Untitled Sermon

Setting Our Minds on Things Above

Bible Passage: Col 3:1–4

Summary: In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul exhorts believers to focus on heavenly realities and the risen Christ, urging them to set their minds on things above rather than on earthly things.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to reassess their priorities and values, reminding them that true fulfillment and purpose come from seeking Christ. In a world rife with distractions and worldly desires, finding security and identity in Christ can help believers navigate life's struggles and challenges.

Teaching: The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a Christ-centered life. It teaches that our earthly behavior should reflect our identity in Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, and challenges the audience to live with an eternal perspective.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the entire Bible, this passage reflects the centrality of Christ in salvation history. He is the risen Lord who offers believers a new identity and a hope that transcends earthly circumstances, and His resurrection is the foundation of their promise of eternal life.

Big Idea: To live a purposeful and fulfilling life, we must prioritize our relationship with Christ above all earthly desires, anchoring our identity and actions in Him.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, you might consider exploring the historical context of the Colossian church and how Paul’s message addressed their specific heresies about spiritual knowledge. Using Logos, delve into commentaries that discuss the implications of being raised with Christ and how this affects morals and ethics in daily living. Investigating various translations can also shed light on subtle nuances in verses 1-4 that relate to setting our minds on heavenly matters.

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon To the Doctrine of Sanctification (3:1–4)

Paul turned his thoughts to a more positive aspect of Christian living in this section of Scripture. The foolish attempts at sanctification found in 2:20–23 often entrap Christian people. The real issue is the outlook found in 3:1–4. Here Paul explained the nature of the Christian’s higher calling (3:1–2) and the reasons to seek this higher calling (3:3–4). Although this section focuses on the Christian’s new values, clearly these values are rooted in conversion. Conversion includes a radical change of mind which produces the desire for separation from the world.

NIV Bible Speaks Today: Notes (Chapters 3–4)

From now until 4:6 Paul’s tone is one of sustained exhortation, focusing on behaviour and conduct, how the rule of Christ will shape our various relationships. The starting point is our relationship with Christ, set out in four urgent commands: seek the things above (1); set your minds on things above (2); put to death what is earthly in you (5); and, put away the life you once lived (8).

The first imperative of Christian spirituality concerns an individual’s personal devotion to Christ (1). The second focuses on their study and growing understanding of the will and purposes of Christ. These imperatives are grounded in the fact that Christians have been raised with Christ (1). The Christian is, simply, a person who has been granted a relationship with the exalted Christ at God’s right hand (1). This relationship is to be vigorously pursued and developed by daily seeking the things above (1–2). However, it is fundamental to apostolic teaching that we cannot set our minds on Christ and sin at the same time, and that to concentrate on such earthly things is seriously to enfeeble and even threaten our fellowship with Christ. The old life is over and the new life has begun (2–4).

1. Pursue the Above

Col 3:1

You could begin by emphasizing our resurrection with Christ. This spiritual resurrection should compel us to seek and prioritize the things above, where Christ is. One's values and actions should be aligned with the heavenly realms. Encouraging believers to shift focus from earthly to heavenly can help realign their values and choices with those of the risen Christ.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary V. The Development and Application of the Christian Mind (3:1–17)

We have been “raised with Christ” and “seated” with him (2:13; 3:1). If Christ is your new identity (that is, if you’re a Christian) and heaven is your new location (you’re physically on earth but participating in the spiritual realm), then you’re called to live from that new perspective. Decisions are to be informed by an eternal, heavenly perspective rather than an imperfect, earthly one. We need a Christian view of the world—a kingdom worldview.

3:1–2 The first command is, “Set your heart on things above” (3:1). The second command parallels it: “Set your minds on things above” (3:2). The primary difference is the difference between “mind” and “heart.” In actuality, the Greek has no word here for “heart”; it is an inference from the translators. The word “mind” is actually a part of the verb used in the second command, “be minded about things above” (phroneō). Although these are presented in a parallel structure, they are not synonymous. There is a contrast in the two commands. They speak to two aspects of a person’s being. The verb “be minded” occurs often in Paul’s writings. It occurs in Rom 12:3 where Paul stated that Christians should have a proper mind about themselves and their gifts. More frequently, however, the term occurs in Philippians, where the paradigm is the mind of Christ which should be in believers (Phil 2:5). The term implies more than a way of thinking; it includes values and loves as well. It could well be translated “delight in things above.” In contrast with this second command, which speaks of values, the first command refers to desires. Since basic desires proceed from the heart (Jesus’ words in Mark 7:15), the NIV correctly inserts the word “heart.” The first concern is moral; the second, mental.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 3:1

That is, believers’ lives should be dominated by the pattern of heaven, bringing heavenly direction to their earthly duties. “Set” (zēteite) means “to seek or strive for earnestly” (cf. Rev. 9:6; 1 Cor. 7:27). Fixing their attention decisively toward “things above” involves centering their lives on the ascended (Eph. 4:10), glorified (John 17:5; Phil. 2:9) Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God

Jesus claimed to be from above (3:13) and on a mission to the earth below.

The higher things, those above, are defined in Col 3:1 as “where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” This imagery calls to mind the enthronement of Christ, and Paul based his thought on Ps 110:1:

The Lord says to my Lord:

“Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies

a footstool for your feet.”

The association of right hand with power translated the metaphor. The right hand was a place of power, and Mark alone translated the image for his readers. The term also may refer to a position of privilege. In the Gospels the disciples aspired to a privileged place with Christ in the kingdom. Jesus replied it was not his place to grant such wishes (Matt 20:23; Mark 10:37)

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Reasons to Seek the Higher Calling (3:3–4)

Believers’ values and loves were to be focused on the rule of Christ, and consecrated energies were to be devoted to making that rule a reality on earth. In practice, this meant that the believers could not succumb to teachings which limited the focus of Christianity to this earth and its rituals. The task of the Colossian church was to call people to Christ and away from earthly things. It was to call people to life.

2. Prioritize Heavenly Thoughts

Col 3:2

Perhaps encourage the congregation to intentionally set their minds on Christ's kingdom, which requires conscious effort and discipline. By setting their minds on things above, believers will find strength against worldly distractions and temptations. Highlight the importance of a mind focused on Christ to navigate the complexities of life faithfully.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 3:2

3:2. Also Paul wrote, Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. That is, concentrate your concern on the eternal, not the temporal. “Fix [your] eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). The similarity of the two commands in Colossians 3:1–2 reinforces their impact. “Set your hearts on things above” is ta anō zēteite, and “Set your minds on things above” is ta anō phroneite. The first suggests striving; the second suggests concentrating.

3. Positioned with Christ

Col 3:3

You could suggest reflecting on the fact that being 'hidden with Christ' means security and identity are found in Him. Explore the comforting reality of eternal protection and the transformative power of being united with Christ. This position of being 'hidden' should prompt a life that reflects one's secure standing with Christ, motivating godly living.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 3

Hidden connotes that God fully completed the action in the past with permanent results.

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Reasons to Seek the Higher Calling (3:3–4)

Paul presented three reasons Christians should seek things above. The theological incentive behind these reasons are found in v. 1. The three reasons are: the resurrection with Christ (3:1), the new life source (3:3–4), and the future manifestation of glory (3:4).

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Reasons to Seek the Higher Calling (3:3–4)

question may well be asked: If I died with Christ, how do I continue to live? Paul’s answer was that Christians’ lives are “hidden with Christ in God.” Although some may understand the point of this statement to be the safety of believers, Paul used it to refer to the source of believers’ lives. The new life source, that which sustains Christians, is Christ. Paul clearly stated as much in the next verse. Just as Christ is now hidden from the eyes of the world, the Christian’s life in Christ is also hidden. Christians appear as dead to the things of the world, but very much alive with a source of life that goes beyond this world and what it can provide. The new life is Christ. His life energizes Christians, enabling them to be and do what they should. The life Christ provides encourages believers to seek the things identified with that life.

3:4 The believer’s life, which is hidden in Christ, will be revealed. At his return each person will see him and, perhaps for the first time, be confronted with the magnificence of his person. The theme of hidden/manifestation occurs here. The Christian’s life is hidden now, but it will be obvious to all when Christ is manifest to them. The second coming of Christ will be a time of glory (doxa).

In Col 3:4 Paul communicated this glory. Believers will appear in glory with Christ. Christians will share in Christ’s glory, and Christians will contribute to his glory. The present time is a time of death. Often Christians suffer for their faith, but they continue with a life source unknown to those who do not know Christ. Someday, however, Christ will be revealed. When he is, the source of Christians’ lives will become apparent to all persons. The reason Christians have had the values, outlook, and service to God and others will be clear. The hidden life will be manifested.

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Reasons to Seek the Higher Calling (3:3–4)

living. Christians had a greater destiny than earth. They were to prepare for heaven. They were to call the people of earth to consider the things of heaven and of Christ’s rule. They were to work for the reconciliation of all things—natural and human—in the spirit of 1:15–20. In this, any preoccupations with the things of this earth sidetracked the real concerns.

4. Promise of Glory

Col 3:4

Maybe point out that Christ is our life and future. At His return, believers will share in His glory. This future promise fuels hope and resilience in the present. Encourage living in anticipation of this glorious revelation, motivating actions that align with this hope and proclaiming the joyful truth of His coming.

Both the outlook and the heart must conform to the higher things identified with the rule of Christ in the universe

Both the outlook and the heart must conform to the higher things identified with the rule of Christ in the universe.

The Christian’s life is hidden now, but it will be obvious to all when Christ is manifest to them. The second coming of Christ will be a time of glory (doxa).

In Col 3:4 Paul communicated this glory. Believers will appear in glory with Christ. Christians will share in Christ’s glory, and Christians will contribute to his glory. The present time is a time of death. Often Christians suffer for their faith, but they continue with a life source unknown to those who do not know Christ. Someday, however, Christ will be revealed. When he is, the source of Christians’ lives will become apparent to all persons. The reason Christians have had the values, outlook, and service to God and others will be clear. The hidden life will be manifested.

The values and goals of Christians will also be vindicated. The glory of Christ will captivate the minds of unbelievers as well as believers. Unbelievers will know that Jesus is Lord (Phil 2:10), and they will know that they based their lives on the wrong principles. They will also see that Christians built their lives correctly. Their lives and ambitions were energized by Christ through the Spirit, and they sought to contribute to the concerns of Christ on earth.

Until then, the Christian life remains hidden. Christians are misunderstood, belittled, and persecuted. Unbelievers attack both Christians and the Christ whom they love and worship. Someday, however, that will change. The King of glory will return and become the preeminent one in creation and redemption, as Paul wrote in 1:15–20. Christians will share in that great day.

For these reasons, Christians should seek higher things. The concerns of the false teachers caused misguided Christian living. Christians had a greater destiny than earth. They were to prepare for heaven. They were to call the people of earth to consider the things of heaven and of Christ’s rule. They were to work for the reconciliation of all things—natural and human—in the spirit of 1:15–20. In this, any preoccupations with the things of this earth sidetracked the real concerns

Consider a young athlete who dreams of competing at the highest level. They train tirelessly, often sacrificing time with friends and family. Their focus remains singular, with visions of victory driving them. This dedication mirrors what it means to have Christ above all—a commitment that shapes our decisions, priorities, and ultimately our lives. We are called to train our hearts to choose Him above all distractions.

In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he writes, 'He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.' This deep truth reflects how when Christ is prioritized, everything else falls into place. Imagine trying to construct a home without a solid foundation; it’s destined to crumble. When we place Christ above all, we establish a foundation for our lives that supports and sustains everything else.

What does Colossians

As adults, setting our minds on things above can be challenging when work stress invades our home life. If you find yourself constantly distracted by your responsibilities, create a dedicated time each evening for family prayer and reflection. You could start by discussing the positive aspects of your day and how they reflect God’s grace. Challenge yourself to express gratitude for the little things and encourage your family to share their spiritual victories. This practice will draw your focus away from stressors toward the blessings God has provided, reinforcing a heavenly mindset.

As a teenager entering the workforce, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to fit in and prioritize social status over your faith. If you struggle with maintaining your identity as a Christian in a workplace filled with temptations, commit to setting aside ten minutes each morning before work to pray. Ask God to help you represent Him well and to give you wisdom on how to navigate difficult situations. Consider keeping a small journal where you can write down ways you see God at work during the day, reinforcing your focus on eternal matters despite daily challenges.

As a child, being out in public can often feel overwhelming, especially in confusing social situations where peer influence is strong. If you’re finding it hard to stand up for what’s right at school or during extracurricular activities, you can prepare yourself by choosing a ‘memory verse’ that reminds you of God’s love and purpose for you. Each time you feel pressure to act against your faith, recite this verse silently and remind yourself that Jesus always wants you to live in a way that reflects His light to others. This can help you stay grounded in your values.

As adults participating in community events, you may encounter heated discussions or divisive topics that challenge your values. When faced with such environment, consider intentionally approaching these interactions with love and grace. Practice active listening and allow others to express their views without judgment. Before engaging, take a moment to pray for guidance. You can ask yourself how you might demonstrate Christ’s love through your words and actions. By exemplifying patience and kindness in those moments, you not only reflect a heavenly mindset but also become a witness of God’s unconditional love to those around you.

As a teen, it can be easy to get swept up in feelings of inadequacy or distraction while at home, especially when social media and peer pressure weigh heavily on your mind. To help counteract these thoughts, create a 'peace corner' at home—a designated space where you can retreat to read Scripture, meditate, or simply pray. Each week, set a specific goal of memorizing a scripture that speaks to God’s promises about your value and purpose. When negative thoughts arise, take a moment to go to your peace corner, meditate on God’s Word, and remind yourself where your true worth lies.

3:1-4 teach us about where to set our minds?

How can focusing on heavenly realities impact your daily decisions and choices?

Can you think of one way to remind yourself to think about Jesus and the things above instead of the things below?

In what ways can we reassess our priorities to reflect a Christ-centered life?

What does it mean to be 'hidden with Christ' according to Colossians 3:3?

As adults, setting our minds on things above can be challenging when work stress invades our home life. If you find yourself constantly distracted by your responsibilities, create a dedicated time each evening for family prayer and reflection. You could start by discussing the positive aspects of your day and how they reflect God’s grace. Challenge yourself to express gratitude for the little things and encourage your family to share their spiritual victories. This practice will draw your focus away from stressors toward the blessings God has provided, reinforcing a heavenly mindset.

As a teenager entering the workforce, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to fit in and prioritize social status over your faith. If you struggle with maintaining your identity as a Christian in a workplace filled with temptations, commit to setting aside ten minutes each morning before work to pray. Ask God to help you represent Him well and to give you wisdom on how to navigate difficult situations. Consider keeping a small journal where you can write down ways you see God at work during the day, reinforcing your focus on eternal matters despite daily challenges.

As a child, being out in public can often feel overwhelming, especially in confusing social situations where peer influence is strong. If you’re finding it hard to stand up for what’s right at school or during extracurricular activities, you can prepare yourself by choosing a ‘memory verse’ that reminds you of God’s love and purpose for you. Each time you feel pressure to act against your faith, recite this verse silently and remind yourself that Jesus always wants you to live in a way that reflects His light to others. This can help you stay grounded in your values.

As adults participating in community events, you may encounter heated discussions or divisive topics that challenge your values. When faced with such environment, consider intentionally approaching these interactions with love and grace. Practice active listening and allow others to express their views without judgment. Before engaging, take a moment to pray for guidance. You can ask yourself how you might demonstrate Christ’s love through your words and actions. By exemplifying patience and kindness in those moments, you not only reflect a heavenly mindset but also become a witness of God’s unconditional love to those around you.

As a teen, it can be easy to get swept up in feelings of inadequacy or distraction while at home, especially when social media and peer pressure weigh heavily on your mind. To help counteract these thoughts, create a 'peace corner' at home—a designated space where you can retreat to read Scripture, meditate, or simply pray. Each week, set a specific goal of memorizing a scripture that speaks to God’s promises about your value and purpose. When negative thoughts arise, take a moment to go to your peace corner, meditate on God’s Word, and remind yourself where your true worth lies.

In the workplace, adult Christians often face ethical dilemmas where the pressure to compromise can feel overwhelming. If you are struggling with integrity in your job, carve out time on your lunch break to read a brief devotional that speaks directly to workplace challenges. Afterward, identify a colleague who shares your values and commit to supporting each other in prayer and accountability. This partnership can strengthen your resolve to set your mind on higher principles, motivating you to act according to your faith even in tough situations.

For teens, navigating the home environment can sometimes lead to conflict with parents or siblings, especially during transitions like starting high school. If your family dynamic feels strained, initiate a regular 'family meeting' once a week where everyone can share their feelings and challenges openly. Encourage everyone to focus on how they can support one another in their daily lives, inviting God into the conversation. This practice can foster unity and a spirit of cooperation, helping you live out your values of love and respect within the home.

Children often encounter temptation to conform to peer expectations during outings or school activities. If you find yourself struggling to stay true to your values while out in public, ask your parents to help you create a code word or signal that you can use to express discomfort in tough situations. Before heading out, practice using it with them, discussing scenarios you might face. This empowering tool not only builds your confidence but also reminds you that you can lean on your family and faith to navigate public life effectively.

As an adult, you may have experienced burnout from daily life that causes you to lose sight of your spiritual priorities at home. If evenings feel chaotic and you’re not finding time for God, start a 'Family Bible Time' once a week where you gather after dinner to read a passage and discuss its application. Choose a relevant topic like forgiveness or patience that resonates with your family’s struggles. This regular time not only reinforces your commitment to God’s Word, but it also strengthens your family bonds, turning your home into a spiritual haven.

In public settings, teens often feel the conflict between standing out for Christ and blending in with their peers. If you ever hesitate to mention your faith due to fear of ridicule, find opportunities to serve others as a form of silent testimony. Volunteer at community events, participate in clean-ups, or join mission trips. Each act of kindness allows your actions to speak louder than words. By living out your faith visibly, you’ll start to build confidence and even inspire your peers to appreciate the difference that a Christ-centered life can make.