Seeking the Eternal: Pursuing Christ Above All

In this session, we delve into the transition from the indicatives to the imperatives in Colossians 3:1-4. The indicatives are the foundational truths of our faith: we have been raised with Christ, our life is hidden with Him, and we will appear with Him in glory. These are the realities God has wrought through our conversion and union with Christ. Now, based on these truths, we are given two imperatives: to seek the things that are above and to set our minds on them.

To seek is to desire, to want, and to pursue with our whole heart. It is an active engagement, not a passive state. Setting our minds involves shaping our thoughts and attitudes according to the realities above, not the transient things of the earth. The "things above" are not material items but the realities, values, and purposes of God. They are contrasted with the "things on the earth," which can become idols if they compete with Christ for our affections.

The essence of setting our minds on things above is to focus on Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God. Our true life is hidden with Him, and our ultimate glory will be revealed when He appears. Therefore, we are called to pursue Christ, to know His ways, attitudes, and values, and to conform our thinking to His reality. This pursuit is not just about avoiding earthly idolatry but about seeking the true life and glory that are found in Christ alone.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The indicatives of our faith—being raised with Christ, having our life hidden with Him, and appearing with Him in glory—are foundational truths that shape our identity and purpose. These realities are not just theological concepts but transformative truths that define our existence. [01:25]
• 2. Seeking the things above is an active pursuit of desiring and craving the realities of God. It requires a wholehearted engagement, where our desires align with God's purposes and values. This pursuit is not passive but a deliberate choice to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. [03:35]
• 3. Setting our minds on things above involves shaping our thoughts and attitudes according to God's realities. It is about conforming our thinking to the values, desires, and purposes of Christ, allowing His mindset to influence our daily lives. This transformation is a continuous process of aligning our minds with the divine. [04:29]
• 4. The "things above" are not material items but the realities and values of God. They contrast with the "things on the earth," which can become idols if they compete with Christ for our affections. Our focus should be on the eternal realities that define our true life in Christ. [06:53]
• 5. Our true life and glory are hidden with Christ in God. As we seek Him and set our minds on His realities, we align ourselves with the eternal glory that will be revealed when Christ appears. This pursuit of Christ is the path to experiencing the fullness of life and glory in Him. [12:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:15] - Introduction to Colossians 3:1-4
• [00:35] - Indicatives: Foundational Truths
• [01:46] - Transition to Imperatives
• [02:21] - Imperative 1: Seek the Things Above
• [03:00] - Imperative 2: Set Your Mind on Things Above
• [03:53] - Understanding "Seek" and "Set Your Mind"
• [05:03] - Defining "Things Above"
• [06:17] - Contrasting Earthly and Heavenly Realities
• [07:48] - The Mindset of Christ
• [08:38] - Earthly Desires and Idolatry
• [10:57] - Christ: The Reality Above
• [11:47] - Seeking True Life and Glory
• [12:57] - Encouragement to Seek God's Kingdom

1. What are the foundational truths (indicatives) mentioned in Colossians 3:1-4, and how do they shape our identity as believers? [01:25]
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean to "seek the things that are above"? How is this different from a passive approach to faith? [03:17]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of setting our minds on things above? What role do our thoughts and attitudes play in this process? [04:13]
4. What are the "things on the earth" that can become idols, and how do they compete with Christ for our affections? [10:07]

1. How do the indicatives of our faith, such as being raised with Christ, influence the way we live out the imperatives to seek and set our minds on things above? [01:46]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that earthly desires can become idolatrous, and how can believers discern when this is happening? [10:25]
3. How does the concept of our life being "hidden with Christ in God" provide a foundation for seeking true life and glory in Christ? [11:47]
4. What does it mean to conform our thinking to the values and purposes of Christ, and how can this transformation impact our daily lives? [04:29]

1. Reflect on your current desires and pursuits. Are there any "things on the earth" that have become more important to you than your relationship with Christ? How can you realign your priorities this week? [10:42]
2. Consider the ways you actively seek the things above. What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply with God's purposes and values in your daily routine? [03:35]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where your thoughts and attitudes need to be shaped by the realities of God. What changes can you make to align your mindset with Christ's values? [04:13]
4. Think about a time when you felt your true life and glory were hidden with Christ. How can this understanding encourage you to pursue a deeper relationship with Him? [12:03]
5. How can you actively seek to know Christ's ways, attitudes, and values in your interactions with others this week? What specific actions can you take to reflect His mindset? [11:28]
6. Is there a particular earthly desire that you struggle with turning into an idol? What strategies can you implement to prevent this desire from competing with Christ for your affections? [10:25]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to seek the things above and set their minds on Christ? What role can you play in fostering a community focused on eternal realities? [12:57]