Colossians 3:1-11

YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST

Keywords 3:1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

 

1. Set your hearts and minds on Christ (1-4)

What defines you as a person? What are your passions and pursuits? Paul writes that since we have been raised with Christ, we are to set our hearts on things above, where Christ is. It means that we are to be consumed with his love and grace. We long to know more of his person and character, as well his glory and joy. Our minds are to be set on things above as well. Too often we are preoccupied solely with our daily needs and our worldly desires. Those whose lives are hidden with Christ will one day appear with him in glory. This is the hope that should occupy our hearts and minds each and every day.

 

2. Take off the old self and put on the new (5-11)

Now that we have been raised with Christ and have the hope of glory, there are things of our old nature that must be put to death. There is no place for them anymore. We are to rid ourselves of sexual sins and covetousness, which are forms of idolatry. We are to cast off hateful emotions and speech as well, rejoicing in the fact that all the barriers we used to know have been broken down in Christ.

 

Prayer Lord, our hearts and minds are yours.

One Word Set your hearts on things above