Sermon: Set your Affections on things Above
Scripture Lesson: Colossians 3:1–4 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”
Introduction: Modern religion often incorrectly portrays God as a Loving God who adore us no matter what we do. They overlook that fact that God is a righteous judge who must punish sin. He is actually angry with our sin and can’t overlook it just because He loves us. However, He displayed His love by providing a way for our sin to be forgiven even though we didn’t deserve it. When we could never get to God, God came to us. Jesus Christ died to fulfill the legal transaction necessary to forgive sin – an innocent life dying for a sinful life. When we repent of our sin and place our faith in Christ’s sacrifice, we are forgiven, raised from death to life, and brought into fellowship with our Creator.
Paul didn’t take for granted that this transformation had happened in the life of every person in the church of Colossae. He says “IF” this has happened…I wonder how shocked we would be at the number of spiritually dead people attending church every week? Going to church, doing good things, getting baptized, and even believing in God cannot raise a dead soul to life. Only repentance of sin and faith in the finished work of Christ’s sacrifice can do that. All of us should heed Paul’s admonishment in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith.
After first questioning IF this spiritual transformation has happened in our lives, Paul then moves to what the proper response should be if that transformation has happened. To "set your affections on things above" is a command from the Bible (Colossians 3:1–2) to intentionally focus your heart, mind, and priorities on God's heavenly kingdom, eternal values, and Christ-centered life, rather than being consumed by earthly desires like materialism, lust, or greed. It means adopting a heavenly perspective on life, seeing all earthly matters through the lens of eternity, and cultivating an inner life centered on spiritual realities such as Christ's peace, glory, and the pursuit of heavenly goods.
Apostle Paul was writing this stern warning and exhortation to combat the false teaching that had entered the church. The first two chapter deals with what Christ done, then the last chapters deal with what Christians should do. In the letter, Paul clearly teaches that Christ has paid for our sin and has reconciled us to God. Then Christ provides both the pattern and power for living and growing in grace. You see, Christ is the exact likeness of God. When we clearly see what he is like, we can see what we need to become. Christ is Lord of All, the Head of the Church, His body. As Christians we must avoid distractions and set our affections on heavenly things.
One writer said, “Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ.” Today, there are thousands of distractions that compete for our affections and loyalty. John Piper warns that “Our attention is one the most precious things we have. What we give it to shapes our souls.” Today’s Church must survive in an age filled with distraction. The enemy doesn’t always need to destroy your faith—he only needs to divide your focus. It is really true that anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ must be treated as a threat to your soul. What you pay attention to, what captivates your mind and your eyes, that is what shapes the very core of who you are. What is capturing your attention in the season? What is competing with your devotion to Jesus? Let us hear the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to realign our loyalty and set your affections upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Setting your affection on heavenly things (Colossians 3:2) means adopting an eternal perspective, prioritizing God’s kingdom, love, and righteousness over temporary earthly desires. This involves daily, practical choices that reflect Christ-like character—such as compassion, kindness, and humility—rather than focusing on materialistic gains or anxieties.
We are called to live on earth with Heavenly affections. This is a call to redirect our thoughts, deliberately focus on spiritual truths and the scriptures rather than temporary stresses, using prayer to overcome worry. It means prioritizing eternal value as we move, live and have our being. Focusing on what lasts like building great relationships, practicing righteous deeds, and serving God and others rather than only accumulating earthly wealth and striving for earthly recognition and praise. It means striving to be like Jesus, embodying His heavenly character, actively practicing His virtues of forgiveness, patience, and kindness in our daily interactions. We are to live on earth fulfilling daily duties, but allowing heavenly priorities to guide your actions, avoiding the trap of being "too earthly-minded" and no heavenly good. Paul urges these Colossians to consistently engage in prayer, Bible study, and worship to keep your mind aligned with Christ, who is "seated at the right hand of God". You see setting your affections on things above is not about neglecting earthly responsibilities but performing them with a motivation that brings heaven's influence into your daily life.
Colossians 3:1–4, “If you then were raised with Christ, desire those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also shall appear with Him in glory.”
1. Redirect Your Thoughts By Deliberately Focusing on Spiritual Truths “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,”
Paul is writing to believers in Colossae, urging them to live as people who have already been resurrected with Christ. The phrase “set your affection means to seek or to strive after. It’s an active, intentional pursuit, not a passive glance. Paul was saying to have your mindset, your inner attitude shaped by heavenly realities. What do you spend your time thinking about? What do you strive after? If your attention is constantly drawn to things that are temporary—money, fame, politics, pleasures—then you are at risk of shaping your soul according to the patterns of this world. What we give our attention to is what we are likely to become. If you spend more time scrolling through social media than meditating on Scripture, you’re being influenced by the world instead of by Christ. if you don’t intentionally set your affection on Christ and heavenly things, you will drift slowly, silently until one day you wonder how you ended up so far from God. Many are so far off course, they associate Christ with their sorority or their political party.
2. Embrace Your New position and Eternal Values as Revealed in Christ “…seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” The exalted Christ is exalted and seated, without rivals or competing loyalties. Christ has all power and authority, our loyalty to Him should be exclusive. Matthew 6:24 reads “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
You can’t serve God while simultaneously being enslaved to something else. Whether it’s political affiliation, wealth, status, relationships, or entertainment—anything that takes priority over Christ becomes an idol. Tim Keller: “If you love anything in this world more than God, you will crush that object under the weight of your expectations and despair when it lets you down.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what you’re truly devoted to. Is it fitting in or acceptance? Is it comfort and ease? Is it the approval of others? Is it your career? God’s not interested in sharing your heart with your idols—He wants all of you. Set your affections on Him, accept your new identity, and embrace his values.
3. Embodying Christ’ Character, Actively Practicing His Virtues. Because there are so many distractions and temptations, Believers must constantly guide their thoughts and affection, constantly resetting and refocusing on Heavenly things. Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Transformation comes by renewing the mind. R.T. Kendall: “You are not what you think you are. But what you think—you are.” Kendall reminds us that our thoughts are shaping us. Our mental habits determine our spiritual direction. To be loyal to Christ means choosing daily to let the Word of God rewire our thinking and renew our desires.
A gardener knows that weeds don’t need encouragement—they grow naturally. But fruit requires intentional planting, watering, pruning, and patience. Likewise, if we are not daily intentional in cultivating the mind of Christ, worldly thinking will grow wild in us.
4. Perform Your earthly Responsibilities Under Heaven’s Influence. …For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”
Just as we must set our affections on our new identity in Christ and the complete victory He brings. We must remember that we are dead to sin and alive unto God. Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Our new identity is in Christ, we were crucified with Christ, raised with Christ, and alive in Christ. The old life is gone. The new life is Christ-centered. The most important thing about the believer is not what he/she does, but who he/she is in Christ.” Your loyalty to Jesus flows from your identity in Him. You are not defined by your past, your failures, or even your successes. You are defined by the Cross of Christ and the resurrection power that now lives in you. The reason we can set our affections on heaven is because Jesus made the way. He came to earth, lived a perfect life, and died the death we deserved. On the cross, He bore the punishment for your sin and mine. He was buried, but on the third day, He rose again in victory, defeating death and offering eternal life.
Your heart will always be divided until it is surrendered to the One who made it. Repent, turn away from your sin and misplaced loyalties. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work in your behalf; put your trust fully in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This is not religion. This is relationship. Receiving Christ as your Lord and Savior is the first step.
How do I set my affection on things above? When it comes to refocusing our eyes on Christ, the Bible gives us clear instructions. Believers must “put to death the earthly desires and distraction that pull us off course. Then we are told to “put on the new Self that is to follow Christ example. He is the express image of the Father. Then we are commanded to “Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Hearts.” God knows that this world is filled with voices vying for your attention, disturbing your peace and confusing your mind. The command is to allow Christ peace to rule your hearts. How do we do that, by allowing (Let) the Word of Christ Richly Dwell in us. As we fill our heads and hearts with His word, we can give Thanks to God that He will assist in everything we do. He is our source of strength. Today some may need salvation, others may need to repent of distractions that have pulled you off course. Ask God to reveal what’s stealing your focus. Some may need to refocus on Christ and renew your devotion. Begin each day with prayer and Scripture before anything else. Still others may need to realign your heart with heavenly things. Choose loyalty to Jesus in your decisions, relationships, and priorities.
If you’re here today and you’ve never made that decision to give your life fully to Jesus, the time is now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Right now, you can become a child of God. You can begin your journey now by praying, “Lord Jesus, I confess I have lived for myself. I’ve let other things take Your place. I repent of my sin, and I turn to You. I believe You died and rose again. I receive You now as my Savior and Lord. Help me to follow You all the days of my life. Amen.”
