Seek things Above

Intro:

We have hit the halfway point! What has God been teaching you so far? What has been helpful?

Paul is continuing the thought here from 3:20, “If with Christ you died to the elementary spirits of the world...” Since you died, it is time to start living!

Outline:

Concentrate: “Seek and Set” (vs. 1-2)

Concealed: “Hidden and Appear” (vs. 3-4)

Summary: Concentrate on Jesus!

Illustration:

Prayer:

Concentrate: “Seek and Set” (vs. 1-2)

Raised with Christ (v. 1)

If then- “since then”

you have been raised with Christ- “syn-eh-rth-eh-te”, aor, pass, ind, 2nd, pl to resurrect together. You are not resurrected in and of yourself!

Seek the things- z-eh-teite”, pres, act, imperative, 2nd, pl to try to get or reach someone one desires. Strive earnestly for something

that are above- in or to a place that is higher

Where Christ is- “estin” pres, act, ind, 3rd, sg- He is there right now.

Seated at the right hand of God- a position of great status, conceived of as being to the right of an honourable person. With all this talk about rulers and dominions look at where Jesus is sitting!

Set your minds- “phroneite” pres, act, imperative, 2nd, pl, to concentrate, to direct one’s attention and thought to something.

on things that are above- same word as before

not on things that are on earth- the very things he just spent the last chapter addressing

2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 “as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

There are 2 commands in these verses. “Seek” and “set your mind” on things above! Both commands are in the plural meaning this if for you’all to do as a group, not just individuals.

In what ways can you encourage others to seek and set their minds on the things above and not the things of earth?

In order to change, we must be captivated by something greater than ourselves.

Transitional phrase: Maturity in Christ comes with commands to no longer live on a horizontal plain but to seek and set our gaze at the one that is truly in authority.

Concealed: “Hidden and Appear” (vs. 3-4)

Hidden (v.3)

For (the reason why) you have died- “apethanete”, aor, act, ind, 2nd, pl, to die, to pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life. Have you ever been to a funeral? When was the last time you saw the body get up and make a cup of coffee?

and your life is hidden- “kekruptai” perf, pass, ind, 3rd, sg to be hidden (concealed), the idea of safety

with Christ in God

Appear (v. 4)

When Chirst

who is your life

Appears- “phanerwthe” aor, pass, subjunctive, 3rd, sg to appear in sight

then you also will appear- future form of same verb

with him in glory- the very thing we are to seek and set our minds upon.

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

Enlist the Body (Words, actions, emotions):