Summer Break

Don’t Waste the Wait

Bible Passage: Colossians 3:1–17

Summary: In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul encourages believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, emphasizing the transformative power of focusing on Christ. He contrasts earthly desires with the virtues of a renewed life, calling for deeds of love, forgiveness, and unity among believers.

Application: This passage inspires Christians to cultivate patience and faith while awaiting God's promises, reminding them that their true identity is in Christ. By embodying the virtues outlined in this passage, believers can effectively witness to others, even in difficulty.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that waiting is an essential part of the Christian journey that can bear significant spiritual fruit when grounded in Christ. By adopting a heavenly mindset, believers can navigate life's challenges with grace.

How this passage could point to Christ: The focus on setting minds on Christ highlights His role as the source of life and guiding principle for believers, aligning with His call to follow Him and seek the Kingdom of God above all else. This reflects the overall biblical narrative of Christ being central to our spiritual transformation.

Big Idea: While waiting on God's promises, believers should actively live out their faith, fostering patience and embodying the fruit of the Spirit, which ultimately glorifies God.

1. Focus on Jesus Not the Wait

Colossians 3:1-4

You could begin by emphasizing how setting our minds and hearts on things above anchors us in Christ’s eternal promises and redefines our waiting. In moments of uncertainty, focusing on Christ transforms our mindset, helping us cultivate patience and peace. Perhaps convey that where our thoughts dwell ultimately influences our priorities and actions, driving tangible expressions of faith even while we wait. This perspective shifts reliance from worldly solutions to divine sovereignty.

2. Put to death our fleshly desires

Colossians 3:5-11

Perhaps highlight how putting to death earthly desires fosters spiritual growth, allowing believers to shed the old self and take on Christ's nature. Emphasize that this transformation cultivates the fruits of the Spirit, making space for virtues that reflect Christ's character. As we lay aside earthly impediments, our lives become fertile ground for God’s work, fostering patience and endurance during waiting seasons. The stripped-away vices signify breaking free from worldly bondage, welcoming liberation in Christ.

3. Fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of you.

Colossians 3:12-17

Maybe suggest that clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, as Paul instructs, is where faith meets everyday life. These virtues, richly dwelling within us, lead to harmonious relationships and effective witnessing amid waiting. Christ’s preeminence in our hearts guides interrelations, prompting forgiveness and unity under His peace. These active expressions, powered by gratitude, reinforce the depth of our transformation and prepare us to glorify God in every circumstance.