Introduction

Good morning, church. Today, we're going to focus on a message that's as relevant today as it was when it was first written to early Christians in Colossae. It's about setting our hearts on things above, tuning out the clamor of the world, and focusing on the thoughts of Jesus.

In the words of beloved Christian author A.W. Tozer, "The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the church is famishing for want of His presence." This couldn't be any truer for our world today. There's constant noise, distractions, and temptations pulling us away from our relationship with God. It's like we're caught in a whirlwind of worldly influences, and it can be hard to find our footing.

But the apostle Paul gives us some solid ground to stand on in Colossians 3:1-2. Let's read that together: "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."

Let's pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we ask for your guidance as we delve into your Word today. Help us to tune out the noise and distractions of this world, to set our hearts on things above, and to focus our minds on the thoughts of Jesus. May your Word transform us and draw us closer to you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's dive into this incredible truth and see how it can change our lives.

Setting Our Affections on Things Above

Setting our affections on things above shifts our focus from the temporal to the eternal, from the worldly to the divine. It is an invitation to align our hearts and minds with the heart and mind of God, to value what He values, and to desire what He desires. It's not about rejecting the world outright, but rather about prioritizing the eternal over the temporary, the spiritual over the physical, and God's will over our own.

When we set our affections on things above, we are essentially setting our hearts on God Himself. We are choosing to love Him more than anything else, to seek His kingdom first, and to find our ultimate satisfaction in Him. This is not a call to asceticism or a rejection of the world's pleasures, but rather a call to find our deepest joy and satisfaction in God. It's about recognizing that the things of this world are fleeting and temporary, while God is eternal and unchanging.

Setting our affections on things above also means seeking to know God more deeply, to understand His character, and to grow in our relationship with Him. It means spending time in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers. It means striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him, not out of a sense of duty or obligation, but out of a deep love for Him and a desire to honor Him.

Furthermore, setting our affections on things above involves a radical reorientation of our values and priorities. It means valuing the eternal over the temporary, the spiritual over the physical, and God's will over our own. It means seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs. It means being willing to sacrifice our own desires and ambitions for the sake of God's kingdom.

This is not an easy task, and it requires a daily commitment to seek God and His kingdom above all else. It requires a willingness to let go of our own desires and ambitions, to surrender our will to God's, and to trust Him with our lives. It requires a heart that is fully devoted to God, a mind that is set on things above, and a spirit that is willing to follow wherever God leads.

Setting our affections on things above also has profound implications for how we live our lives. It affects how we spend our time, how we use our resources, and how we relate to others. It shapes our decisions, our actions, and our attitudes. It influences our relationships, our work, and our ministry. It impacts every aspect of our lives, from the way we view ourselves and others, to the way we approach our work and our relationships.

Transition – Setting our affections on things above is about living for God's glory rather than our own. It's about seeking His kingdom first, trusting in His provision, and finding our ultimate satisfaction in Him. It's about living a life that is pleasing to God, a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth.

Pastor – Share a personal story that illustrates the impact of setting our affections on things above.

Tuning Out the Influences of the World System

Tuning out the influences of the world system is a concept that requires us to consciously decide to turn away from the distractions and temptations that the world presents to us ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO