The New Self Focuses On Jesus

Colossians 3:1-4

Hopewell Baptist Church

April 24, 2022

Opening Illustration

Transition

Big Idea: Focus on Jesus

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.

This is the Word of the Lord our God.

Let us pray.

The New Self Focuses On Jesus

I. Seek Heavenly Things – Colossians 3:1

a. These things are described as “above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (v.1).

i. So, seek the things that are mirrors of godliness, things that will point to Jesus in a glorious and glorifying light.

b. If you are saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus, then seek Heavenly Things!

i. To seek = To strive to get or to obtain.

c. Philippians 4:8-9 – things that are above

d. Heavenly things: Love, grace, mercy, peace, forgiveness, Fruit of the Spirit, Sanctification, eternity, etc.

II. Set Your Minds on Theses Heavenly Things – Colossians 3:2

a. To direct one’s attention/thoughts on something, to focusupon something

b. Set your minds on things above –

i. Above, not below. You cannot look both up and down simultaneously. Think James 4:4

c. Those heavenly things (v.1) must be the focus of how we live our lives!

i. We love God and our neighbors

ii. We are gracious, forgiving, etc.

d. To set your minds on things above is to:

i. Want to know Christ more – Philippians 3:10

ii. To seek Christ First – Matthew 6:33

iii. To live a life worthy of His Name – Colossians 1:10

III. You Are Secure in Christ – Colossians 3:3

a. As we see in verses 1 and 2, as our root sin Christ strengthen, our security in Christ strengthens.

b. Being secure in Christ

i. Psalm 27:5-6

c. Eternal Security

i. Romans 8:38-39

d. A complete and finished faith

i. Hebrews 12:2

e. A God who will never leave us

i. Hebrews 13:5-6

f. An unchanging God – Hebrews 13:8

IV. When Jesus Comes Back, You Will Be There – Colossians 3:4

a. The Certainty of Christ’s Return

i. John 14:1-3

ii. Hebrews 9:8

b. Our citizenship in Heaven and God-given glorified bodies

i. Philippians 3:20-21

V. Application

a. Our focus, our hope, must be in Christ and in Christ alone!

i. John 14:6

b. Focus Your Life on Christlikeness

i. Discipline yourselves to (Seek and Set your minds on the things above)

1. Know Jesus More – Philippians 3:10

2. Seek Jesus First – before all things – Matthew 6:33

3. To Live Our Lives Worthy of Jesus – Colossians 1:10

c. Seek to Apply These Heavenly Things

i. Philippians 4:9 – Says to practice (apply) Phil. 4:8 things to your life

1. Aim for honor

2. Seek justice, etc.

ii. Apply these heavenly things in how you interact with people

1. Be Galatians 5:22-23 with people, even if you don’t want to be

a. Students

b. Your Kids

c. Spouse

d. Family

e. Loved Ones

f. Fellow Believers, etc.

The New Self Focuses On Jesus

If you’re here and you find yourself, or just realize you’ve been trying, to look both up and down, I urge you to repent of that, of trying to serve two masters when you can only serve one.

Or, if you’re here and you’re realizing that your citizenship has not been stamped for heaven and desire for it to be so…

VI. Response:

a. Belief

i. Repent

ii. Believe

b. Obedience

i. Baptism

ii. Membership

c. Surrender

i. Vocation

ii. Volunteer