Audio Recording

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

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.

Sermon Outline
Setting your sight on the heavenly goal orients you for a life of growth towards it.

1. Seek the Things Above

v1 “seek the things that are above”
v2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”

2. Where Christ Is

v3 “For you have died,” v1 “If then you have been raised…”
v4 “Christ who is your life”
v1 “the things that are above, where Christ is”

3. You Will Appear with Him

v1 “…seated at the right hand of God.”
v3 “your life is hidden with Christ in God”
v4 “you also will appear with him in glory”

Prayer of Confession
Our Lord and Savior, have mercy on us. We have erred in pursuing things that could never satisfy. We have neglected looking to you. Our minds, set on earthly things, have generated shameful thoughts. We have acted regretfully. We have failed to live in this world in accordance with the glorious things you have made known. Forgive every sin. We remember the death of Christ on our behalf, and take hold the life given us in him. Renew our minds and guide us towards the life of honor and glory. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

What do you think about? Where does your mind naturally go (what is it “set on”)?
What do you seek after? What do you hope to acquire, value, make sacrifices for? Why?
How can you set your mind on things above?
How can you be more consistent in thinking about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise? (Philippians 4:8)
What can you do when your mind is focused on negative things?
Why is important to understand that Jesus comes to find us? How does Jesus seeking you, calling you, and giving himself for you, help you seek the things where he now is?
How can your identity be shaped more by looking to where Christ is? What can you learn about yourself? How can you grow into what is shown to you there?
What are some of the implications of your life being kept safe where Christ is? How can this help you live differently in the world?
What about the future hope of glory encourages your soul? What are you hopeful for? How can you ground yourself more in that hope so it shapes how you think and perceive?