Sermon: Set Your Affections On Things Above

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.