Introduction

Good morning, dear friends! I am so pleased to see each and every one of you here today, gathered in fellowship and love, ready to receive the Word of God.

I am reminded of the words of Max Lucado who once said, "God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." And indeed, my dear friends, isn't that what we are all here to do? Live through life and end up with God in Heaven?

Today, we are going to focus our hearts and minds on a passage from the book of Colossians. The Apostle Paul, writing from the depths of his heart, shares with us a profound truth that is as relevant today as it was when he first penned these words. Let us read together from Colossians 3:1-4.

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Let's take a moment to pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the gift of life, and for the privilege of gathering together to worship you. We thank you for your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we reflect on the words of Paul in Colossians, we pray that you would open our hearts and minds to the truth of your Word. Help us to seek the things that are above, to set our minds on heavenly things, and to live our lives in a way that brings glory to your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Heaven's Call

In the passage we read from Colossians, Paul is urging us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is. This is a call from Heaven itself, a call to lift our eyes from the things of this world and to focus on the things of God. This is not a call to ignore the world around us or to disengage from it. Rather, it is a call to engage with the world in a different way, a way that is informed by our faith and guided by our love for Christ.

Seeking the things of God: We are seeking His will, His wisdom, His love, His grace, His mercy. We are seeking to know Him more, to love Him more, to serve Him more. We are seeking to live our lives in a way that reflects His glory and brings honor to His name. This is the call of Heaven, the call to seek the things that are above.

What does it mean to seek the things that are above?: It means to seek the things that are of God, the things that are eternal, the things that are holy and pure and good. It means to seek the things that bring glory to God and blessing to others. It means to seek the things that lead to life and peace and joy. It means to seek the things that are in line with God's will and God's Word.

Not a call to a life of ease or comfort: It is not a call to a life of wealth or success or fame. It is a call to a life of faith and obedience, a life of sacrifice and service, a life of love and grace. It is a call to a life that is centered on Christ and committed to His cause. It is a call to a life that is lived for the glory of God and the good of others.

A call to set our minds on things that are above: We should not set our minds on things that are on earth. This is a call to change our perspective, to change our priorities, to change our way of thinking. It is a call to see the world through the lens of faith, to see the world as God sees it. It is a call to value what God values, to love what God loves, to pursue what God pursues.

A call to think about the things of God: It’s a call to meditate on His Word, to ponder His truths, and to reflect on His love. It is a call to fill our minds with thoughts of God, thoughts of His goodness, His grace, His mercy, His love. It is a call to think about the things that are eternal, the things that are holy and pure and good.

A call to live our lives in light of eternity: It’s a call to live our lives with an eternal perspective. It is a call to live our lives in a way that reflects the reality of Heaven, the reality of God's kingdom. It is a call to live our lives in a way that brings glory to God and blessing to others. It is a call to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

Harboring Hope

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the richness of Paul's words to the Colossians, we find ourselves drawn to a deeper understanding of the hope we harbor as believers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO