Young Adults' Group

Seek Those Things Which Are Above

by Pastor Mark
April 04, 2024

The impact of the Lord’s resurrection

We thank God for the wonderful truth that Christ has risen from the dead. He has given us the victory over death. Yet, this doctrine of resurrection should be more than just theoretical. It is meant to leave an indelible impact on how we think and live out our faith. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church that they should learn to closely relate to the Lord Jesus and make Him the focus of their lives. He challenged them to be fully identified with Him.

Full identification with the Lord

“If then you were raised with Christ,” (Colossians 3:1)

1. We should identify with the Lord Jesus…in His death and resurrection.
2. If we are truly connected to the Lord Jesus in this way, there will be certain ramifications.
3. There will be specific results and consequences.
4. We will not remain where we are.
5. There will be fundamental changes in our thoughts and life.

Ramifications

1. Change of mindset

1. Seeking the things which are above
   “Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)
   • No longer should we be seeking the things of the earth.
   • The challenge is to seek eternal and heavenly things.
   • Let us seek Christ above everything else.
2. Setting the mind on things above
   “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
   • This involves the way we think…what we focus on.
   • No longer should our minds be set on thinking about earthly things.
   • Our minds should be changed and set on heavenly things…spiritual things that truly matter in our lives.

2. Change of life

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3,4)

1. Identification with Christ
   • “For” is understood as “because”…because we are identified with Him.
   • Then our lives would be hidden in Him.
2. Our life is hidden with the Lord Jesus
   • Since we have come to faith, our lives would be hidden in Christ.
   • He has a hidden plan for us to discover.
   • Part of the plan is that the Lord will specially keep and protect us.
   • He would also reveal how we should live…to realise His plan.
   • We are meant to live a significant and fruitful life for the Lord.
3. We will appear with the Lord when He returns one day.

We will be there with Christ at His second coming. The Lord Jesus is our life as He gives us new life and sustains our life till He comes again. We will share in His glory even though we are unworthy. It is indeed such a joy and privilege…to be part of His company at His coming.

Let us be challenged to be fully identified with Christ and to see how it should change our mindset and life.

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