Walking With Jesus III.
“Set Your Mind On Things Above…”
Introduction and Context
The Apostle Paul was granted a revelation by the Lord Jesus Himself about what the Church is and how it must function (Galatians 1:11-12.) Peter and other apostles corroborated these truths (2 Peter. 3:15-16.) In his letters to the early church, he aimed to clarify and establish the truth he had received as working order in the local churches. Sometimes, he had to correct wrong practices; other times, he would encourage them while teaching these foundational truths of Christ and His glorious Kingdom. The combination of all the letters of Paul provides a road map and template for the Church of Jesus Christ until He returns for us.
Our subtopic comes from the second verse of Chapter 3. Since we died and have been raised with Christ, Paul admonishes us to set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3 NKJV
It is essential to grasp this truth about each Christian follower of Jesus’ participation by faith in His death and resurrection. Everyone who believes in Jesus must believe in His death, burial, and resurrection. Without that, there is no salvation from sin and assurance of a place in heaven with our Father. When you believe in Him as Lord and Savior, you died and resurrected with Him. See Romans 6:1-4.
Paul also gives the church a behavior template in this chapter. That behavior template applies to us today.
Guided Conversations
Scripture Text: Read Colossians Chapter 3. Discuss your findings using the questions in this sub-section:
- What came to mind as you were reading? Did any verse or sets of verses stick out to you? What do you feel the Holy Spirit pointing out to you?
- What are the things that hinder us from setting our minds on things above? Vs.5
- What are the specific things that we are to “put to death?” And why should we put these to death? Vs. 5-6
- Describe what a church member’s behavior should look like within and outside the church community. Vs. 12-17
- Describe a Christian’s public presentation. What should the world see in our families, wives, husbands, parents, children, and workers in a public setting?
- Based on verse 23, what do verses 24-25 promise?
Summary and Conclusion
A mind that is set on things above, in other words, a mind that is thinking godly thoughts, is more likely going to find it easier to behave in a Christlike manner. In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul says, “We have the mind of Christ.” Do you see the mind of Christ developing in you at any level? How can you tell?
The Holy Spirit was given to help us live differently from what the world prescribes. As the Lord Himself says, we are “in the world but not of the world.” In his letter to the Philippian church, the same Paul writes to them about our citizenship:
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Philippians 3:20 NLT
Therefore, as citizens of heaven, we must not lose sight of our home base. Our home is heaven, so we must conduct ourselves similarly.
Prayer Time
- Are there any Praise Reports or Prayer Requests to share?
- Please use Colossians 3:2 to pray for all who call Joy Fountain Church home. Ask the Lord to help us set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth.
- Pray also that we all behave with the help of the Holy Spirit as described in Colossians 3:12-17 and that we experience the glory of Jesus Christ and have our sufficiency in Him.
- Commit the last of the November Tuesday fasts to the Lord as we prepare for 2025. Ask that it be a blessed time.
- Pray for the Missions Banquet on November 29 to be a success.
- Pray for revival in Joy Fountain Church in our City, Winnipeg, and Manitoba.
Announcements
- November Tuesday Fasting and Prayer: 7 am online and 6 pm in person.
- Missions Banquet: Friday, November 29, 2024, at 106 Burnett Avenue. Please get your tickets by November 24. Invite someone and tell them we support missions.
- Worship The King, December 6, 2024; Doors open at 5.30 pm.