Living in Hope: Our Hidden Life in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our Hidden Life in Christ

Our lives as believers are hidden with Christ in God, signifying a profound spiritual reality that transcends our ordinary appearance. This hiddenness is not a denial of our transformation but a promise of future glory, encouraging us to set our minds on heavenly things and live in anticipation of Christ's return. Though we may not outwardly appear different from others, our spiritual reality is one of holiness and blamelessness, being renewed in the image of our Creator. This hidden life is a source of hope and patience, as we anticipate the day when our true selves will be revealed in glory. The entire creation eagerly awaits this revelation, for it signifies the renewal of all things. [01:13]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: What earthly concerns are currently distracting you from focusing on your hidden life in Christ? How can you intentionally shift your focus to heavenly realities today?

Day 2: Called to Holiness and Renewal

Despite our ordinary appearance, we are called to holiness and blamelessness, being renewed in the image of our Creator. This transformation is ongoing, and though not yet visible, it is a testament to the new life we have in Christ. As believers, we are invited to live with integrity, courage, and humility, knowing that our hidden life in Christ is secure and will one day be fully manifest. This understanding should embolden us to live in a way that reflects our true identity as children of God, even when the world around us may not recognize it. [03:37]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you pursue holiness and renewal in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to reflect the image of your Creator more fully?

Day 3: Creation Awaits Our Revelation

The entire creation eagerly awaits the revealing of the children of God, highlighting the interconnectedness of our redemption with the renewal of all things. Our hidden life is a precursor to the extraordinary transformation that will occur when we are fully revealed. This anticipation is not just for us as individuals but for the whole of creation, which longs for the day when God's glory will be fully manifest. Understanding this interconnectedness should inspire us to live with a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that our lives have a significant impact on the world around us. [06:30]

Romans 8:19-21 (ESV): "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."

Reflection: How does knowing that creation eagerly awaits your revelation as a child of God change the way you view your role in the world? What actions can you take to live more purposefully in light of this truth?

Day 4: The Resurrection and Our Future Glory

The resurrection of the dead illustrates the contrast between our current perishable state and the imperishable, glorious state to come. This future reality should inspire us to live with integrity, courage, and humility, knowing our hidden life in Christ is secure. The promise of resurrection assures us that our present struggles and limitations are temporary, and a glorious transformation awaits us. This hope should embolden us to live faithfully, trusting in God's promise of future glory. [09:35]

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (ESV): "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of the hope of resurrection and future glory? How can this hope influence your actions and attitudes today?

Day 5: Viewing Ourselves Through the Lens of Future Transformation

Our future glory is so profound that if we could see it now, we would be tempted to worship one another. This truth challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of our future transformation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the work God is doing in us. Recognizing the potential for glory in each person should lead us to treat others with respect and love, acknowledging the divine work in progress within them. This perspective encourages us to live in a way that honors the future glory that awaits us all. [11:48]

1 John 3:2-3 (ESV): "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

Reflection: How can you begin to view yourself and others through the lens of future transformation? What changes in your interactions and relationships might this perspective inspire?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of Colossians 3:1-4, we delve into the profound truth that our lives, as believers, are hidden with Christ in God. This passage invites us to shift our focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities, reminding us that our true identity and life are intertwined with Christ. Having died and risen with Him, our existence is no longer ordinary; it is a new life, a resurrection life, albeit hidden for now. This hiddenness is not a denial of our transformation but a testament to the future glory that awaits us when Christ appears.

Paul emphasizes that although we may not outwardly appear different from others, our spiritual reality is one of holiness and blamelessness, being renewed in the image of our Creator. This hidden life is a source of hope and patience, as we anticipate the day when our true selves will be revealed in glory. The entire creation eagerly awaits this revelation, for it signifies the renewal of all things. Our current state may seem ordinary, but it is a precursor to the extraordinary transformation that will occur when we are fully revealed as children of God.

This theme resonates throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Romans 8 and 1 John 3, which affirm our identity as God's children and the future glory that will be ours. The resurrection of the dead, as described in 1 Corinthians 15, further illustrates the contrast between our present perishable state and the imperishable, glorious state to come. This understanding should embolden us to live with integrity, courage, and humility, knowing that our hidden life in Christ is secure and will one day be fully manifest.

Key Takeaways

1. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, signifying a profound spiritual reality that transcends our ordinary appearance. This hiddenness is a promise of future glory, encouraging us to set our minds on heavenly things and live in anticipation of Christ's return. [01:13]
2. Despite our ordinary appearance, we are called to holiness and blamelessness, being renewed in the image of our Creator. This transformation is ongoing, and though not yet visible, it is a testament to the new life we have in Christ. [03:37]
3. The entire creation eagerly awaits the revealing of the children of God, highlighting the interconnectedness of our redemption with the renewal of all things. Our hidden life is a precursor to the extraordinary transformation that will occur when we are fully revealed. [06:30]
4. The resurrection of the dead illustrates the contrast between our current perishable state and the imperishable, glorious state to come. This future reality should inspire us to live with integrity, courage, and humility, knowing our hidden life in Christ is secure. [09:35]
5. Our future glory is so profound that if we could see it now, we would be tempted to worship one another. This truth challenges us to view ourselves and others through the lens of our future transformation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the work God is doing in us. [11:48]
** [11:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Raised with Christ
[00:55] - New Resurrection Life
[01:13] - Life Hidden with Christ
[02:05] - Patience and Hope
[02:36] - The Hidden Life Explained
[03:06] - Ordinary Appearance, Extraordinary Reality
[03:37] - Called to Holiness
[05:22] - Creation Awaits Revelation
[06:30] - Universe and Sons of God
[07:12] - Children of God Now
[08:38] - Resurrection of the Dead
[09:55] - Hiddenness and Glory
[10:33] - Future Glory and New Eyes
[11:12] - C.S. Lewis on Future Glory

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Colossians 3:1-4

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-4
- Romans 8:18-21
- 1 John 3:1-2

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Observation Questions:

What does it mean for our lives to be "hidden with Christ in God" according to Colossians 3:3? How does this concept relate to our current life and future glory? [01:13]
In Romans 8:19, it mentions that "the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." How does this passage connect with the idea of our hidden life in Christ? [05:22]
According to 1 John 3:2, what is the current state of believers, and what is promised for the future? How does this align with the message in Colossians 3:4? [07:59]
How does the sermon describe the contrast between our ordinary appearance and our extraordinary spiritual reality? [03:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why might Paul emphasize that our new life is hidden with Christ rather than immediately visible? How does this hiddenness serve as a source of hope and patience for believers? [02:36]
How does the concept of being renewed in the image of our Creator (Colossians 3:10) challenge our understanding of holiness and blamelessness in our daily lives? [04:47]
In what ways does the anticipation of future glory, as described in Romans 8 and 1 John 3, influence the way believers should live today? [06:30]
How does the sermon suggest that our understanding of our future transformation should affect our view of ourselves and others? [11:48]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt your life was ordinary. How can the truth that your life is hidden with Christ change your perspective on that situation? [03:06]
What are some practical ways you can set your mind on "things that are above" in your daily routine? Consider specific habits or practices you can adopt. [00:40]
How can you cultivate patience and hope in your life, knowing that your true self will be revealed in glory? What specific steps can you take to remind yourself of this promise? [02:05]
Think of a person in your life who may not see themselves as a child of God. How can you encourage them by sharing the message of their hidden life in Christ and the future glory that awaits? [07:28]
Identify an area in your life where you struggle to live with integrity, courage, or humility. How does the assurance of your secure life in Christ empower you to address this struggle? [10:15]
How can you actively participate in the renewal of all things, as mentioned in Romans 8, within your community or environment? What specific actions can you take to reflect the hope of future transformation? [06:12]
Consider the idea that if we could see our future glory now, we might be tempted to worship one another. How does this perspective challenge you to appreciate the work God is doing in yourself and others? [11:48]

Sermon Clips

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, which you have if you're a Christian, 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 the Earth, for you have died. [00:00:27]

And your life this new Resurrection life here is not your own life your ordinary life this is your new life after being united with Christ and dying with him and Rising with him now your life is hidden with Christ in God when Christ who is your life appears. [00:00:51]

Then you won't be hidden anymore you will appear with him in glory so father as we Ponder what it means that right now as we are doing this look at the book session Christians lives are hidden with Christ in God would you show us what that means and give us patience. [00:01:20]

Grant I pray that we would have patience and great hope built on the fact that we are alive a true life is hidden with you and it will be manifest someday for the whole world to see I asked this in Jesus name amen why would Paul say this why why does he feel the need to say this. [00:02:03]

And wouldn't you agree that the reason is surely that we just don't look like Resurrection you don't you know I mean be honest get in front of a mirror compare yourself with the other people around you look at yourself young or old you're not a resurrection you you don't look like any thing different from anybody else. [00:02:56]

And yet this is what he says about us not only are we raised and says he has now reconciled you in his body of Flesh by his death in order to present you holy and blameless an above reproach before him so we're supposed to be on our way at least to Holiness and blamelessness. [00:03:21]

We just are so painfully ordinary and yet we're supposed to be new creatures Colossians 3 10 you have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator we are a new creation risen from the dead New Creation and we don't look like it. [00:04:29]

The creation Waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God what does that mean it means the same thing as Colossians 3 your life is hidden it's going to appear when he appears in glory only Paul here says the creation all of creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God. [00:05:29]

The whole creation is waiting for the revealing of the children before it gets renewed which implies the universe exists for the sons of God not the other way around the children of God will be revealed someday and they will be revealed freed from this subjection here and freed from this corruption here. [00:06:26]

Beloved we are God's children now we are we are and what we will be has not yet appeared that's the same as Colossians 3 4 when he appears we will appear with him in glory but for now not so we are God's children now and what we will be has not yet appeared. [00:07:45]

So it is with the resurrection of the Dead what is sown that is when we die we're like seed being sown what is sown is perishable what is raised is imperishable what is sown in it is sown in dishonor it is raised in glory it is sown in weakness it is raised in power. [00:08:38]

The dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to May one day be a creature which if you saw it now you would be strongly Tempted To Worship that's true of all believers we will be so glorious that if we saw each other now the way we're going to look then we would be tempted to worship. [00:11:17]

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Living in Hope: Our Hidden Life in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our Hidden Life in Christ

Day 2: Called to Holiness and Renewal

Day 3: Creation Awaits Our Revelation

Day 4: The Resurrection and Our Future Glory

Day 5: Viewing Ourselves Through the Lens of Future Transformation

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living in Hope: Our Hidden Life in Christ

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