Living the Reality of Christ's Resurrection Daily

Devotional

Day 1: United with Christ in His Resurrection

To live the resurrected life is to remember that, by faith, you are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This is not just a theological idea but an objective reality: when Christ was raised from the dead, you too were spiritually raised with Him. The power that brought Jesus out of the grave is the same power that has given you new life, forgiveness, and a secure relationship with God. This union with Christ means His victory is your victory, and His life is your life.

It is easy to forget this truth in the midst of daily struggles, doubts, or spiritual dryness. Yet, the call is to keep believing what is already true about you in Christ. Even when you do not feel spiritually alive, remind yourself that your life is hidden with Christ in God. The resurrection is not just a past event to celebrate once a year; it is a present reality to be lived every day. Keep believing that you are raised with Christ, and let this truth shape your identity and your hope. [03:50:25]

Colossians 2:12-13
"Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions."

Reflection: When you face discouragement or spiritual dryness, how can you intentionally remind yourself today that you are united with Christ and share in His resurrection life?

Day 2: Seek the Things Above

Living the resurrected life means continually seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This is a call to orient your desires, affections, and priorities toward what is eternal rather than what is temporary. The world constantly clamors for your attention, urging you to focus on earthly matters, but you are invited to set your heart and mind on the realities of heaven.

This seeking is not passive; it is an active, ongoing pursuit. It involves saturating your mind with Scripture, allowing God’s Word to shape your thoughts and affections. Even in the midst of daily routines—whether pulling weeds, paying bills, or going to work—you can choose to focus on Christ and His kingdom. Setting your mind on things above does not mean ignoring earthly responsibilities, but it means letting eternal truths guide your perspective and actions. [03:55:42]

Colossians 3:1-2
"Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can reorient your thoughts today to focus on Christ and eternal things, even as you go about your daily tasks?

Day 3: Long for Christ’s Return and Your Future Glory

The hope of the Christian life is not only rooted in what Christ has done, but also in what He will do. You are called to keep longing for the day when Christ, who is your life, will be revealed and you will be revealed with Him in glory. This future hope gives strength and perspective in the midst of present struggles, grief, and the ongoing battle with sin.

Longing for Christ’s return means living with a forward-looking faith. It is a reminder that you were not made for this world alone, but for resurrection life with Christ. The promise of glorification—that one day you will be free from the very presence of sin and share in Christ’s glory—should stir your affections and sustain your perseverance. Even as you grieve losses or face hardships, let your heart be anchored in the hope of that glorious day. [04:02:59]

Colossians 3:4
"When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to let the hope of Christ’s return and your future glory reshape your attitude or response today?

Day 4: Fight Sin with Resurrection Power

The resurrected life is not passive; it is a call to active battle against sin. Paul urges you to consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. Though the victory over sin has been won by Christ, you are still called to keep fighting, to keep “killing” sin in your life by the power of the Spirit.

This fight is ongoing and real. Temptations and old patterns may persist, but you are no longer a slave to them. When you struggle, do not give up or pretend there is no battle. Instead, confess your sins, rely on God’s grace, and use the resources He has given—the Word, the Spirit, and the church. Remember, you are dead to your old life and alive to God in Christ. Keep fighting, knowing that your struggle is evidence of new life within you. [04:08:39]

Colossians 3:5
"Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry."

Reflection: What is one specific sinful desire or habit you need to “put to death” today, and how can you take a concrete step to fight it with God’s help?

Day 5: Embrace Your New Identity and Focus

Living the resurrected life means embracing your new identity in Christ and letting it shape your daily focus. You are no longer defined by your past, your failures, or the world’s standards. Instead, you are called to become who you already are in Jesus—someone who is forgiven, loved, and empowered by the Spirit. This new identity calls for a new focus: filling your mind with truth, practicing daily habits that reinforce your position in Christ, and seeking accountability and encouragement from the body of believers.

Letting your old self stay dead and living out your new identity is a daily practice. It involves being honest about your struggles, seeking help when needed, and relying on the resources God has provided. As you do, you reflect the reality of the resurrection in your life and point others to the hope found in Christ. [04:13:16]

Ephesians 4:22-24
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally live out your new identity in Christ today—whether in your thoughts, words, or actions?

Sermon Summary

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event to be celebrated once a year; it is a living, present reality that shapes every day of the Christian life. Too often, we treat Easter as a one-time celebration and then move on, but the truth of Christ’s victory over death is meant to transform our daily walk. In Colossians 3, Paul urges believers to live out the implications of the resurrection, not just remember it. Our union with Christ means that His resurrection is our resurrection—we have been raised with Him spiritually, and this new life calls for a new way of living.

Paul’s letter to the Colossians was written to a church facing confusion and heresy, with false teachers adding requirements or mystical experiences to the simple sufficiency of Christ. Paul counters this by emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus and the completeness of what He has accomplished. The first half of Colossians is rich with doctrine about who Christ is; the second half, including chapter 3, is intensely practical, showing how these truths should shape our lives.

Living the resurrected life involves four ongoing commitments. First, keep believing—remind yourself daily that you are united with Christ, raised to new life, and that His victory is your victory. Second, keep seeking—set your heart and mind on things above, not on earthly distractions. This means saturating your life with Scripture, orienting your affections toward Christ, and letting eternal realities shape your priorities. Third, keep longing—look forward to the day when Christ will return and you will be revealed with Him in glory. This future hope sustains us through present struggles and losses, reminding us that we were made for more than this world. Finally, keep fighting—actively put to death the sinful desires and habits of your old life. The resurrection assures us of victory, but we must still engage in the daily battle against sin, relying on the Spirit, the Word, and the support of the church.

This new life is not about adding religious rules or mystical experiences, but about living out the reality of who you are in Christ. Your identity, focus, and hope are all rooted in Him. As you keep believing, seeking, longing, and fighting, you reflect the glory of the risen Christ in a world that desperately needs to see it.

Key Takeaways

1. Union with Christ means His resurrection is your resurrection. The Christian life is not just about believing in a past event, but about living in the present reality that you have been raised with Christ. This union is the foundation of your new identity and the source of your spiritual vitality. Never let your faith become disconnected from this objective truth—remind yourself daily that His victory is your victory. [228:35]
2. Setting your mind on things above is a daily discipline, not a one-time decision. The world constantly pulls your attention to the temporary and the trivial, but you are called to saturate your mind with Scripture and orient your affections toward Christ. This is not escapism; rather, heavenly-mindedness produces practical fruit in your earthly life, shaping your priorities, relationships, and responses to challenges. [235:42]
3. The hope of future glory sustains you in present struggles. Longing for the day when Christ is revealed and you are revealed with Him in glory gives perspective to suffering, loss, and the ongoing battle with sin. Salvation is not just a past event or a present process, but a future promise—one day, you will be free from the very presence of sin and share in Christ’s glory. Let this hope fuel your perseverance and joy. [242:59]
4. The call to “keep fighting” is a call to active, Spirit-empowered resistance against sin. Though the victory is already won in Christ, you are still called to mortify the flesh, to put to death sinful desires and habits. This is not a solo effort; God works in you as you work out your salvation, and the church is given as a community of support, accountability, and encouragement. Don’t be passive—keep fighting, knowing that your struggle is evidence of new life. [248:39]
5. Living the resurrected life means practicing your new identity in Christ. You are not defined by your past, your failures, or the confusion of the world around you. Instead, you are called to “become who you already are”—to live out the reality of being raised with Christ, reflecting His character and priorities. This requires intentional focus, honest community, and reliance on the Spirit, but it is the path to true freedom and joy. [253:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[213:37] - Introduction: Why Resurrection Still Matters
[217:02] - The Heresies Facing Colossae
[218:47] - False Teachings: Legalism and Mysticism
[220:35] - The Centrality and Supremacy of Christ
[221:42] - Christ: Firstborn from the Dead
[223:17] - Colossians Structure: Doctrine and Practice
[224:49] - Reading Colossians 3:1-7
[226:28] - Key 1: Keep Believing
[231:48] - Key 2: Keep Seeking
[234:52] - Setting Your Mind on Things Above
[237:13] - The Reality of a Hidden Life in Christ
[239:37] - Assessing Your Affections
[240:30] - Key 3: Keep Longing for Glory
[245:04] - Key 4: Keep Fighting Sin
[253:16] - Applications: New Identity, Focus, and Freedom
[256:38] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:1-7 — Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, 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 earth. 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. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 3:1-4, what does Paul say has happened to believers because of their union with Christ?
What are the specific things Paul tells believers to “seek” and “set their minds on”?
In verses 5-7, what kinds of behaviors does Paul say should be “put to death,” and why?
The sermon mentioned that Paul’s letter was written to a church facing confusion and false teaching. What were some of the false ideas or practices being promoted in Colossae? [[03:37:02]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Our union with Christ means that His resurrection is our resurrection—we have been raised with Him spiritually, and this new life calls for a new way of living.” What does it mean for a Christian’s daily life to be shaped by the resurrection, not just by remembering a past event? [[03:48:35]]
Paul commands believers to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” How does this differ from ignoring earthly responsibilities? What does it look like to be “heavenly-minded” in a practical way? [[03:55:42]]
The sermon describes the Christian life as involving “keep believing, keep seeking, keep longing, and keep fighting.” Why do you think Paul emphasizes these as ongoing actions, rather than one-time decisions? [[03:46:28]]
The hope of future glory is said to sustain us in present struggles. How does looking forward to Christ’s return and our future with Him help us deal with suffering or temptation now? [[04:02:59]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to “remind yourself daily that you are united with Christ, raised to new life, and that His victory is your victory.” What is one practical way you could remind yourself of this truth each day? (For example, a note on your mirror, a daily prayer, or a song.) [[03:48:35]]
Paul says to “set your mind on things above.” What are some specific distractions or “earthly things” that tend to pull your focus away from Christ? What is one step you could take this week to re-orient your mind toward Him? [[03:55:42]]
The sermon talked about “saturating your life with Scripture.” How would you honestly rate your current habits of Bible reading or listening? What is one small change you could make to grow in this area? [[03:55:42]]
“Keep longing” was described as looking forward to the day when Christ returns and we are revealed with Him in glory. When you face discouragement, loss, or temptation, how can you practically remind yourself of this future hope? [[04:02:59]]
Paul calls us to “put to death” sinful desires and habits. Is there a specific sin or old habit that you are struggling with right now? What would it look like to “keep fighting” in this area, and who could you ask for support or accountability? [[04:08:39]]
The sermon said, “You are not defined by your past, your failures, or the confusion of the world around you. Instead, you are called to ‘become who you already are’—to live out the reality of being raised with Christ.” Is there a past failure or label that you need to let go of in order to embrace your new identity in Christ? [[04:13:16]]
The message emphasized the importance of honest community and relying on the church for support. Is there a struggle or area of growth you need to share with someone in this group, so they can pray for you or encourage you? [[04:13:16]]

Sermon Clips

Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. And Christ, who is our life, is revealed. Then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead, immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. It amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience. And in them, who also once walked when you were living in them. God bless the reading of his word. We're gonna stop right there. There's a lot more in chapter three that we could go into, but I just wanna keep it narrowly focused this morning. [03:45:05] (59 seconds) Edit Clip

Some of the translations rightly translate this from the original, since you have been raised up with Christ. And really, that gives you the sense. Because really what Paul is saying, if you've been raised up with Christ, and you have, then keep seeking the things above. The first thing that Paul tells us to do, if we're to live this resurrected life, is to keep believing that we, by virtue of our faith connection to Jesus, were raised as well. You see, we think, oh yeah, the resurrection, isn't that great that Jesus was resurrected? No, you were resurrected. When God regenerated us, when we became born again by the power of the Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, we were raised up with Christ in a spiritual way. [03:46:43] (51 seconds) Edit Clip

The guarantees of the resurrection are conditioned upon being united to Christ by faith and his finished work. And when you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth, as it says in Romans 10, you are linked in a relationship with Jesus for eternity. And because of that, his resurrection makes a difference for you today. Today, spiritually, you are linked with him. Keep believing that. Don't stop believing that. We are united with Christ. And as Jesus was physically raised through the supernatural power of the Spirit, so we too who are spiritually dead were raised with Christ through the supernatural power of the Spirit. Do you see the connection there? Do you see how it equates? Keep reminding yourself of this. Don't allow a disconnect in the mind between what happened to Jesus and what happened to you. That's what Paul is saying. [03:49:03] (59 seconds) Edit Clip

Quite frankly, some mornings I get up and I don't feel spiritually alive. I've struggled. I've had difficulties in my spirit. I've had struggles in my spiritual life. We need to keep believing what's already true. We need to believe the objective reality. We are connected to Jesus. And whatever he went through, we have gone through. He was buried, went into the grave, he rose again victorious over sin and death. His victory is our victory. That is what matters. So, you don't just celebrate a historical fact when we come together like we did last Sunday. We are celebrating a present reality. Resurrection life is the reality of the Christian life. So, keep believing it. Don't stop believing it. [03:50:08] (56 seconds) Edit Clip

That Jesus isn't dead anymore. He is alive and he went back to be with the Father and he is seated at the right hand of the Father ruling and reigning over his church. Ruling and reigning in our lives. And so, Paul is saying, keep seeking the things above where Christ is. seek after it, strive after it, endeavor with earnestness. One translator of this phrase means to desire to have or experience something with the probable implication of making an attempt to realize that desire. I like some of the other translations as well. Set your sights on the realities of heaven. Set your hearts on the things above. You know, we seek the things that we love. [03:52:35] (48 seconds) Edit Clip

The only way that we can set our minds on things above is to saturate ourselves, my friends, with scripture. That's the only way to do it. And there's no excuse for the church today not to be saturated. Do you know that people died so that we would have the word of God written in our language and we can bring it to church every Sunday and look at it or listen to it, read to us? Now you can listen to it read to you. You can't read. You just listen to it. Yet we ignore it. And we're satisfied with just, you know, that little one verse from Daily Bread and a little one thought. Saturate your mind with God's word. You should not do daily devotions to check the box for the week. You know, okay, I did my spiritual, first thing on my spiritual to -do list today. No. We should do devotions to reorient our minds and our hearts around spiritual things when everything in the world is yelling at us. Everything wants your attention. Hey, look at this. Hey, buy this. Hey, go for this. Hey, pursue this thing that you find pleasurable. Hey, this relationship, it's calling your name. [03:55:53] (76 seconds) Edit Clip

You might have heard a phrase. It's kind of floated around the church for a long, long time. That, you know, you don't want to be so heavenly -minded that you're no earthly good. I have never met anybody who's so heavenly -minded that they're no earthly good. Could you show me somebody like that? I have never met a person like that. Because when you are heavenly -minded, you will be very, it will work itself out in your life, practically. Notice verse 3. This is one of those great gems buried in one of the epistles. For you have died. There again, we're connected to Christ's death. He died, we've died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. [03:57:05] (48 seconds) Edit Clip

And when Christ, who is our life, is revealed in all his glory during the second coming, we also will be with him. We will be perfected in his glory. All of the struggles of this life will be over. And all that remains is the glory of our resurrected bodies and the perfection of our resurrected souls. I long for that day. Today is the three -year anniversary of my father's passing. And I remember the day very well that he went home to be with the Lord. It's a difficult day. The hope that I have, as a son, is that I get to see my dad again. And that day will be a glorious day. Today, we will be revealed with Christ in glory. His glory will be shared with us. You will live in the glory of the resurrection. [04:02:46] (57 seconds) Edit Clip

Keep stirring those affections for the future. If your life is rooted in what's here and now, you will never be fully content. You were not made for this world. You were made for another world. You were made for glory. You were made for resurrection life with Christ. Now, we're going to come to the last one. Keep fighting. Or if you like the word killing better, some of you guys, you know, you might like the word killing. You could use either word. But in verses 5 through 7, now, Paul takes another step to how do you live the resurrected life? Keep believing. Keep seeking. Keep longing. But then he says, therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead. And then he gives you a list. He says, you know, those things are the kinds of things that God's judgment will come one day. [04:05:27] (52 seconds) Edit Clip

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