WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.700 Church, our sermon text this morning is Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 through 4. 00:00:06.780 --> 00:00:08.720 That's page 984 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:08.800 --> 00:00:09.859 Go ahead and turn there with me. 00:00:11.220 --> 00:00:13.280 Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 through 4. 00:00:19.120 --> 00:00:23.820 As we turn there and before we read, let me pray for us. 00:00:23.820 --> 00:00:30.480 Our Father, we do indeed hunger for the day. 00:00:31.500 --> 00:00:33.799 When with Christ we will stand in glory. 00:00:35.380 --> 00:00:49.079 And Father, we thank you that you've given us your clear and present word in the scriptures to speak to us as we run the race looking forward to that day. 00:00:49.079 --> 00:01:02.519 So would you equip us this morning, Father, through your word, by your spirit, that we might set our minds on Christ and live for him looking forward to that great day. 00:01:03.299 --> 00:01:04.879 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:01:05.420 --> 00:01:05.659 Amen. 00:01:08.359 --> 00:01:10.719 Colossians chapter 3, verses 1 through 4. 00:01:10.780 --> 00:01:11.819 Let me read this for us. 00:01:11.819 --> 00:01:23.019 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 00:01:24.179 --> 00:01:29.539 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 00:01:30.819 --> 00:01:35.560 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 00:01:35.560 --> 00:01:42.859 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:51.500 So I wonder if you think people can really change. 00:01:52.520 --> 00:01:55.040 Do you remember that great scene at the end of Rocky 4? 00:01:56.340 --> 00:01:57.760 You can talk to me about it afterwards. 00:01:58.140 --> 00:02:00.260 Rocky's just beaten the Russian, right? 00:02:00.620 --> 00:02:04.500 And the great call that he has is people can change. 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:12.039 If you take a walk through the aisles of a bookstore, you might actually get mixed messages about whether or not people can change. 00:02:12.819 --> 00:02:16.240 On the one hand, there are lots of books in the self-help section. 00:02:16.699 --> 00:02:19.640 Lots about mindfulness and recovery and change and so on. 00:02:19.719 --> 00:02:24.039 Beth told me that she saw a whole section of magazines actually devoted to this the last time she was there. 00:02:26.080 --> 00:02:27.879 So on the one hand, maybe people can change. 00:02:27.939 --> 00:02:32.500 But on the other hand, the sheer number of those books kind of makes you pause, doesn't it? 00:02:32.500 --> 00:02:37.419 If people really can change and if someone has actually figured it out, why are there so many books on the topic? 00:02:38.139 --> 00:02:39.680 And why do they keep being published? 00:02:39.919 --> 00:02:41.180 Does any of it really work? 00:02:44.300 --> 00:02:47.819 In chapter 2 of Colossians, right before the text we just read, 00:02:48.180 --> 00:02:55.599 the Apostle Paul has been exposing the emptiness of what we might call man-made spirituality, 00:02:55.599 --> 00:02:58.900 of religion apart from Christ. 00:03:00.079 --> 00:03:03.680 Whether it's rules that promise to make us good and upright, 00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:08.620 or whether it's rituals that promise to deliver exciting spiritual experiences, 00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:12.500 Paul says apart from Christ, it's all empty. 00:03:14.079 --> 00:03:15.400 That's how chapter 2 ends. 00:03:15.479 --> 00:03:16.859 Look there with me at verse 23. 00:03:17.599 --> 00:03:17.939 He says, 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:47.919 That is, 00:03:47.939 --> 00:03:50.879 The gospel of Jesus Christ is something different. 00:03:52.340 --> 00:04:00.659 In chapter 3 of Colossians, Paul is going to show us how the new life in Christ really does change us. 00:04:01.659 --> 00:04:06.699 Not from the outside in, like the old religious rules and rituals try to, 00:04:06.800 --> 00:04:08.439 but from the inside out. 00:04:09.719 --> 00:04:13.699 The heartbeat of chapter 3, if you take a step back and look at it, 00:04:13.719 --> 00:04:16.300 the heartbeat of chapter 3 is actually found in verses 9 and 10. 00:04:16.300 --> 00:04:17.000 And there Paul says, 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:19.920 You have put off the old self with its practices, 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:22.759 and have put on the new self, 00:04:23.100 --> 00:04:27.800 which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:33.500 For those in Christ, something deep inside has happened. 00:04:33.500 --> 00:04:36.759 You've put off your old self. 00:04:36.959 --> 00:04:39.459 You've put on the new self. 00:04:39.459 --> 00:04:45.800 And the image of God, the very image of your creator is being renewed in you. 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:50.560 Now, verses 5 through 9 talk about putting off the old self in Christ, 00:04:50.680 --> 00:04:53.340 and verses 12 through 17 talk about putting on the new self in Christ, 00:04:53.500 --> 00:04:56.259 and we're going to get to those passages in the next two weeks. 00:04:56.660 --> 00:04:58.540 But before Paul gets to all that, 00:04:59.139 --> 00:05:02.040 there's a critical first step. 00:05:02.040 --> 00:05:05.600 Before we can put off the old self, 00:05:05.660 --> 00:05:06.700 and before we put on the new, 00:05:06.780 --> 00:05:11.319 there's a principle or a practice that undergirds all the rest, 00:05:11.560 --> 00:05:13.740 like the deep pillars that hold up a bridge. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:16.960 If you've been over the new Tappan Zee Bridge recently, 00:05:16.960 --> 00:05:19.520 you realize how giant those pillars are, 00:05:19.580 --> 00:05:21.340 holding up that bridge, crossing that river. 00:05:21.759 --> 00:05:23.939 Or like a foundation holding up a building. 00:05:24.820 --> 00:05:27.580 There's a practice that precedes and undergirds all of this. 00:05:27.659 --> 00:05:28.099 What is it? 00:05:29.859 --> 00:05:32.219 The opening verses of chapter 3 tell us. 00:05:32.919 --> 00:05:33.779 Verse 1 says, 00:05:34.479 --> 00:05:36.800 Seek the things that are above. 00:05:37.539 --> 00:05:39.479 And then clarifying what he means, 00:05:39.599 --> 00:05:40.599 Paul says in verse 2, 00:05:41.019 --> 00:05:43.680 Set your minds on things that are above. 00:05:44.039 --> 00:05:48.919 So the practice or the duty that undergirds all the rest of Christian living 00:05:48.919 --> 00:05:51.879 and holiness and transformation is this, 00:05:51.939 --> 00:05:56.560 that we intentionally and constantly be setting our minds 00:05:56.560 --> 00:05:57.780 on things above. 00:05:58.339 --> 00:05:59.040 In other words, 00:05:59.060 --> 00:06:01.660 if we're going to see any progress in putting off our old nature, 00:06:01.959 --> 00:06:05.339 if we're going to see any growth in putting on the new nature of holiness 00:06:05.339 --> 00:06:06.259 and Christlikeness, 00:06:06.259 --> 00:06:12.120 we have to be deliberately and daily setting our minds on things above. 00:06:14.079 --> 00:06:15.500 Now what we're going to do this morning 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:18.480 is we're going to unpack this exhortation 00:06:18.480 --> 00:06:20.220 to set our minds on things above. 00:06:20.879 --> 00:06:22.079 And we're going to unpack it 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:23.980 and we're going to look at it from three different angles. 00:06:24.160 --> 00:06:25.600 First, we're going to look at the object. 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:29.660 What are these things above that we're supposed to be setting our minds on? 00:06:30.140 --> 00:06:31.900 And then second, we're going to look at the motivation. 00:06:32.140 --> 00:06:34.520 Why should we actually be doing all this in the first place? 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:35.560 Why should we? 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:36.680 Why can we do this? 00:06:37.140 --> 00:06:38.720 And last, we're going to look at the practice. 00:06:38.820 --> 00:06:39.500 How do we do it? 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:41.560 What are some practical steps that we can take 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:44.900 to be daily and deliberately setting our minds on things above? 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:48.740 So let's begin with the object, with the what. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:53.379 What are these things above on which we should be setting our minds? 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:56.379 Is Paul saying that we should have our head in the clouds all day? 00:06:56.899 --> 00:06:58.219 I mean, what are these things above? 00:06:58.339 --> 00:06:59.839 Are we just supposed to be staring at the clouds, 00:07:00.540 --> 00:07:01.759 forgetting about all of our troubles, 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:03.300 whistling a tune as we go, 00:07:03.480 --> 00:07:05.519 daydreaming about pie in the sky, 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:06.199 by and by, 00:07:06.319 --> 00:07:08.180 forgetting about all of our worldly cares? 00:07:09.399 --> 00:07:10.839 No, look again at verse one. 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:12.459 If then you have been raised with Christ, 00:07:12.620 --> 00:07:15.740 seek the things that are above where Christ is, 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:19.079 seated at the right hand of God. 00:07:19.079 --> 00:07:23.560 Whatever else Paul might mean by the things above, 00:07:23.639 --> 00:07:24.919 this much is clear, 00:07:25.459 --> 00:07:27.500 it's where Christ is. 00:07:29.180 --> 00:07:29.740 In other words, 00:07:29.859 --> 00:07:33.579 Jesus Christ is the focal point of heaven, 00:07:33.879 --> 00:07:34.539 the things above. 00:07:35.099 --> 00:07:35.639 In other words, 00:07:35.719 --> 00:07:37.519 if we have thoughts of heaven, 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:42.000 if right now we picture the dwelling place of God in our minds, 00:07:42.339 --> 00:07:46.360 if we think about the present spiritual dimension of reality 00:07:46.360 --> 00:07:48.199 where God dwells in fullness, 00:07:48.280 --> 00:07:49.660 that's what the Bible means by heaven, 00:07:49.720 --> 00:07:50.139 by the way, 00:07:51.300 --> 00:07:52.580 if we're thinking of that, 00:07:52.960 --> 00:07:54.800 and if Christ is not there, 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:58.960 and if Christ is not the central reality of that picture, 00:07:59.040 --> 00:08:02.420 if Christ is not the all-consuming center of its glory, 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:03.060 and worship, 00:08:03.220 --> 00:08:03.660 and joy, 00:08:03.780 --> 00:08:04.280 and life, 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:07.000 then we aren't thinking biblically. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:10.600 In Revelation chapter 5, 00:08:10.699 --> 00:08:13.800 the apostle John is given a glimpse into heaven, 00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:16.379 given a glimpse into this spiritual dimension of reality 00:08:16.379 --> 00:08:17.779 where God dwells in fullness, 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:19.160 and what he sees, 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:20.379 and what he hears, 00:08:20.660 --> 00:08:24.660 is actually all creation praising Christ. 00:08:25.819 --> 00:08:26.800 They're singing, 00:08:27.899 --> 00:08:29.920 worthy is the Lamb who was slain 00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:31.639 to receive power, 00:08:31.939 --> 00:08:32.559 and wealth, 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:33.580 and wisdom, 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:34.620 and honor, 00:08:34.620 --> 00:08:35.519 and glory, 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:36.580 and blessing. 00:08:37.820 --> 00:08:40.259 To set our minds on things above 00:08:40.259 --> 00:08:41.419 means above all, 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:43.620 to set our minds on Christ. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:47.519 And then Paul adds this detail in verse 1, 00:08:47.580 --> 00:08:48.120 did you catch it? 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:51.820 That Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:54.700 Now that's a reference to Psalm 110, 00:08:55.440 --> 00:08:59.559 which is a psalm about the coming Messiah's enthronement 00:08:59.559 --> 00:09:00.759 and his reign. 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:03.980 And because Jesus is that long-awaited Messiah, 00:09:03.980 --> 00:09:04.860 this expression, 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:06.480 seated at the right hand of God, 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:08.659 is actually one of the most common ways 00:09:08.659 --> 00:09:09.920 the writers of the New Testament 00:09:09.920 --> 00:09:11.800 talk about Jesus' ascension 00:09:11.800 --> 00:09:13.779 and exaltation in heaven 00:09:13.779 --> 00:09:16.080 40 days after his resurrection from the dead. 00:09:17.659 --> 00:09:18.180 You see, 00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:20.539 the same Jesus who became incarnate 00:09:20.539 --> 00:09:21.720 in the Virgin Mary, 00:09:22.159 --> 00:09:25.240 who lived a perfect life under God's law, 00:09:26.019 --> 00:09:27.940 who suffered and was crucified 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:30.039 as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:32.080 who was raised bodily from the dead 00:09:32.080 --> 00:09:33.019 on the third day in power, 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:35.779 that same Jesus has ascended in glory 00:09:35.779 --> 00:09:37.779 and lives right now, 00:09:37.960 --> 00:09:40.340 seated at the right hand of God the Father. 00:09:41.860 --> 00:09:45.000 You see, Jesus is not just a historical figure 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:46.100 of long ago, 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:48.340 although he certainly lived in history. 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:52.360 He's living and reigning right now 00:09:52.360 --> 00:09:53.399 at the right hand of God, 00:09:53.460 --> 00:09:57.179 as real and as present as he was 2,000 years ago. 00:09:57.179 --> 00:10:02.479 So as we set our minds on things above, 00:10:03.159 --> 00:10:04.659 we're above all setting our minds 00:10:04.659 --> 00:10:06.399 on the Lord Jesus ascended 00:10:06.399 --> 00:10:08.919 and seated at God's right hand. 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:13.279 This is where we are to fix our minds. 00:10:14.979 --> 00:10:16.399 But what's the significance 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:18.979 of Jesus' session, 00:10:19.259 --> 00:10:20.279 as it's sometimes called? 00:10:20.359 --> 00:10:21.459 That is his being seated 00:10:21.459 --> 00:10:23.299 at the right hand of God. 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:26.379 What does it tell us about Jesus 00:10:26.379 --> 00:10:27.879 on whom we are to set our minds? 00:10:30.559 --> 00:10:31.359 Well, in the Bible, 00:10:31.500 --> 00:10:32.039 at first, 00:10:32.219 --> 00:10:34.559 Jesus' session at God's right hand, 00:10:34.879 --> 00:10:36.759 his being seated at God's right hand, 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:38.799 means that Jesus is ruling 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:40.240 right now from heaven. 00:10:41.399 --> 00:10:42.759 To sit at God's right hand 00:10:42.759 --> 00:10:43.699 is a royal metaphor. 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:46.379 It means that Jesus is the one 00:10:46.379 --> 00:10:47.299 who's in control, 00:10:47.719 --> 00:10:48.359 even though the world 00:10:48.359 --> 00:10:49.439 seems out of control, 00:10:50.099 --> 00:10:51.459 even though so much of the world 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:53.780 is at present in rebellion against God, 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:55.280 even though the church at times 00:10:55.280 --> 00:10:57.340 seems to be so beleaguered and weak, 00:10:57.820 --> 00:11:00.840 Christ is sitting on the throne 00:11:00.840 --> 00:11:03.400 and he will return. 00:11:04.259 --> 00:11:05.280 And then on that day, 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:06.320 all of our trials 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:07.440 and all of our hardships 00:11:07.440 --> 00:11:09.500 will be seen for what they truly are, 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:12.840 light and momentary afflictions 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:15.040 that have been preparing for us 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:16.780 an eternal weight of glory 00:11:16.780 --> 00:11:18.340 beyond compare. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:21.720 Second, 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:23.820 Jesus' session at God's right hand 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:25.800 means that his work of atonement 00:11:25.800 --> 00:11:26.580 is complete. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:29.180 Hebrews 10, 11, and 12 00:11:29.180 --> 00:11:30.600 says that the Old Testament priests 00:11:30.600 --> 00:11:33.320 had to stand daily at their service, 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:35.480 offering repeated sacrifices. 00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:36.000 But, 00:11:36.160 --> 00:11:38.580 when Christ had offered for all time 00:11:38.580 --> 00:11:40.740 a single sacrifice for sins, 00:11:41.259 --> 00:11:42.220 the writer of Hebrews says 00:11:42.220 --> 00:11:43.259 he sat down 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:45.040 at the right hand of God. 00:11:45.039 --> 00:11:47.319 He sat down 00:11:47.319 --> 00:11:48.519 because the work of atonement 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:49.339 was finished. 00:11:49.919 --> 00:11:51.219 It was totally complete. 00:11:51.339 --> 00:11:53.299 There was nothing left to be done. 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:54.319 All that was needed 00:11:54.319 --> 00:11:55.480 to forgive our sins 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:57.459 and reconcile us to God 00:11:57.459 --> 00:11:58.500 had been accomplished 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.439 once and for all 00:11:59.439 --> 00:12:00.240 at the cross 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:01.159 where he, 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:02.339 the sinless one, 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:03.219 took the place 00:12:03.219 --> 00:12:04.319 of the sinful many 00:12:04.319 --> 00:12:06.559 and bore all their sins away. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.500 So when you set your mind 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.120 on things above, 00:12:09.199 --> 00:12:10.219 when you set your mind 00:12:10.219 --> 00:12:10.959 on Christ seated 00:12:10.959 --> 00:12:11.659 at God's right hand, 00:12:11.699 --> 00:12:12.399 you set your mind 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:13.899 on a finished work of atonement. 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:16.299 That all that is needed 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:17.519 for you to be reconciled 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:18.039 to your creator 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:19.059 has been finished. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:22.199 And third, 00:12:22.279 --> 00:12:23.179 Jesus' session 00:12:23.179 --> 00:12:24.879 means that we have 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:26.219 a perfect mediator in heaven. 00:12:27.480 --> 00:12:27.959 Friends, 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:28.419 you realize 00:12:28.419 --> 00:12:30.019 that seated at God's right hand 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:31.480 is Jesus, 00:12:31.599 --> 00:12:32.759 our perfect high priest, 00:12:33.500 --> 00:12:33.899 who, 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:34.959 as Hebrews 4 says, 00:12:35.079 --> 00:12:36.259 sympathizes with all 00:12:36.259 --> 00:12:36.860 of our weakness. 00:12:37.719 --> 00:12:37.919 Jesus, 00:12:38.079 --> 00:12:39.039 in every respect, 00:12:39.179 --> 00:12:40.259 has been tempted as we are 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:41.179 yet without sin. 00:12:41.679 --> 00:12:43.620 And so we can draw near to God 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:44.620 in confidence. 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:46.639 We can draw near to God 00:12:46.639 --> 00:12:47.179 in confidence 00:12:47.179 --> 00:12:48.419 that the throne of God 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:49.639 is no longer 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:50.700 a throne of judgment, 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:51.960 but a throne of grace. 00:12:53.220 --> 00:12:54.060 And because Jesus 00:12:54.060 --> 00:12:55.220 is seated there, 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:57.000 we will receive mercy 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:58.139 and find grace to help 00:12:58.139 --> 00:12:59.080 in our time of need. 00:13:02.799 --> 00:13:03.759 So there's a beginning. 00:13:04.820 --> 00:13:05.399 But you know, 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:07.200 these three short observations, 00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:08.440 they just scratch the surface, 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:08.820 don't they, 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:09.799 of the glory of Christ? 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:12.399 How else might you be 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:13.120 setting your mind 00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:14.059 on the ascended Lord Jesus? 00:13:14.179 --> 00:13:14.819 What else 00:13:14.819 --> 00:13:16.000 of the glories 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:16.599 and beauties 00:13:16.599 --> 00:13:17.719 and wonders of Jesus 00:13:17.719 --> 00:13:18.500 full of mercy, 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:18.839 love, 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:19.359 and power 00:13:19.359 --> 00:13:20.000 can we be 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:22.120 setting our minds on today 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:23.620 and throughout this week? 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:27.039 It reminds me of a song 00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:27.819 we sing here at Trinity 00:13:27.819 --> 00:13:28.620 from time to time. 00:13:29.079 --> 00:13:29.899 The second verse 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:30.519 goes like this. 00:13:30.599 --> 00:13:30.979 It says, 00:13:31.599 --> 00:13:32.819 Could we with ink 00:13:32.819 --> 00:13:34.159 the ocean fill 00:13:34.159 --> 00:13:36.379 and were the skies 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:37.679 of parchment made, 00:13:38.359 --> 00:13:39.599 were every stock 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:40.379 on earth 00:13:40.379 --> 00:13:41.040 a quill 00:13:41.040 --> 00:13:42.080 and every man 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:43.240 a scribe by trade 00:13:43.240 --> 00:13:44.920 to write the love 00:13:44.920 --> 00:13:45.860 of God above 00:13:45.860 --> 00:13:48.139 would drain the ocean dry, 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:50.379 nor could the scroll 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.399 contain the whole 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:52.080 though stretched 00:13:52.080 --> 00:13:53.620 from sky to sky. 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:56.820 On and on 00:13:56.820 --> 00:13:57.540 we could go 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:59.080 reflecting on Christ, 00:13:59.180 --> 00:13:59.759 our crucified, 00:14:00.100 --> 00:14:00.320 risen, 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:01.720 and ascended Lord. 00:14:04.899 --> 00:14:05.639 But for now, 00:14:05.700 --> 00:14:06.040 we have to go 00:14:06.040 --> 00:14:06.720 to our next point 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:07.960 because eventually 00:14:07.960 --> 00:14:08.480 we have to take 00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:08.960 the Lord's Supper 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:09.379 this morning. 00:14:09.460 --> 00:14:10.139 So let's keep going. 00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:11.100 Our next point, 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:12.320 we move from the what 00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:13.180 of setting our minds 00:14:13.180 --> 00:14:14.280 on Christ ascended 00:14:14.280 --> 00:14:15.200 to the why. 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:16.019 Why on earth 00:14:16.019 --> 00:14:16.980 should we be doing that? 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:19.700 Why can we 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:21.220 be spiritually raised 00:14:21.220 --> 00:14:22.780 to new life in Him? 00:14:24.120 --> 00:14:25.180 The difference 00:14:25.180 --> 00:14:26.420 between a person 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:27.420 in Christ, 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:28.980 a genuine Christian believer, 00:14:29.620 --> 00:14:30.340 and a person 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:31.240 not in Christ, 00:14:31.400 --> 00:14:31.900 someone who has 00:14:31.900 --> 00:14:32.840 no saving faith 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:33.340 in Jesus, 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:35.100 is as big 00:14:35.100 --> 00:14:36.120 and broad 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.900 as the difference 00:14:36.899 --> 00:14:37.620 between life 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:38.079 and death, 00:14:38.159 --> 00:14:38.439 friends. 00:14:39.939 --> 00:14:41.039 Apart from Christ, 00:14:41.220 --> 00:14:41.939 we remain 00:14:41.939 --> 00:14:43.059 spiritually dead 00:14:43.059 --> 00:14:43.519 to God 00:14:43.519 --> 00:14:44.159 and captive 00:14:44.159 --> 00:14:45.079 to sin 00:14:45.079 --> 00:14:45.459 and guilt 00:14:45.459 --> 00:14:45.939 and death. 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:47.659 But through faith 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.120 in Christ, 00:14:48.199 --> 00:14:49.459 we become a new creation. 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:51.799 The old has passed away 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:52.819 and the new has come. 00:14:53.079 --> 00:14:54.459 We're alive to God 00:14:54.459 --> 00:14:55.840 and free from sin 00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:56.299 and guilt 00:14:56.299 --> 00:14:56.799 and death. 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:58.419 And what's true 00:14:58.419 --> 00:14:59.480 of Christ our Savior 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.500 is now true of us. 00:15:00.879 --> 00:15:01.779 He has been raised, 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:03.159 therefore we have been 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:03.759 raised with Him 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.759 spiritually now 00:15:04.759 --> 00:15:06.080 and bodily 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:06.819 in the day to come. 00:15:07.799 --> 00:15:08.299 And Paul says, 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.759 if you've been raised, 00:15:10.960 --> 00:15:11.819 then you can set 00:15:11.819 --> 00:15:12.919 your mind on things above. 00:15:13.600 --> 00:15:14.340 You're no longer 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:15.639 captive to the old ways 00:15:15.639 --> 00:15:16.159 of seeking 00:15:16.159 --> 00:15:16.840 and thinking 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:17.919 and setting your mind. 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:20.980 Now that raises 00:15:20.980 --> 00:15:21.980 two important points 00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:22.720 for us, I think. 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:24.879 The first is this. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:25.960 Friend, 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.759 where do you stand 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:28.240 with Jesus Christ? 00:15:30.840 --> 00:15:31.340 You see, 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:32.139 apart from Him 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:32.620 and our own 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:33.340 spiritual effort 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:33.819 and our own 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:34.680 moral performance, 00:15:35.140 --> 00:15:36.640 we remain lifeless 00:15:36.640 --> 00:15:37.180 to God, 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:38.700 spiritually dead. 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.500 Now that's a pretty 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:41.520 stark claim. 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.760 I realize that. 00:15:42.820 --> 00:15:43.640 It's not an easy one 00:15:43.640 --> 00:15:44.540 to come to terms with 00:15:44.540 --> 00:15:45.040 at first. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:46.900 But you see, 00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:48.060 that's the very reason 00:15:48.060 --> 00:15:49.879 why Jesus died 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:50.520 and rose again. 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:53.420 Christ came in love 00:15:53.420 --> 00:15:55.860 to enter into the death 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:56.680 of all those 00:15:56.680 --> 00:15:57.500 deserving death 00:15:57.500 --> 00:15:59.560 so that in His resurrection 00:15:59.560 --> 00:16:00.700 they might come alive 00:16:00.700 --> 00:16:01.260 to God. 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:03.700 And the free offer 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:04.480 of the gospel 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:05.919 is that when we admit 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:07.279 that we're spiritually dead 00:16:07.279 --> 00:16:08.139 apart from Christ 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.399 and when we place 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:10.419 our trust in Him alone 00:16:10.419 --> 00:16:11.460 to give us life, 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:13.019 He does just that. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.939 He breathes new life 00:16:14.939 --> 00:16:15.559 into our hearts, 00:16:15.659 --> 00:16:16.879 He forgives all our sins, 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:18.080 and He reconciles us 00:16:18.080 --> 00:16:18.539 to God. 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:21.879 So friends, 00:16:21.939 --> 00:16:22.539 where do you stand 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:23.360 with Christ today? 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:25.379 Today, 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:26.879 place your trust in Him 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:28.519 and come and know 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:29.299 what it's like 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:31.500 to have real spiritual life. 00:16:33.860 --> 00:16:35.059 The second point is this. 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:37.059 If you have been raised 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:37.639 with Christ, 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:39.919 then you are now able 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:41.379 to set your minds 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.159 on things above. 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:43.679 In other words, 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.620 your thought life 00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:46.019 need not be controlled 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.320 or dominated 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:48.980 by your old self. 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:51.620 Those old things 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.960 you used to tell yourself 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.440 about yourself. 00:16:54.440 --> 00:16:56.880 the old ways 00:16:56.880 --> 00:16:58.020 you used to describe 00:16:58.020 --> 00:16:59.880 and define yourself, 00:17:00.520 --> 00:17:01.360 whether they were 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:02.400 self-exalting 00:17:02.400 --> 00:17:04.320 or self-debasing, 00:17:05.640 --> 00:17:06.720 whether those things 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.539 used to make much 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.039 of yourself 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:08.779 or whether they used 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:09.900 to make little of yourself, 00:17:10.000 --> 00:17:10.799 whether they were thoughts 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.640 full of pride 00:17:11.640 --> 00:17:13.000 or full of despair. 00:17:13.400 --> 00:17:14.539 I'm the best. 00:17:14.840 --> 00:17:15.779 I'm the worst. 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:17.240 I'm good enough. 00:17:17.380 --> 00:17:18.240 I'm smart enough. 00:17:18.340 --> 00:17:19.200 And gosh darn it, 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:20.019 people like me. 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:22.440 Or I'm terrible 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:24.279 and I'm not worthy of love. 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:28.460 The truth is 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:30.500 those things 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.820 need no longer be 00:17:31.820 --> 00:17:32.880 where you set your mind. 00:17:34.160 --> 00:17:35.059 The truth is 00:17:35.059 --> 00:17:35.900 you've been raised 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:36.539 with Christ. 00:17:37.380 --> 00:17:38.580 There's a new power 00:17:38.580 --> 00:17:39.460 of life in you 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:40.779 that has overcome death 00:17:40.779 --> 00:17:42.039 and now 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:43.480 you can set your mind 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:44.279 on things above. 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:46.279 You have the power 00:17:46.279 --> 00:17:47.380 to do that now, 00:17:47.740 --> 00:17:49.400 to have a whole new mindset, 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:50.820 a whole new focus, 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:52.879 to silence 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:53.740 and still 00:17:53.740 --> 00:17:54.799 the old voices 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:56.279 and to set your mind 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.799 on what's really real 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:58.500 and really true 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:59.099 about you. 00:18:01.879 --> 00:18:02.759 So we've been raised 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.139 with Christ. 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.019 That's why we can set 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:04.299 our minds 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:04.779 on things above, 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:05.500 but why ought we? 00:18:06.519 --> 00:18:07.259 Why should we? 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:09.079 Paul answers that question 00:18:09.079 --> 00:18:09.980 in verses 3-4. 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.700 Look there again. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:12.640 Why should we set 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:13.019 our minds 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:14.140 on things above? 00:18:14.420 --> 00:18:14.740 He says, 00:18:14.860 --> 00:18:15.559 For you have died 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:16.740 and your life 00:18:16.740 --> 00:18:17.039 is hidden 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:18.100 with Christ and God. 00:18:18.620 --> 00:18:19.240 When Christ 00:18:19.240 --> 00:18:19.940 who is your life 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.299 appears, 00:18:20.400 --> 00:18:21.120 then you also 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:21.640 will appear 00:18:21.640 --> 00:18:22.120 with him 00:18:22.120 --> 00:18:22.720 in glory. 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:25.279 So why should we 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:25.900 set our minds 00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:26.759 on things above? 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.620 Paul says here, 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:29.420 because Christ 00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:30.200 is our life. 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:32.779 Our life 00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.279 is hidden 00:18:33.279 --> 00:18:34.019 with Christ 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:34.580 and God. 00:18:34.700 --> 00:18:34.900 Hidden 00:18:34.900 --> 00:18:35.519 in the sense 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.500 of safe 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:37.200 and secure, 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:38.120 but also hidden 00:18:38.120 --> 00:18:38.680 in the sense 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:39.200 of waiting 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:40.380 to be fully 00:18:40.380 --> 00:18:40.880 revealed 00:18:40.880 --> 00:18:41.740 for what it is. 00:18:43.340 --> 00:18:44.400 As verse 4 says, 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.500 when Christ returns, 00:18:45.980 --> 00:18:46.860 then we will appear 00:18:46.860 --> 00:18:47.380 with him 00:18:47.380 --> 00:18:48.240 in glory. 00:18:49.880 --> 00:18:50.880 Even if our lives 00:18:50.880 --> 00:18:51.259 right now 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:51.759 from an earthly 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.259 perspective 00:18:52.259 --> 00:18:52.860 seem less 00:18:52.860 --> 00:18:53.460 than glorious, 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:54.980 maybe you think 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:55.320 your life 00:18:55.320 --> 00:18:56.200 feels kind of boring. 00:18:56.380 --> 00:18:57.340 Maybe it's even 00:18:57.340 --> 00:18:58.460 somewhat embarrassing 00:18:58.460 --> 00:18:59.480 to you at times 00:18:59.480 --> 00:19:00.160 and to others. 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:02.120 Paul's saying 00:19:02.120 --> 00:19:02.779 that's not really 00:19:02.779 --> 00:19:03.380 your life. 00:19:04.560 --> 00:19:05.360 Your life 00:19:05.360 --> 00:19:05.700 is hidden 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:06.180 with Christ 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.640 and God 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:07.460 and one day 00:19:07.460 --> 00:19:09.660 your real glory, 00:19:10.059 --> 00:19:11.259 glory received 00:19:11.259 --> 00:19:11.860 from the Son 00:19:11.860 --> 00:19:12.600 of God himself 00:19:12.600 --> 00:19:13.700 will be displayed 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:15.400 before all creation. 00:19:17.340 --> 00:19:18.059 That's who you 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.620 really are. 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:21.319 And so we ought 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.840 to daily 00:19:21.840 --> 00:19:22.620 and deliberately 00:19:22.620 --> 00:19:23.420 set our minds 00:19:23.420 --> 00:19:24.100 on things above 00:19:24.100 --> 00:19:25.680 because we so often 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:26.200 forget 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:27.940 that Christ 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:28.980 is our life. 00:19:30.680 --> 00:19:31.440 Our hearts 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:32.319 are so forgetful, 00:19:32.380 --> 00:19:32.700 aren't they? 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:34.700 How easily 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.600 do our jobs 00:19:35.600 --> 00:19:36.660 become our life? 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:38.680 How quickly 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.440 does our marital 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.039 status 00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:40.980 become our life? 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:42.920 How naturally 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:43.460 do our hearts 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:44.660 drift into believing 00:19:44.660 --> 00:19:45.400 that our kids 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:45.940 are our life 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:46.600 or our financial 00:19:46.600 --> 00:19:47.120 well-being 00:19:47.120 --> 00:19:47.840 is our life 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:48.819 or our physical 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:49.400 appearance 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:49.880 or our physical 00:19:49.880 --> 00:19:50.400 ability 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.120 is our life? 00:19:52.160 --> 00:19:52.380 Friends, 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:53.120 when any of these 00:19:53.120 --> 00:19:53.779 things become 00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:54.680 our life, 00:19:54.759 --> 00:19:55.259 that is when they 00:19:55.259 --> 00:19:55.700 become the 00:19:55.700 --> 00:19:56.680 determiner of our 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.480 joy and happiness, 00:19:57.600 --> 00:19:58.000 when they become 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.500 the driving motivator 00:19:59.500 --> 00:20:00.180 of our thoughts 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:00.860 and actions, 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:03.200 then we've allowed 00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:04.360 our minds to be set, 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.019 as Paul says, 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:06.019 on earthly things. 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.980 You see, 00:20:08.019 --> 00:20:08.539 when Paul says, 00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:09.660 don't set your minds 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:10.379 on things that are 00:20:10.379 --> 00:20:11.079 on the earth, 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:11.960 in verse 2, 00:20:13.119 --> 00:20:13.440 here, 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.420 earthly things 00:20:14.420 --> 00:20:15.299 doesn't have to 00:20:15.299 --> 00:20:16.319 exclusively mean 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.940 overtly sinful things, 00:20:18.099 --> 00:20:19.039 like lust or anger 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:19.460 or greed. 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:20.619 Those things certainly 00:20:20.619 --> 00:20:21.779 count as earthly things, 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:22.639 but we can also be 00:20:22.639 --> 00:20:23.339 setting our minds 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:24.180 on earthly things 00:20:24.180 --> 00:20:25.379 when we take something 00:20:25.379 --> 00:20:26.339 that's good and right 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:27.119 in its own place 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:28.420 and elevate it 00:20:28.420 --> 00:20:29.539 and make it our life. 00:20:29.539 --> 00:20:34.139 when you set your mind 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:35.099 on a certain job 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:36.139 or set your mind 00:20:36.139 --> 00:20:37.059 on having a spouse, 00:20:37.159 --> 00:20:38.559 when you place your hopes 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:39.399 and affections 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:40.659 and joy in that thing, 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:41.279 whatever it is, 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.220 then it's become 00:20:42.220 --> 00:20:42.899 your life. 00:20:44.139 --> 00:20:44.480 And friend, 00:20:44.559 --> 00:20:45.960 when a created thing 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.240 becomes your life, 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.299 we are doomed 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:50.139 for disappointment. 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.579 None of those things 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.420 can hold the weight 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:55.139 of your life. 00:20:55.140 --> 00:20:58.080 your job, 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:59.020 whether it's wonderful 00:20:59.020 --> 00:20:59.980 or miserable, 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.340 is not your life. 00:21:02.820 --> 00:21:04.140 And your marital status, 00:21:04.520 --> 00:21:04.980 whether it's one 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:05.520 that you want 00:21:05.520 --> 00:21:06.540 or one that you don't want, 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:07.740 it's not your life. 00:21:09.320 --> 00:21:10.360 Christ is your life. 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:13.100 And when you set your mind 00:21:13.100 --> 00:21:14.160 on things above, 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:15.200 you're remembering 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.280 what and who 00:21:16.280 --> 00:21:18.160 your life really is. 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:21.060 So that when temptation comes, 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:24.340 the temptation to despair 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:26.019 because work isn't 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:27.019 what you want it to be 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.359 or your dating life 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:29.500 isn't what you want it to be, 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:31.379 the temptation to act out 00:21:31.379 --> 00:21:33.000 in anger or jealousy, 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.559 when temptation comes 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:37.019 on account of those things 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:37.980 that have become 00:21:37.980 --> 00:21:39.240 your temporary life, 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:39.799 you can say, 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:40.559 wait, wait, wait. 00:21:40.859 --> 00:21:42.279 No, that's not my life. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:44.819 Christ is my life. 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:46.839 He's the one who loves me 00:21:46.839 --> 00:21:48.079 and gave himself for me. 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.339 He's the one who sits 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.500 at God's right hand 00:21:50.500 --> 00:21:51.759 and will return one day 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:53.779 and unveil a glory in me 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:55.339 so weighty and so real 00:21:55.339 --> 00:21:57.200 that creation will tremble 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:59.259 with awe at the sight of us. 00:22:01.339 --> 00:22:02.319 He's my life. 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:04.359 Not this thing, 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:05.379 not that thing, 00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:06.480 not the other thing. 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:09.500 The Lord of the universe, 00:22:09.839 --> 00:22:10.619 the one seated 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:11.680 at God's right hand, 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:12.579 the one perfect 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:13.639 in beauty and power 00:22:13.639 --> 00:22:14.099 and love, 00:22:14.660 --> 00:22:16.180 Christ is our life, friends. 00:22:17.399 --> 00:22:18.339 I am his 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.539 and he is mine. 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:20.839 Can you say that? 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:25.199 That's why we have to daily 00:22:25.199 --> 00:22:26.399 and deliberately 00:22:26.399 --> 00:22:27.500 set our minds 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.299 on things above 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:29.819 because Christ is your life 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:31.619 and you must not forget. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:37.339 So then this principle, 00:22:37.699 --> 00:22:38.879 this duty of a Christian, 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:41.939 this first call for us 00:22:41.939 --> 00:22:43.139 as believers in Christ 00:22:43.139 --> 00:22:44.359 is to daily 00:22:44.359 --> 00:22:45.079 and deliberately 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:45.879 set our minds 00:22:45.879 --> 00:22:46.639 on things above. 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:48.600 If we ask 00:22:48.600 --> 00:22:49.380 what we're to set 00:22:49.380 --> 00:22:50.040 our minds on, 00:22:50.259 --> 00:22:51.020 the answer ultimately 00:22:51.020 --> 00:22:51.700 is Christ 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:52.980 ascended and seated 00:22:52.980 --> 00:22:53.800 at God's right hand 00:22:53.800 --> 00:22:54.900 soon to return in glory. 00:22:55.380 --> 00:22:55.980 And if we ask 00:22:55.980 --> 00:22:56.800 why we're to set 00:22:56.800 --> 00:22:57.540 our minds on him, 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.259 it's because 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.340 that's our true life 00:23:00.340 --> 00:23:02.400 above everything 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:03.340 and anything else. 00:23:06.040 --> 00:23:07.060 In conclusion then, 00:23:07.120 --> 00:23:07.780 let's end 00:23:07.780 --> 00:23:08.920 by asking how. 00:23:10.200 --> 00:23:11.500 If setting our minds 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:12.420 on things above 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.840 is the critical component 00:23:13.840 --> 00:23:15.120 to living this new life 00:23:15.119 --> 00:23:15.659 in Christ, 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:16.559 how should we go 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:17.379 about doing it? 00:23:18.939 --> 00:23:19.819 And there's a lot 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:20.639 that we could say here 00:23:20.639 --> 00:23:21.219 and I want to end 00:23:21.219 --> 00:23:22.779 with just three practical helps, 00:23:22.919 --> 00:23:23.399 three things 00:23:23.399 --> 00:23:24.199 to get us started 00:23:24.199 --> 00:23:25.439 to maybe prime the pump 00:23:25.439 --> 00:23:26.679 along these directions 00:23:26.679 --> 00:23:27.179 and maybe 00:23:27.179 --> 00:23:28.259 after the service 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.279 downstairs over coffee 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:29.979 or over lunch, 00:23:30.000 --> 00:23:30.599 you can talk about 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:31.259 more ways 00:23:31.259 --> 00:23:31.899 that you've found 00:23:31.899 --> 00:23:33.199 that are helpful to you 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:34.239 to continually 00:23:34.239 --> 00:23:35.319 set your mind 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.979 on things above, 00:23:36.079 --> 00:23:36.659 to set your mind 00:23:36.659 --> 00:23:37.259 on Christ. 00:23:38.939 --> 00:23:39.879 But three things 00:23:39.879 --> 00:23:40.819 as we close. 00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:41.339 First, 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.979 consider the very word 00:23:42.979 --> 00:23:43.899 set your mind. 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:47.280 In our technological age, 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:48.280 we specialize 00:23:48.280 --> 00:23:49.460 in easy 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.600 and fast, 00:23:50.780 --> 00:23:51.180 don't we? 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.440 With a simple 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:53.500 tap of a screen 00:23:53.500 --> 00:23:54.900 on my phone, 00:23:55.040 --> 00:23:56.160 I can find information 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:56.840 from practically 00:23:56.840 --> 00:23:57.920 anywhere in the world. 00:23:58.440 --> 00:23:58.620 Right? 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.759 If I'm bored, 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.300 I can entertain myself. 00:24:01.580 --> 00:24:02.380 If I'm curious, 00:24:02.560 --> 00:24:03.540 I can find an answer. 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:05.600 We have gadgets 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.120 and machines 00:24:06.120 --> 00:24:06.740 that can do anything 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:07.640 from make our coffee 00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:08.680 to make a 3D computer 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.900 model of the solar system. 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.680 Writer Andy Crouch 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:13.380 calls our time 00:24:13.380 --> 00:24:15.200 the easy everywhere age. 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.660 So what Paul is telling us 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:19.360 to do here 00:24:19.360 --> 00:24:21.680 is very countercultural, 00:24:21.880 --> 00:24:22.460 is it not? 00:24:23.480 --> 00:24:24.320 He's telling us 00:24:24.320 --> 00:24:25.400 to slow down 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:28.180 and set our minds. 00:24:29.840 --> 00:24:31.180 The word Paul uses here 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:32.019 combines both 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:33.519 our thinking faculties 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:35.140 and our faculties 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:35.799 of desire. 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.299 He's saying, 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:38.420 set your mind, 00:24:38.519 --> 00:24:39.960 but mind here in the Bible 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:41.340 isn't just what you think about, 00:24:41.420 --> 00:24:42.680 it's what you long for 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.360 in love. 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:46.380 Set your heart's desire 00:24:46.380 --> 00:24:47.579 on the things above. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:50.220 Make it your treasure 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.180 and your longing. 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:53.180 Make it your daily bread 00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:53.840 and your food. 00:24:55.860 --> 00:24:57.079 It's as if Paul is saying, 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.360 slow down 00:24:58.360 --> 00:25:01.059 and think about Christ 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:02.420 and the realities of Christ 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:03.420 long enough 00:25:03.420 --> 00:25:04.819 so that your heart 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:06.420 starts to warm at the fire. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:09.259 When I was a kid, 00:25:09.900 --> 00:25:10.680 we used to play 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:12.160 with those little green army men. 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:13.400 Do you remember those? 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:15.880 And one day we found out 00:25:15.880 --> 00:25:17.120 that we could take 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:18.120 a magnifying glass 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:19.680 and if we held it 00:25:19.680 --> 00:25:20.420 still long enough, 00:25:20.660 --> 00:25:21.400 we could actually 00:25:21.400 --> 00:25:22.560 melt their faces off. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.380 Oh man, 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.640 that was like hours of fun 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:27.539 watching them bubble 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.360 and melt away. 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:32.340 Don't read too much 00:25:32.340 --> 00:25:32.779 into that. 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:36.980 But here's the thing. 00:25:38.599 --> 00:25:40.399 Like a magnifying glass 00:25:40.399 --> 00:25:41.480 held out to the sun, 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:43.339 Paul's saying 00:25:43.339 --> 00:25:44.460 that you have to hold 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.940 the truths of Christ 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:46.779 in your mind 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:47.779 long enough 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:50.000 until the pointed rays 00:25:50.000 --> 00:25:50.879 of his love 00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:51.839 and beauty 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:52.680 start to melt 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.779 your cold heart. 00:25:54.899 --> 00:25:56.000 That's what he's saying here. 00:25:56.139 --> 00:25:57.920 Set your mind on it. 00:25:57.920 --> 00:26:02.320 And that brings me 00:26:02.320 --> 00:26:03.400 to the second practical help. 00:26:04.580 --> 00:26:04.840 You know, 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:06.180 oftentimes we sit down 00:26:06.180 --> 00:26:07.019 to read the Bible 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.480 and pray 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.039 and it's a very 00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:09.180 lifeless experience, 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.660 is it not? 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:11.480 Perhaps you've tried it. 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:12.200 You know, 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.900 a trusted Christian friend 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:14.380 or mentor 00:26:14.380 --> 00:26:15.019 has suggested 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:15.500 that you take 00:26:15.500 --> 00:26:16.580 the first moments 00:26:16.580 --> 00:26:17.160 of your day 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:18.860 to spend time with God 00:26:18.860 --> 00:26:19.560 reading his word 00:26:19.560 --> 00:26:19.960 and praying 00:26:19.960 --> 00:26:21.000 and that is 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:21.980 wonderful advice. 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:23.880 But after reading 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:24.300 a chapter 00:26:24.300 --> 00:26:25.400 and then turning to prayer, 00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:27.240 your mind quickly runs off 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.359 to your daily tasks, 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.440 your upcoming meetings, 00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:30.400 the conflict you're having 00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:31.200 with a family member, 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.859 whatever it is. 00:26:31.880 --> 00:26:32.400 In other words, 00:26:32.640 --> 00:26:33.799 you try to set your mind 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:35.140 but your mind races off. 00:26:36.640 --> 00:26:37.420 And your morning time 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.200 of prayer and communion 00:26:38.200 --> 00:26:38.660 with God 00:26:38.660 --> 00:26:39.920 seems pretty fruitless. 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:42.599 You know, 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:43.019 one person 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.640 who had the exact 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.500 same experience 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:45.220 was a guy 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:46.059 named George Mueller. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:48.180 Mueller is famous 00:26:48.180 --> 00:26:49.220 actually for starting 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:50.240 orphanages in England 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.259 in the 19th century. 00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:52.220 His autobiography 00:26:52.220 --> 00:26:53.039 is an incredible 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.880 story of faith. 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.400 And for years, 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:56.519 this great man of God 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.059 struggled 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:58.359 in the exact same way 00:26:58.359 --> 00:26:59.200 as you or I do. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.480 This is what he writes. 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:01.819 He said, 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:03.179 I often spent 00:27:03.179 --> 00:27:04.220 a quarter of an hour 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:05.460 or half an hour 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:07.000 or even an hour 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:07.899 on my knees 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:09.019 before being conscious 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.579 to myself 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:10.319 of having derived 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:11.240 any comfort, 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:11.859 encouragement, 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.839 or humbling of soul. 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:15.039 And often, 00:27:15.220 --> 00:27:16.279 after having suffered 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:17.720 much from wandering 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.359 of mind 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:19.500 for the first ten minutes 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:21.119 or a quarter of an hour 00:27:21.119 --> 00:27:22.419 or even half an hour, 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:24.500 I only then began 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.220 really to pray. 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:28.059 We can relate to that, 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:28.460 can't we? 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:30.240 We kneel to pray 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:32.039 and our mind wanders 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:33.399 fifteen minutes, 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:34.559 thirty minutes, 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:35.619 and then, uh-oh, 00:27:35.740 --> 00:27:36.220 time's up 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.039 and we're off to work. 00:27:39.379 --> 00:27:40.839 So how do we remedy this? 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:43.480 Mueller writes 00:27:43.480 --> 00:27:44.819 that after ten years 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.740 of frustration 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.299 in prayer, 00:27:46.419 --> 00:27:46.940 he stuck at it 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:47.899 for ten years, 00:27:48.659 --> 00:27:49.379 he had a breakthrough. 00:27:49.380 --> 00:27:51.560 He said, 00:27:51.560 --> 00:27:52.120 Now, 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:54.000 I saw that the most 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:54.800 important thing 00:27:54.800 --> 00:27:55.760 I had to do 00:27:55.760 --> 00:27:56.960 in the morning 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:58.020 before God 00:27:58.020 --> 00:28:00.040 was to give myself 00:28:00.040 --> 00:28:00.780 to the reading 00:28:00.780 --> 00:28:01.680 of the Word of God 00:28:01.680 --> 00:28:03.660 and to meditation on it. 00:28:04.880 --> 00:28:05.720 That thus, 00:28:05.800 --> 00:28:06.960 my heart might be 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:07.480 comforted, 00:28:07.580 --> 00:28:08.120 encouraged, 00:28:08.320 --> 00:28:08.660 warned, 00:28:08.780 --> 00:28:09.180 et cetera, 00:28:09.440 --> 00:28:10.560 and that thus, 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.660 while meditating, 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:13.400 my heart 00:28:13.400 --> 00:28:14.240 might be brought 00:28:14.240 --> 00:28:16.360 into experiential 00:28:16.360 --> 00:28:17.600 communion with the Lord. 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:19.419 I began, therefore, 00:28:19.519 --> 00:28:20.000 to meditate 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.799 on the New Testament 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:21.519 from the beginning 00:28:21.519 --> 00:28:22.439 early in the morning. 00:28:23.659 --> 00:28:24.699 You see the change. 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:25.719 Mueller goes on 00:28:25.719 --> 00:28:26.959 to say that his aim 00:28:26.959 --> 00:28:27.639 in this sort of 00:28:27.639 --> 00:28:29.079 just biblical meditation 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:30.259 was not to prepare 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:30.899 to teach 00:28:30.899 --> 00:28:31.699 or to prepare 00:28:31.699 --> 00:28:32.299 to minister 00:28:32.299 --> 00:28:33.599 or to have something 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.439 useful to say 00:28:34.439 --> 00:28:35.199 when he showed up 00:28:35.199 --> 00:28:35.639 at work, 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:37.240 but simply to get 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:38.599 food for his soul. 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:40.899 And then what he found, 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:42.259 when he focused 00:28:42.259 --> 00:28:43.079 on meditating 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:43.879 on the New Testament 00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:44.799 just to get food 00:28:44.799 --> 00:28:45.439 for his soul, 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:47.219 he found that prayer 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:47.660 would come, 00:28:48.360 --> 00:28:48.940 that communion 00:28:48.940 --> 00:28:49.400 with God 00:28:49.400 --> 00:28:49.880 would come. 00:28:51.940 --> 00:28:52.240 You see, 00:28:52.319 --> 00:28:52.740 instead of just 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.660 reading through a chapter 00:28:53.660 --> 00:28:54.180 really quickly 00:28:54.180 --> 00:28:54.819 and then jumping 00:28:54.819 --> 00:28:55.759 into his prayer list, 00:28:55.880 --> 00:28:56.519 Mueller slowed 00:28:56.519 --> 00:28:57.579 way down 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:58.960 and said, 00:28:59.120 --> 00:29:00.620 let me just rest 00:29:00.620 --> 00:29:01.279 before God 00:29:01.279 --> 00:29:02.400 and sink my mind 00:29:02.400 --> 00:29:03.360 into what he's showing 00:29:03.360 --> 00:29:04.640 me of himself here. 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:07.160 And that biblical meditation 00:29:07.160 --> 00:29:08.400 opened up 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:10.220 a rich walk with God. 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.059 Mueller's example 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:12.259 is that we meditate 00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:13.420 on the word of God. 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.120 And he clarifies 00:29:15.120 --> 00:29:15.980 what meditation means. 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.380 He says, 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:17.380 it's not the simple 00:29:17.380 --> 00:29:18.059 reading of the word 00:29:18.059 --> 00:29:18.420 of God 00:29:18.420 --> 00:29:19.500 so that it passes 00:29:19.500 --> 00:29:20.240 through our minds 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:21.140 just as water 00:29:21.140 --> 00:29:22.140 passes through a pipe. 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:24.160 You ever had that experience? 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.480 You wake up in the morning, 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:27.900 it's however early 00:29:27.900 --> 00:29:28.339 you wake up, 00:29:28.420 --> 00:29:28.839 6.30, 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:29.559 7.30, 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:31.420 9.30 if you're in college, 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:31.740 whatever, 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:32.460 you know, 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:32.839 and you're like, 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:33.099 okay, 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:34.299 I gotta do my Bible reading. 00:29:34.400 --> 00:29:35.120 You read three chapters 00:29:35.120 --> 00:29:36.079 and you can't remember 00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:36.799 even the book 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.420 that you were reading, 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:39.339 let alone any of the content. 00:29:40.880 --> 00:29:41.779 I've had that happen 00:29:41.779 --> 00:29:42.299 to me too. 00:29:43.460 --> 00:29:43.839 Mueller says, 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:44.699 it's not just the simple 00:29:44.699 --> 00:29:45.619 reading of the word of God 00:29:45.619 --> 00:29:46.399 so that it passes 00:29:46.399 --> 00:29:46.980 through our minds 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.720 just as water 00:29:47.720 --> 00:29:48.500 runs through a pipe, 00:29:48.819 --> 00:29:49.839 but it's considering 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:50.579 what we read 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:52.339 and pondering over it 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:53.259 and applying it 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:53.939 to our hearts. 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.179 Biblical meditation, 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:57.500 you see, 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:58.839 is not emptying the mind 00:29:58.839 --> 00:29:59.679 like Eastern religions, 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:01.039 but it's filling our minds, 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.740 steeping our minds 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.539 in the word of God. 00:30:04.439 --> 00:30:05.779 Like a good tea, 00:30:06.159 --> 00:30:07.240 we let the word of God 00:30:07.240 --> 00:30:08.579 steep in the water 00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:09.299 of our minds 00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:09.899 and our hearts 00:30:09.899 --> 00:30:11.519 until the whole pot 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.179 is flavored 00:30:12.180 --> 00:30:13.039 and ready to drink. 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.940 So if we're gonna set 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.920 our minds on things above, 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:18.420 practically, 00:30:18.560 --> 00:30:19.380 we have to slow down 00:30:19.380 --> 00:30:19.940 and think 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:21.539 until our hearts grow warm 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:22.600 and we have to come 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:23.039 to Scripture 00:30:23.039 --> 00:30:24.460 as food for our souls. 00:30:24.940 --> 00:30:25.100 You know, 00:30:25.140 --> 00:30:26.019 better to choose 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:27.820 a short passage 00:30:27.820 --> 00:30:29.360 and really soak in it, 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:30.320 meditate on it, 00:30:30.560 --> 00:30:31.600 asking God to reveal 00:30:31.600 --> 00:30:32.779 the glory of Christ in it 00:30:32.779 --> 00:30:34.120 than to simply read quickly 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:34.960 like water passing 00:30:34.960 --> 00:30:35.380 through a pipe. 00:30:35.460 --> 00:30:36.180 Dietrich Bonhoeffer 00:30:36.180 --> 00:30:37.880 recommended to young pastors 00:30:37.880 --> 00:30:38.400 in training 00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:40.240 that in their personal devotions 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.779 that we confine ourselves, 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:42.139 he said. 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:42.980 We confine ourselves 00:30:42.980 --> 00:30:44.639 to a brief selected text 00:30:44.639 --> 00:30:46.920 which possibly may not be changed 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:48.139 for a whole week. 00:30:49.960 --> 00:30:51.279 Do you hear Bonhoeffer's advice there? 00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:54.240 Take one passage 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:55.700 and meditate on it 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:56.980 for a whole week. 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.180 Now perhaps you want 00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:01.339 more variety than that. 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.139 Fair enough. 00:31:02.599 --> 00:31:03.980 But the point remains. 00:31:04.559 --> 00:31:06.019 If you have 15 or 20 minutes 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:06.960 in the morning, friends, 00:31:07.379 --> 00:31:08.059 rather than read 00:31:08.059 --> 00:31:09.099 three chapters quickly 00:31:09.099 --> 00:31:10.419 and then try to eke out 00:31:10.419 --> 00:31:10.939 some prayer, 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:12.859 read one paragraph 00:31:12.859 --> 00:31:14.240 slowly. 00:31:15.359 --> 00:31:16.699 Really set your mind 00:31:16.699 --> 00:31:17.439 to what's there 00:31:17.439 --> 00:31:19.480 and you'll find 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:20.139 it's a very, 00:31:20.359 --> 00:31:21.679 very different experience. 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:24.579 Third practice 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.659 that I'll mention this morning. 00:31:26.419 --> 00:31:27.679 Not only must we slow down 00:31:27.679 --> 00:31:28.240 and think 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:29.399 until our hearts grow warm, 00:31:29.459 --> 00:31:30.679 not only must we meditate 00:31:30.679 --> 00:31:31.179 on Scripture 00:31:31.179 --> 00:31:32.219 rather than simply read it, 00:31:32.619 --> 00:31:32.779 friends, 00:31:32.819 --> 00:31:33.559 we have to engage 00:31:33.559 --> 00:31:34.839 in spiritual things together. 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:37.699 The exhortation 00:31:37.699 --> 00:31:38.480 of Colossians 3, 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.159 1 through 4 00:31:39.159 --> 00:31:39.720 is given 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:41.299 not just to individuals 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:42.500 but to the church. 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:45.639 This isn't a solo act. 00:31:46.659 --> 00:31:47.480 That's why we gather 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:48.459 every Sunday 00:31:48.459 --> 00:31:49.779 to hear God's word preached 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:51.240 and to partake in baptism 00:31:51.240 --> 00:31:52.019 in the Lord's Supper. 00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.019 Together 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:54.740 we hear God's word afresh. 00:31:55.159 --> 00:31:55.539 Together 00:31:55.539 --> 00:31:56.259 we take the bread 00:31:56.259 --> 00:31:56.859 and the cup 00:31:56.859 --> 00:31:57.899 and have our minds 00:31:57.899 --> 00:31:59.439 and hearts recalibrated 00:31:59.439 --> 00:32:00.439 to our living Lord, 00:32:00.759 --> 00:32:01.359 to Christ 00:32:01.359 --> 00:32:02.139 who is our life. 00:32:03.459 --> 00:32:04.039 So do you take 00:32:04.039 --> 00:32:04.639 a few minutes 00:32:04.639 --> 00:32:05.700 on Saturday evening 00:32:05.700 --> 00:32:06.639 before bed perhaps 00:32:06.639 --> 00:32:07.119 and pray 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:08.259 that our gatherings 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:08.859 on Sunday 00:32:08.859 --> 00:32:09.779 would be full 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:10.500 of God's spirit 00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:11.059 and power? 00:32:12.279 --> 00:32:12.659 Do you pray 00:32:12.659 --> 00:32:13.180 that your heart 00:32:13.180 --> 00:32:13.779 would be open 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.799 to receive his word 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:15.639 and grace afresh 00:32:15.639 --> 00:32:17.079 together with your church family? 00:32:17.420 --> 00:32:18.220 Do you pray the same 00:32:18.220 --> 00:32:18.819 that the hearts 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:20.180 of your fellow members 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:21.659 would also be open 00:32:21.659 --> 00:32:22.399 to God's word 00:32:22.399 --> 00:32:23.339 and to God's grace? 00:32:25.379 --> 00:32:26.319 I guess what I'm trying 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:26.980 to say here is, 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:27.159 friends, 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:28.240 make the most 00:32:28.240 --> 00:32:29.099 of your Sundays. 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:31.980 Take a break 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:33.000 from your regularly 00:32:33.000 --> 00:32:33.700 scheduled 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:34.539 busyness 00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:35.259 if you can 00:32:35.259 --> 00:32:36.940 and devote time 00:32:36.940 --> 00:32:37.819 to your church family, 00:32:37.940 --> 00:32:38.460 to thinking 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:39.100 and reading 00:32:39.100 --> 00:32:39.640 and listening 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:40.059 to things 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:40.620 that will lift 00:32:40.620 --> 00:32:41.380 your thoughts 00:32:41.380 --> 00:32:41.819 and heart 00:32:41.819 --> 00:32:42.740 to Christ ascended. 00:32:43.799 --> 00:32:44.080 You know, 00:32:44.100 --> 00:32:44.640 I actually see 00:32:44.640 --> 00:32:45.740 a lot of this happening 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:47.360 here at Trinity 00:32:47.360 --> 00:32:48.100 in our church family 00:32:48.100 --> 00:32:49.220 and it's so encouraging. 00:32:49.880 --> 00:32:50.940 Invitations to lunch, 00:32:51.460 --> 00:32:52.380 hearty conversations 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:53.779 over coffee downstairs, 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:55.819 exchanging books, 00:32:56.420 --> 00:32:57.400 trading encouragements 00:32:57.400 --> 00:32:58.059 after the service, 00:32:58.200 --> 00:32:59.259 praying for one another. 00:33:00.299 --> 00:33:00.920 Church family 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:02.279 abound in this 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:03.860 more and more. 00:33:04.200 --> 00:33:05.519 Seek to season 00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:06.580 your conversations 00:33:06.580 --> 00:33:07.580 with the salt 00:33:07.580 --> 00:33:08.420 of the gospel. 00:33:10.039 --> 00:33:10.700 Come ready 00:33:10.700 --> 00:33:11.920 with something 00:33:11.920 --> 00:33:12.880 that God has spoken 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:13.779 to you out of the sermon 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:15.060 or this week. 00:33:15.600 --> 00:33:15.980 Come ready 00:33:15.980 --> 00:33:17.279 to share a concern 00:33:17.279 --> 00:33:18.200 of the week ahead. 00:33:19.300 --> 00:33:20.400 Sundays are a gift 00:33:20.400 --> 00:33:21.240 to enjoy. 00:33:22.700 --> 00:33:23.539 Set them apart 00:33:23.539 --> 00:33:24.580 for spiritual fellowship 00:33:24.580 --> 00:33:25.440 and conversation, 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:26.820 for reading good Christian books 00:33:26.820 --> 00:33:27.480 when you get home, 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.079 friends, 00:33:28.140 --> 00:33:29.120 for slowing down 00:33:29.120 --> 00:33:30.480 and setting your mind 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:31.420 on things above. 00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:36.839 So then what we see here 00:33:36.839 --> 00:33:37.519 in Colossians 3 00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.440 is that the first 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:39.460 and principle 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:41.140 and undergirding duty 00:33:41.140 --> 00:33:42.319 of all Christian growth 00:33:42.319 --> 00:33:42.860 and change 00:33:42.860 --> 00:33:43.839 of living this new life 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:44.299 in Christ 00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:45.920 is to seek the things 00:33:45.920 --> 00:33:46.500 that are above 00:33:46.500 --> 00:33:47.380 where Christ is, 00:33:47.440 --> 00:33:48.240 seated at the right hand 00:33:48.240 --> 00:33:48.720 of God. 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:49.880 So friends, 00:33:50.099 --> 00:33:51.799 let us set our minds 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.220 on Him. 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:53.819 Let us do it 00:33:53.819 --> 00:33:54.440 deliberately 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:55.559 and daily, 00:33:55.759 --> 00:33:56.380 intentionally, 00:33:56.380 --> 00:33:57.920 and constantly 00:33:57.920 --> 00:34:00.980 because at the end 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:01.340 of the day, 00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:02.860 Christ is our life 00:34:02.860 --> 00:34:04.120 and one day 00:34:04.120 --> 00:34:04.800 He will return 00:34:04.800 --> 00:34:06.100 and we will appear 00:34:06.100 --> 00:34:06.940 with Him in glory. 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:07.780 Amen? 00:34:08.780 --> 00:34:09.420 Let's pray. 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:11.900 Oh Lord, 00:34:11.960 --> 00:34:12.460 we confess 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:13.059 that we need 00:34:13.059 --> 00:34:14.000 so much help 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:15.140 in this matter. 00:34:16.140 --> 00:34:16.400 God, 00:34:16.460 --> 00:34:16.980 our minds 00:34:16.980 --> 00:34:18.320 are easily distracted. 00:34:19.559 --> 00:34:20.400 Our time 00:34:20.400 --> 00:34:21.599 is so easily 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:22.220 gobbled up 00:34:22.220 --> 00:34:23.099 by the concerns 00:34:23.099 --> 00:34:24.140 of our callings 00:34:24.140 --> 00:34:25.320 and our day. 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:26.940 Lord, 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.420 we confess 00:34:27.420 --> 00:34:27.800 to You 00:34:27.800 --> 00:34:28.240 that our hearts 00:34:28.240 --> 00:34:29.460 have been so cold 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:31.019 in setting our minds 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:31.820 on things above 00:34:31.820 --> 00:34:33.460 and yet, 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:33.680 Father, 00:34:33.740 --> 00:34:34.200 this morning 00:34:34.200 --> 00:34:35.019 we are grateful 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:35.420 that You are 00:34:35.420 --> 00:34:36.320 a gracious God 00:34:36.320 --> 00:34:37.980 and that You 00:34:37.980 --> 00:34:38.940 continue to reveal 00:34:38.940 --> 00:34:40.019 Yourself to us 00:34:40.019 --> 00:34:41.680 and open Your arms 00:34:41.680 --> 00:34:42.200 to us 00:34:42.200 --> 00:34:42.519 and say, 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:42.920 come, 00:34:43.119 --> 00:34:43.900 feast Your mind 00:34:43.900 --> 00:34:44.300 and heart 00:34:44.300 --> 00:34:44.820 on me. 00:34:45.700 --> 00:34:46.599 So help us 00:34:46.599 --> 00:34:47.360 to do that 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:48.640 when we gather 00:34:48.640 --> 00:34:49.200 on Sundays, 00:34:49.320 --> 00:34:50.059 when we go forth 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:50.559 this week, 00:34:50.559 --> 00:34:51.260 when we open 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:52.300 the Word 00:34:52.300 --> 00:34:52.900 in our own 00:34:52.900 --> 00:34:54.000 private devotions 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:54.440 daily. 00:34:55.820 --> 00:34:56.440 Oh God, 00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:57.340 by Your Holy Spirit 00:34:57.340 --> 00:34:58.059 would You come 00:34:58.059 --> 00:34:58.519 and would You 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.940 help us 00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:01.940 to set our minds 00:35:01.940 --> 00:35:02.599 on things above. 00:35:02.740 --> 00:35:03.639 Help us to remember 00:35:03.639 --> 00:35:04.280 that Christ 00:35:04.280 --> 00:35:05.059 is our life 00:35:05.059 --> 00:35:06.860 and in so doing 00:35:06.860 --> 00:35:07.579 would we live 00:35:07.579 --> 00:35:08.220 this new life 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:08.960 that You've given us. 00:35:09.460 --> 00:35:10.280 In Jesus' name, 00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:10.840 Amen. 00:35:10.840 --> 00:35:10.960 Amen. 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:11.019 Amen. 00:35:11.019 --> 00:35:11.079 Amen. 00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:11.139 Amen. 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:11.639 Amen. 00:35:11.639 --> 00:35:12.019 Amen. 00:35:12.019 --> 00:35:12.139 Amen. 00:35:12.139 --> 00:35:12.200 Amen. 00:35:12.200 --> 00:35:12.220 Amen. 00:35:12.220 --> 00:35:12.260 Amen. 00:35:12.260 --> 00:35:12.639 Amen. 00:35:12.639 --> 00:35:13.019 Amen. 00:35:13.019 --> 00:35:13.079 Amen. 00:35:13.079 --> 00:35:13.139 Amen. 00:35:13.139 --> 00:35:14.139 Amen. 00:35:14.139 --> 00:35:15.079 Amen. 00:35:15.079 --> 00:35:15.139 Amen. 00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:15.160 Amen. 00:35:15.160 --> 00:35:15.180 Amen. 00:35:15.180 --> 00:35:15.200 Amen. 00:35:15.200 --> 00:35:15.280 Amen. 00:35:15.280 --> 00:35:15.300 Amen. 00:35:15.300 --> 00:35:15.780 Amen.