Fixing Our Minds on Heavenly Realities
Summary
In our journey through the series on the inside story of our future life, we've been immersing ourselves in the eternal truths of Scripture, setting our minds on things above as instructed in Colossians 3. This practice has not only been transformative for many of you but has also deeply enriched my own spiritual walk. As we conclude this series, the pressing question is: how do we continue to keep our minds fixed on heavenly things and nourish our souls with the joy of our future life with Jesus Christ?
The notion that being heavenly-minded renders one useless on earth is a misconception. In reality, understanding our eternal destination provides clarity and purpose for our earthly journey. Knowing the end allows us to begin rightly. As Christians, we are called to set our minds on things above, a command that is both a privilege and a responsibility. This mindset shift is not just about understanding but about practical application in our daily lives.
Meditating on our future life with Christ transforms our perspective on earthly matters, particularly money. Jesus frequently linked heaven and money, emphasizing that true wealth is found in being rich toward God, not in earthly possessions. This heavenly focus also provides strength to endure life's trials, as exemplified by Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Moreover, it motivates us toward holiness, as setting our minds on things above helps us overcome the temptations and struggles of the flesh.
To cultivate this heavenly mindset, we must take responsibility for directing our thoughts, learn to talk to ourselves with Scripture, and exercise faith in God's promises. Richard Baxter, a pastor who endured much suffering, found strength by meditating on heaven daily. His example teaches us to use earthly joys to propel our minds toward heavenly realities, ensuring that the blessings of this life lead us to anticipate the greater blessings of the life to come.
Key Takeaways:
- Heavenly Perspective on Earthly Wealth: Meditating on our future life with Christ changes our view of money and possessions. Jesus taught that true wealth is found in being rich toward God, not in accumulating earthly treasures. This perspective frees us from the bondage of materialism and aligns our hearts with eternal values. [06:42]
- Endurance Through Trials: Setting our minds on things above provides strength to endure life's challenges. Jesus endured the cross by focusing on the joy set before Him, and we too can find resilience by keeping our eyes on the eternal joy that awaits us. This heavenly focus empowers us to face trials with hope and perseverance. [14:32]
- Motivation for Holiness: A heavenly mindset motivates us to pursue holiness. By focusing on our eternal home, we gain the strength to overcome the temptations and struggles of the flesh. This focus shifts our reliance from mere discipline to the transformative power of the gospel. [19:36]
- Directing Our Minds: We must take responsibility for directing our thoughts toward heavenly things. This involves actively setting our minds on things above, talking to ourselves with Scripture, and exercising faith in God's promises. This intentional focus is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. [26:38]
- Using Earthly Joys to Propel Heavenly Focus: Earthly joys should propel our minds toward heavenly realities. By using the blessings of this life to anticipate the greater blessings of the life to come, we ensure that our hearts remain anchored in eternity, not in the transient pleasures of this world. [36:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Series Reflection
- [00:48] - Setting Minds on Things Above
- [01:30] - Heavenly Minded Misconception
- [02:33] - Practical Application
- [03:43] - Raised with Christ
- [05:38] - Meditating on Future Life
- [06:42] - Money and Heaven
- [09:27] - The Folly of Earthly Focus
- [13:10] - The Real World
- [14:32] - Strength to Endure
- [19:36] - Motivation for Holiness
- [26:38] - Directing Your Mind
- [36:23] - Earthly Joys and Heavenly Focus
- [39:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:1-4
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- Luke 12:13-21
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 3:1-4, what are believers instructed to do with their minds, and why is this significant?
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the misconception about being "heavenly-minded"? [01:30]
3. What example from Luke 12:13-21 does the pastor use to illustrate the folly of focusing on earthly wealth? [09:27]
4. How does Hebrews 12:1-2 describe Jesus' endurance of the cross, and what was His focus during this trial?
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does setting our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3, change our perspective on earthly possessions and wealth? [06:42]
2. What does the pastor suggest is the true value of meditating on our future life with Christ, especially in relation to enduring trials? [14:32]
3. How does the sermon explain the connection between a heavenly mindset and the pursuit of holiness? [19:36]
4. In what ways does the pastor suggest we can take responsibility for directing our thoughts toward heavenly things? [26:38]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current view of money and possessions. How might meditating on your future life with Christ change this perspective? [06:42]
2. Think about a recent trial or challenge you faced. How could focusing on the eternal joy that awaits you provide strength and hope in such situations? [14:32]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with holiness. How can setting your mind on things above help you overcome these struggles? [19:36]
4. What practical steps can you take this week to actively direct your thoughts toward heavenly things? Consider setting aside time for meditation or Scripture reading. [26:38]
5. How can you use the joys and blessings in your life to propel your mind toward heavenly realities, as suggested by the pastor? [36:23]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the material world. How can you remind yourself of the transient nature of earthly things and the permanence of heavenly treasures? [13:10]
7. Consider the example of Richard Baxter, who meditated on heaven daily. What is one small change you can make in your daily routine to incorporate this practice? [24:40]
Devotional
Day 1: True Wealth in God’s Riches
Meditating on our future life with Christ changes our view of money and possessions. Jesus taught that true wealth is found in being rich toward God, not in accumulating earthly treasures. This perspective frees us from the bondage of materialism and aligns our hearts with eternal values. By focusing on heavenly riches, we can find contentment and purpose beyond the temporary allure of material wealth. This shift in perspective encourages us to invest in relationships, acts of kindness, and spiritual growth, which are treasures that last into eternity. [06:42]
"Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." (Proverbs 23:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can invest in eternal treasures today, rather than focusing on accumulating more possessions?
Day 2: Strength in Trials Through Heavenly Focus
Setting our minds on things above provides strength to endure life's challenges. Jesus endured the cross by focusing on the joy set before Him, and we too can find resilience by keeping our eyes on the eternal joy that awaits us. This heavenly focus empowers us to face trials with hope and perseverance, knowing that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. By anchoring our hope in the promises of God, we can navigate life's difficulties with a sense of peace and assurance. [14:32]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What current trial are you facing, and how can focusing on the eternal joy set before you provide strength and hope today?
Day 3: Pursuing Holiness with a Heavenly Mindset
A heavenly mindset motivates us to pursue holiness. By focusing on our eternal home, we gain the strength to overcome the temptations and struggles of the flesh. This focus shifts our reliance from mere discipline to the transformative power of the gospel. As we set our minds on things above, we are reminded of our identity in Christ and the call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. This pursuit of holiness is not about perfection but about aligning our lives with God's will and reflecting His character in our daily actions. [19:36]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance." (1 Peter 1:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with temptation, and how can a focus on your eternal home help you pursue holiness in that area today?
Day 4: Directing Our Minds Toward Heaven
We must take responsibility for directing our thoughts toward heavenly things. This involves actively setting our minds on things above, talking to ourselves with Scripture, and exercising faith in God's promises. This intentional focus is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity. By choosing to dwell on God's truth and promises, we can transform our minds and align our thoughts with His will. This practice requires discipline and intentionality, but it leads to a deeper understanding of God's character and a more profound experience of His presence in our lives. [26:38]
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thought or belief you need to redirect today, and how can you use Scripture to guide your mind toward heavenly things?
Day 5: Earthly Joys as a Gateway to Heavenly Realities
Earthly joys should propel our minds toward heavenly realities. By using the blessings of this life to anticipate the greater blessings of the life to come, we ensure that our hearts remain anchored in eternity, not in the transient pleasures of this world. This perspective allows us to enjoy God's gifts without becoming attached to them, recognizing that they are a foretaste of the eternal joy we will experience in His presence. By cultivating gratitude and anticipation, we can live with a sense of wonder and hope, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. [36:23]
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one earthly joy you can use today to remind yourself of the greater blessings that await you in eternity?
Quotes
It is only when you know what the end is that you actually discover how and where to begin. If I said to you, prepare well, you would say what in the world are you talking about prepare for what, how can I prepare if I don't know what I'm supposed to be preparing for. [00:02:01]
It is only what when you know what is to come only when you have your mind fixed on that that you begin to discover uh how it is that we are to live uh now and so that's why we're ending our our series on a very practical note uh thinking about our own individual lives moving forward. [00:02:30]
Meditating on your future life will change your entire view of money. You say why did you go there because it is staggering how often Jesus links heaven and money these two just seem to keep coming together again and again and again as you go through the Gospels. [00:06:37]
The real world where solid riches and joys are is the world that is to come so set your mind on things that are above this world is only a passing Shadow however real and solid the stuff of this world feels you have to understand that what lasts is only in heaven. [00:12:58]
The Bible keeps bringing us back to this the the shortness of this life and the length of Eternity and the extent of the joy that we were thinking about together last week and you get your mind on that it's going to give you strength to endure the difficulties to gut out the toughness that you're facing in your life this week. [00:16:01]
Set your minds on things above fill your mind your heart with your Eternal home it will not only change your entire thinking in relation to this material world it will give you strength to face the toughest things in your life here's a third great benefit and value of uh meditating on your future life it will motivate you to Holiness. [00:19:09]
You can't overcome sin simply by disciplines and boundaries and accountability we always default to that because that's the stuff we can do verse 21 of chapter 2 don't handle don't taste don't touch you see all all the rules all the disciplines all the boundaries all the accountability and what does he say about it verse 23 these indeed have an appearance of wisdom. [00:20:49]
There is no material cure for Spiritual ill you can't overcome sin by the power of discipline alone it's not the law that changes the heart it's the gospel then you look at chapter 3 and verse 5 the other side of our passage and you find Paul saying put to death there for what is Earthly in you. [00:21:37]
Take responsibility for directing your mind you see that comes right out of the scripture here set your mind set your mind on things about you say oh my mind goes all over the place yeah now wait a minute what is the Bible saying to you you're risen with Christ take control of your mind give direction to your mind. [00:26:36]
Learn the art of talking to yourself you see I always thought that was the first sign of Madness no it's the first sign of spiritual health for a Christian it's all over the Psalms you know when David says bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me praise His holy name who's he talking to himself. [00:29:45]
Direct your heart and your will by exercising faith in God's promise direct your heart and your will by exercising faith in God's Promise by the way there is a very profound Bible psychology right here when the scripture says set your mind on things above because that's where it begins it is the mind that lays hold of the promises of God. [00:33:34]
Use the joys of Earth to propel your mind towards heaven this is a wonderful thing and we're going to do it actually in in just a moment we come around the communion table what's the communion table all about we we have ordinary physical elements a cup wafer bread wine and we'll receive these physical elements and what are we to do with them. [00:36:23]
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