Think Differently

Before we focus on what we do, we need to focus on what we think.

Colossians 3:1–4 ESV

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

V1 - The term “raised with Christ” means what? This refers to Christ dying and raising from the dead.

We need to Think Differently

What was the purpose of Christ dying on the cross?

What about Him raising from the dead?

When we are raised with Christ we must treat it the same way of how He died and rose again. Meaning He died for our sins and He raised to life to conquer those because He showed power over death.

We must also kill our sins and this sets us up for later tonight as we talk about living differently.

However, this morning we focus on the importance of being raised with Christ. Basically meaning we are Christ, we are Christians. If you are a Christian, we must seek things that are above.

What is the term seek? It’s an action word. When you are seeking, you are searching, you are trying to find something.

In this case, it is on what is above. This is Christianese, Christian lingo, that actually can make no sense if you are not familiar with Christianity. Seek on what is above, where Christ is at.

David Guzik

“After His resurrection, Jesus left the tomb. So should we – we don’t live there any more.

· After His resurrection, Jesus spent His remaining time being with and ministering to His disciples. So should we – live our lives to be with and to serve one another.

· After His resurrection, Jesus lived in supernatural power with the ability to do impossible things. So should we – with the power and the enabling of the Holy Spirit.

· After His resurrection, Jesus looked forward to heaven, knowing He would soon enough ascend there. So should we – recognizing that our citizenship is in heaven”

The next verse explains in better detail.

V2 - Set your mind on things that are above and not on earth. We need to think differently So before we tackle what things above are, what are things that are not above?

1 John 2:15 ESV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Things of this earth:

School

Games

Social Media

Movies and TV

Clothes

Sports

Friends and family

What is above? How do we get into our mindset on thinking what is above?

The realness of the bible

The severity of our sin and how it leads to death

The love of God poured out on the cross

Thinking of the big picture and How this life doesn’t end, it continues in heaven

Study God’s word, Journal, watch sermons, Christian shows, be in church, hang out with friends and talk about God pray constantly, have conversations, just spend time with Him. It’s hard for your mind to be set on heavenly things if you constantly do earthly things.

V3-4 If we truly have Christ, our old ways of thinking should have also died with Christ dying on the cross. Our minds need to think differently if we are truly a Christian.

There’s no faking it with Christ

What other people view you as, is kind of importance because we should hold each other accountable but at the end of the day, when we die, we will appear to Christ as we truly are.

People may never be able to read your mind, but God can

Discussion Questions

1. What do you normally think about and why is it on your mind constantly? Be honest

2. Do you find yourself scared or filled with fear? Where does that come from? (our minds)

3. What stops you from thinking about Godly things?

4. How can you change that? Do you want to change that?

5. If God is true, how important is it to follow what He says in His word? What stands in your way?