 3:1
• “Do that to sin—declare it dead to you. But stay alive in Christ.”
• “Your real life is hidden with Christ in God. That’s where your ultimate satisfaction and joy are found.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Shift Your Focus – How much time do you spend thinking about heaven versus earthly concerns?
• Kill the Sin That Kills You – Identify areas where temptation is pulling you away from Christ.
• Invest in Eternity – What changes can you make to live for God’s Kingdom first?
• Grow in Christ Daily – Prioritize God’s Word, prayer, and discipleship.

Scripture References

• Colossians 3:1-11 – Setting our hearts on heavenly realities.
• Revelation 21:1-4 – A glimpse of God’s perfect dwelling with His people.
• 1 Timothy 4:7-8 – Training in godliness has eternal value.
• Matthew 6:19-21 – Store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.

Keywords

Heaven, Eternal Life, Colossians 3, Living for Christ, Christian Discipleship, Holiness, Spiritual Growth, Biblical Truth, Faith in Action, Eternal Perspective

18m0630de

The WELL Faith Podcast shares practical, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you worship, encourage, learn, and love in everyday life. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN, and follow and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.