Embracing Our Hidden Life in Christ

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves caught up in the visible and tangible aspects of our existence. However, the true essence of our lives is hidden with Christ in God. This hiddenness is a profound reality that we must embrace, as it signifies that our true life is not what we see in the mirror or experience in the world. Our life is secure in God, and when Christ appears, we too will appear with Him in glory. This hidden life is more glorious than anything we can currently comprehend, and it is a life that we will fully realize when we are at home with Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:1-4, reveals several realities that shape our understanding of this hidden life. First, Christ is seated at the right hand of God, reigning over all creation. His presence and power, though hidden, are pervasive and complete. Second, our life is hidden with Christ, and this hiddenness will one day be revealed in its full glory. Third, Christ will appear, and His appearing will bring an end to the hiddenness of His power and presence. Fourth, our hiddenness will also end, and we will be manifested in glory with Christ. Finally, we are called to set our minds on these realities, allowing them to shape our mindset and our way of living.

To live in light of these truths, we must actively seek the things that are above. This seeking is not passive; it requires relentless passion and effort. We are not seeking to make these realities happen, as they have already occurred through Christ's death and resurrection. Instead, we seek because they have happened, and our seeking is evidence of our life in Christ. This pursuit is the essence of Christian effort, and it is a lifelong journey of growing in the knowledge and love of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our true life is hidden with Christ in God, and this hiddenness signifies a life more glorious than our present existence. It is a life that will be fully realized when we are at home with Christ, revealing that our current life is but a foreign land. [23:17]
• 2. Christ's presence and power are hidden but pervasive and complete. He reigns over all creation, and His appearing will bring an end to this hiddenness, revealing the fullness of His glory and power. [26:00]
• 3. Our hiddenness will also end when Christ appears, and we will be manifested in glory with Him. This future revelation should shape our current mindset and way of living, as we anticipate the fullness of our true life. [28:48]
• 4. We are called to set our minds on the realities above, allowing them to shape our mindset and our way of living. This involves having a mindset shaped by the truths of God, rather than the fleeting ideas and behaviors of the world. [35:32]
• 5. Seeking the things that are above requires relentless passion and effort. It is not a passive pursuit but an active engagement with the realities of God, as we grow in the knowledge and love of Christ. [41:57]
  ** [41:57]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [23:17] - The Hiddenness of Our True Life
• [24:12] - At Home with Christ
• [25:05] - Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
• [26:00] - Christ's Hidden Reign
• [27:31] - The End of Hiddenness
• [28:48] - Our Future Revelation
• [29:44] - Letting Our Light Shine
• [31:17] - The Real You in Christ
• [32:37] - Shining Like the Sun
• [33:01] - Setting Our Minds on Realities Above
• [35:32] - A Mindset Shaped by Christ
• [37:34] - The Pathway of Seeking
• [39:05] - Seeking as Evidence of Life
• [41:57] - Relentless Passion in Seeking
• [44:11] - The Reality of Our Hidden Life

1. Colossians 3:1-4
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7
3. Titus 2:13

1. According to Colossians 3:1-4, what does it mean for our life to be "hidden with Christ in God"? How does this hiddenness relate to our current and future existence? [23:17]
2. In the sermon, it was mentioned that Christ's power and presence are currently hidden. How does this hiddenness affect our understanding of His reign over creation? [26:00]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that our true life is not what we see in the mirror? How does this concept challenge our everyday perceptions? [23:41]
4. How does the sermon describe the future revelation of Christ and our own revelation with Him? What impact should this have on our current mindset? [28:48]

1. How does the hiddenness of our life with Christ provide security and hope, according to the sermon? In what ways does this hiddenness challenge our current understanding of life? [23:17]
2. The sermon emphasizes setting our minds on things above. What practical steps can believers take to align their mindset with the realities of God rather than the fleeting ideas of the world? [35:32]
3. How does the concept of seeking the things above, as described in the sermon, differ from seeking worldly achievements or possessions? What does this pursuit reveal about our relationship with Christ? [41:57]
4. The pastor mentions that our hiddenness will end when Christ appears. How does this future revelation shape our understanding of identity and purpose in the present? [28:48]

1. Reflect on your daily routine. How often do you consciously set your mind on the realities above? What changes can you make to ensure your mindset is shaped by the truths of God? [35:32]
2. The sermon calls for relentless passion in seeking the things above. Identify one area in your life where you can increase your effort in pursuing God's realities. What specific actions will you take this week? [41:57]
3. Consider a time when you felt at home in this world. How does the idea that our true home is with Christ challenge your current sense of belonging? What steps can you take to live more as a citizen of heaven? [24:12]
4. The pastor mentioned that our true life is hidden and more glorious than our present existence. How does this perspective influence your view of personal struggles or challenges? [23:41]
5. In what ways can you let your light shine before others, as Jesus instructed, while understanding that not everyone will recognize or appreciate it? How can you remain encouraged in this endeavor? [29:44]
6. How can you actively seek the realities of God in your community or church? Identify one way you can contribute to fostering a mindset focused on the things above within your group. [41:57]
7. Reflect on the idea that our life is hidden with Christ and will be revealed in glory. How does this future promise affect your current priorities and decisions? What adjustments might you need to make? [28:48]