What Is The Difference
What Is The Difference?
Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus?
9-23-07
Colossians 3:1b-2
Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
What does it mean “above”?
What is the importance of focusing on the “above”?
The Bible makes clear that upon entering into a relationship with Christ, your old self dies and a transformation takes place in your life. Today we are going to look at that transformation.
Introduction:
Chrysostom a 5th century bishop in Constantinople wrote to a friend when he was in exile: When I was driven from the city, I felt no anxiety, but said to myself, “If the empress wishes to banish me, let her do so; the earth is the Lord’s. If she wants to have me sawn asunder, I have Isaiah for an example. If she wants me to be drowned in the ocean, I think of Jonah. If I am to be thrown into the fire, the three men in the furnace suffered the same. If cast before wild beasts, I remember Daniel in the lions’ den. If she wants me to be stoned, I have before me Stephen, the first martyr. If she demands my head, let her do so; John the Baptist shines before me. Naked I came from my mother’s womb; naked shall I leave this world.”
When you have been raised with Christ, there is a transformation that comes about in your body. When your old fleshly sinful self dies a transformation begins in you that is not finished until you are with Christ in heaven.
Remember, God is relational.
Body:
Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus. Because…
1. Your Attitude has been transformed
Quote by William James,
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.”
Let me expand on this quote
As Christians, I pray that we are all striving to be more Christ-like.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
What exalts Christ? Does lust, anger, rage, malice, gossip, cursing, idolatry… NO!!!!
Illustration:
Earl Nightingale said,
Think of it this way: Your total environment is a reflection of you as a person. The house and neighborhood in which you live, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the job you do, the people with whom you regularly associate. Your total environment is an exact and merciless mirror of you as a human being. Now if you feel your environment can stand some improvement, you have only to improve your attitude. And your world will gradually change to reflect the changing person. Here’s how to change your attitude: Beginning now, begin to act like the person you most want to become.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Everything needs to be seen in the view of eternity.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Application:
Dan Murphy came to our Wed night Bible Study a few weeks ago and asked if we could pray for his dad because he had been laid off his job. But his request was unique. He asked for strength for his family during this transition time in his family’s life. Dan fully affirmed that God was in control and there was no reason to be scared. He said God will provide for us. That evening Dan displayed more trust in faith in Christ then I have seen in any Christian for quite some time. I challenge you to have faith like Dan has faith.
What did Christ say when he was crucified?
What did Stephen say when was stoned?
Forgive them.
Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus. Because…
2. Your Behavior has been transformed
Hebrews 11:24-25 (NIV)
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
Moses had everything, but was willing to sacrifice it all for God. He clearly was viewing things through eternity.
1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Why do we as Christians try to reinvent the wheel? As humans we are always trying to get the bigger and better things, or with electronics, sometimes is the smaller more powerful thing we want. But when it comes to Christianity, the message has not changed. The way you live your Christian life will either draw people to Christ or push people away from Christ.
That is a very serious statement that each and every one of you needs to think about.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Romans 16:17-20 (NIV)
17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Illustration
You all know what it is like to stumble around in the darkness of your own house, bumping into things sometimes knocking things over. You are trying to find a light switch so you can see. That is exactly what every person in this world is doing thabnt doesn’t know Christ. They are trying to find Christ, and you are the instrument in which he desires to shine through.
Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus. Because…
3. Satan will try to destroy you.
1 Peter 5:8b
“The devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Who do you think Satan tries to attack the most?
· Is it the unbeliever who cares less about God?
o No, his allegiance is already towards Satan.
· Is it the Christian who lives the double life? One way at church another at home and at work.
· Or, is it the Christian that knows his old self is dead and is allowing Christ to constantly transform his attitude and behavior.
Which one is the biggest threat to Satan’s kingdom and which one is bringing the most glory to God’s kingdom?
“Satan he yields no ground to emotion or sincerity. He retreats only from before the authority only from before the authority the believer has through his union with the Lord Jesus Christ and the absolute truth of the Word of God.”
Quote by Mark Bubeck
Illustration
Our government demands that our military leaders spend their whole lifetime studying, improving, and perfecting military strategy.
We need to be ready as Christians for the attack that Satan is going to unleash on our lives. This message is not about spiritual warfare but I want you to be fully aware that while the Christian life is full of joy it is not one that is free from hardships, temptations, and attacks.
Just look at the life of Paul. (2 Corinthians 11)
· Imprisoned
· Beaten innumerable times
· 5 times he received the 39 lashes
· 3 times he was beaten with rods
· Stoned once
· Shipwrecked
· Without food and warmth many nights
· He has been threatened by robbers, his own countrymen, Gentiles, various cities, the wilderness, false brethren
Illustration:
Ted Haggard the pastor of a huge church in Colorado where my uncle and his family attends. He allowed Satan to have a foothold in his life and it radically affected his behavior.
Illustration:
I read once of a dashing knight who longed to rescue his princess, who was imprisoned by a cruel enemy in the palace tower. He devised a plan and recruited two small friends to send her a message. First there was Claude Caterpillar, who was a hard-working fellow but crusty and sour. He started inching his way up the wall toward the distant window, but it was hard work. He grumbled that the sun was hot, causing him to sweat. Then the sun withdrew behind a cloud, it started to rain, and he complained even louder about the raindrops. Finally he heaved himself onto the window ledge, looked at the fair maiden, and said, “Hey, you, come over here. Are you the lady in distress?” She nodded. Claude gave her the once-over and said, “You’re kidding. You mean I climbed all the way up here for the likes of you? Well, the knight says to get ready, he’s coming for you at 5 P.M. sharp. Think you can remember that, or should I repeat it?” And off he went
Next, the knight sent Barney Butterfly. Barney, too, battled the rain and the contrary winds. He had almost made it to the window when a bird came by and nearly ate him alive. But finally he fluttered in, landing softly on the lady’s finger. “Lovely and favored maiden,” he said, “the white knight loves you dearly, and tonight he is coming to rescue you. He asks only that you be ready at 5 P.M.”
The princess smiled and replied, “Thank you very much, Mr. Butterfly. You are very sweet, and I will be ready tonight when he comes. Claude Caterpillar already brought me the message, but tell me, why was he so disagreeable? He brought me the same news, but after he left, I felt worse than before he came.”
The butterfly replied, “Oh, you mean Claude? Well, don’t mind Claude. That’s just the way he is. I used to be that way, too, until I was transformed.”
Conclusion:
As a Christian we must strive to become more Christ-like. When our hearts and our minds are set on the things above, then we will be continually transformed into the image of Christ. However we ready ourselves for the attack that will come from Satan. So I would like to close by reading Ephesians 6:10-18 where Paul talks about putting on the full Armor of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus. Because…
3. Your Confidence has been transformed
Quote:
"You must not only seek heaven, you must also think heaven"
Because you have been raised from your old self, and because Christ lives in you and you in Christ your outlook on life need to be completely different. It needs to be Christ-centered.
Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)
If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
WARNING!
Proverbs 28:26 (NIV)
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Luke 22:33-34 (NIV)
33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
OUR CONFIDENT PRAYER
Psalm 49:5-9 (NIV) (by the sons of Korah)
5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?
7 No man can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for him—
8 the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough—
9 that he should live on forever
and not see decay.
Application:
King David, a man after God’s own heart, lusted for Bathsheba, he allowed Satan to have a foothold in his mind and it almost destroyed him. Upon realizing his sin, he confessed it before God and God forgave him. We need to today examine our lives and see what we need to ask forgiveness for. What changes in our attitude do we need to make today.
.