Rooted In Christ - Sermon 5

Rooted To Reach Higher

Text: Colossians 3:1-18

Introduction

Some of us might think that a tree is programed to simply root downward as far as it can go. However, experts reveal that the tallest tree in the world has roots that grow maybe 6 or so feet straight down. The strong oak trees that we are familiar with has the majority of its roots only about 18 inches below the surface.

The important thing to understand about these roots systems, is that their roots can grown horizontally up to two to three times the width of the tree’s canopy. This widespread, shallow root system allows a tree to anchor itself and access essential resources, like water and oxygen, which are harder to come by at deeper levels in the soil.

As the nature of the tree knows which direction to send it’s roots in order to ascend to it’s potential height, so does the “new man” in every believer knows “in whom” he/she must root into in order to ascend our hearts and minds to Christ and therefore ascend our way of living; none other than Jesus Christ (i.e. His Word, His Spirit, prayer.....)

Christ has ascended; Ascend you mind; Rise above God’s wrath.

1) Christ Has Ascended

Rooting into Christ has to do with WHO He is and WHERE He is.

Paul is taking us back to Calvary, the empty tomb, the resurrection, and the ASCENSION.

Let’s allow Paul to refresh us on what happen at the point of placing a trusting faith in Christ:

Each phase of the Christ’s work had a purpose:

What did Jesus do for me? I am glad you asked!

He was born.

His perfect life was crucified.

He rose from the grave.

He ascended back to the Father.

Think about this.....Which of these do we focus on the least?

His ascension is not part of your salvation. However, it has everything to do with the direction of living like a redeemed people!

So, what is Paul getting at?

We all know exactly where Christ is currently. He is seated at the right hand of the Father.

However, in relation to your current need, where is Christ?

For the unbeliever — Christ is on the cross and has resurrected in victory over the grave!

For the believer — Christ has ascended, reserving a place for your thoughts to dwell.

If you have placed your faith in Christ, you are with Him wherever He is. He also is with you wherever you go.

What is so important about where Christ is today?

The place of completed work.

The place of authority; ownership.

The place of security; hidden

2) Ascend Your Mind To Christ

Set your mind = to concentrate one’s thinking; careful consideration; intentional focus

on things above = to a place that is higher (not in the clouds, lol)

What is Paul saying negatively?

There are many things currently distracting you from following through.

Scripture context: they were distracted with Jewish doctrine, tradition, and worldly sin.

Can you think about what daily distracts you from ascending your thoughts to where Christ is?

He reminds us that we are DEAD to the lower distractions of life.

Mortify = to stop utterly ⇔ kill v. — to stop a state or activity with lethal determination; conceived of as putting something to death. (v5)

Rom. 6:13 “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

What is Paul saying positively?

(v4) Paul is giving you a snapshot of the future to motivate you in the here and now.

Your mind can actually ascend to Christ!

God has left the gates of Heaven open for your mind to come and dwell with Christ.

Think about the importance of Christ sitting on the right hand of God.

The place of completed work:

The work needed to rebirth my soul.

This also tells us that the bodily elements and struggles are not something we should be captivated by ANYMORE!

Receiving Christ’s completed work brings us into a relationship where Christ’s focus is to

The place of authority; ownership:

My salvation is completely in Him and secured in Him!

I have the power to say NO to my flesh and Satan.

I can give Christ my marriage to heal it.

I can give my children to Him.

I can give him my debts and small business.

The place of security; hidden:

No matter what I am going through or what surrounds me, I am COMPLETELY SAFE!

To be hidden in Him is to always be in a safe place. Your mind must ascend to Him!!!

If your thoughts are not captivated by Christ, neither will your life be.

If Jesus is not Lord over your thoughts, you will live as He is not Lord over your life.

Allow your mind to ascend to whom securely holds your identity!!!

3) Ascend Above Wrathful Things

God’s wrath is coming solely because of the unbelievers who continue living in those things while hold the truth.

Notice the list of things Paul says is the reason for the soon coming wrath of God upon the earth:

Fornication — sexual immorality

Uncleanness — immorality; filth

Inordinate — sinful passion

Evil concupiscence — evil craving; displacing proper affections for God.

Idolatry — worship of material representation of a god.

Notice verse 8

(v7) Paul is simply saying, “You had those things in the past. LEAVE THEM THERE!”

It is one things to say, “The old man is gone.” It is another to say, “His actions are gone with him.”

Paul is calling us to LABOR like a Christian.

Listen.....you have been given a NEW MAN! However, what does this new man desperately need to mature? A better question is, WHOM does this NEW MAN need?

Colossians 3:10 “10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

Put on = to be imparted ⇔ be clothed v. — to be or become bestowed or endowed with a quality or condition; understood as being wrapped in a covering.

You have been given a new quality. Your life is to be wrapped with it.

The purpose of the new quality is to be wrapped with it.

Illustration: We spend money clothing the exterior.

New man = new self n. — a new self; especially the new beliefs, habits, emotions, and life of a person after becoming a Christian.

What this NEW MAN desires is something NEW. Somethings FAR BETTER than what you are choking it with down here.

This NEW MAN needs to gaze upon and communion with the PERFECT MAN, the God Man, Jesus Christ.

After all, it is Christ who created him!

The only way that can happen is if you ascend your mind to Christ. That means, you must ROOT into the things Christ has left with us:

His Word; His wisdom; His promises; His Spirit; His church; His people.....

Every time you allow sinful things to touch the new man, you are stinking with prideful arrogance.

It is like you are telling God, “I am the author and creator of this new man.”

Conclusion

Let’s end with verse 11