Raised With Christ

Paul frames life under a throne. Christ is seated at the right hand of God, not in leisure but in authority, like a judge whose bench makes every word binding. From that throne the text traces three dimensions of a believer’s life. The past is settled: believers died with Christ and were raised with him. His death answers for sin; his resurrection plants new power inside, so that change moves from the inside out. The present is commanded: seek the things above and set the mind there. That does not mean daydreaming about streets of gold; it means living on earth with heaven’s King on the heart’s throne. The future is promised: when Christ who is life appears, believers will appear with him in glory.

The text then spells out what an earthly mindset looks like so it can be slain. Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness are named. Covetousness is called idolatry because an over-desire sits where Jesus should sit. The test is sharp: if someone will sin to get it, or sin when not getting it, that desire is a god. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming, so the past walk must be remembered as past. The old self’s way is not only acted sin; it is inner weather. Anger, wrath, and malice churn within; slander, obscene talk, and lies spill without. God wants the heart, not merely clean rituals. The reason to put these off is identity: the old self has been stripped, and the new self is being renewed in knowledge after the image of the Creator by the Spirit’s work.

Christ gives the pattern and the power. In him there is a new unity beyond earthly distinctions, and in him believers are named chosen, holy, and loved. Those titles do not flatter self; they anchor service. From that belonging, the text says to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, to bear with complaints, to forgive as the Lord forgave, and above all to put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. This is not niceness; it is Jesus’ likeness.

The plan is plain. Let the peace of Christ rule the inner court, running first to his blood for cleansing rather than to self-effort. Let the word of Christ dwell richly by teaching, admonishing, and singing with thankfulness. And then, whatever is done in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father. Gratitude keeps grace central and keeps an orderly life from hardening into self-righteousness. The call is clear: live a resurrection lifestyle by resurrection power.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Resurrection redefines past, present, future Christ’s death counts as the believer’s death, and his resurrection plants new life within. The present is reoriented by commands to seek and to set the mind above. The future is secured in the promise of appearing with Christ in glory, which bends today’s choices toward that day. This timeline stabilizes obedience when feelings and circumstances swing. [05:48]
• 2. Idolatry hides inside over-desire Covetousness turns a good thing into a god-thing when desire rules conduct. The test is simple and searching: sin to get it or sin when not getting it. Even pizza and brownies can expose a throne problem. The heart’s seat belongs to Jesus, not to appetite. [12:20]
• 3. Put off inner and outer sins Anger, wrath, and malice may never break out, yet they corrode the soul before a word is spoken. Slander, obscene talk, and lies then weaponize the tongue against neighbors. God aims for the heart, and the Spirit renews the new self so the mouth and the mood both change. Repentance must reach motives as well as manners. [17:56]
• 4. Identity: chosen, holy, and loved Being chosen answers the ache to belong, holiness assigns a station, and love secures value. These are Christ’s own titles shared with his people, shifting life from self-esteem to Christ-esteem. From that settled identity, compassion, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love become fitting clothes, not forced costumes. [21:27]
• 5. Gratitude guards against quiet drift Established routines can mask spiritual emptiness if thanksgiving dries up. The peace that rules, the word that dwells, and the work done in Jesus’ name all end in thanks because grace deserves the credit. Gratitude keeps households and churches from losing the gospel in one generation. It turns order into worship rather than into pride. [34:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:05] - Tragedy and the big question
• [04:09] - Life in light of the throne
• [05:48] - Past: died and raised with Christ
• [07:34] - Present: seek things above
• [09:24] - Future: appear with Christ in glory
• [10:07] - Earthly mindset: sins to kill
• [12:20] - Covetousness as idolatry
• [14:06] - Remember wrath and your past walk
• [15:48] - Put away anger and tearing words
• [19:41] - New self renewed by the Spirit
• [21:27] - Identity: chosen, holy, loved
• [26:46] - Put on Christlike compassion and love
• [32:07] - Peace rules, word dwells, thanks abounds
• [39:12] - Make it personal; live resurrected

1. According to Colossians 3:1-4, how does Paul describe the believer’s past, present, and future in relation to Christ?
2. What specific behaviors does Paul list as “earthly” and needing to be “put to death” (vv. 5-9)? How does the sermon connect covetousness to idolatry? [12:20]
3. What qualities are believers commanded to “put on” in verses 12-14, and how does the sermon describe their connection to Jesus’ character? [27:46]

1. Why does Paul emphasize that believers have “died” and “been raised with Christ” (v. 3) before giving commands about holy living? How does this shape our understanding of obedience?
2. The sermon states that even “good desires” like food can become idolatrous. How does the test of “sinning to get it or sinning when not getting it” reveal idolatry in the heart? [12:20]
3. How does the identity of being “chosen, holy, and loved” (v. 12) challenge the way we view ourselves and others in daily interactions? [21:27]

1. Reflect on a recent moment when you felt anger, resentment, or envy (e.g., over a disagreement, unmet expectation, or comparison). How might that reveal a “throne problem” where a desire competed with Christ’s authority? [16:05]
2. Choose one “put off” behavior from Colossians 3:5-9 (e.g., gossip, bitterness, dishonesty) that you struggle with. What specific “put on” virtue from verses 12-14 could replace it this week?
3. The sermon warns that routines can mask spiritual emptiness if gratitude fades. What ordinary task (e.g., chores, work, parenting) could you intentionally approach with thankfulness this week as an act of worship? [34:56]
4. Think of a relationship where tension exists (family, coworker, friend). How might remembering your identity as “chosen, holy, and loved” change your attitude or actions toward them? [21:27]
5. The sermon compares meekness to Jesus’ silence during injustice (Matthew 27:12-14). Where in your life do you need to practice “strength under control” instead of demanding your rights or voice? [31:26]