Intro Verse 1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3: 1-3) ASV

12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.13You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:12-15)

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4) NLT

Instruction:
I. Guard Your Sight “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.” (verse 1b)

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33)

4 The one thing I ask of the lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the lord all the days of my life, delighting in the lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. 5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. (Psalm 27:4)

*II. Guard Your Thoughts * “Think about the things of Heaven, not the things of the earth”. (verse 2) (MSG Version, “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.”)

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. (Romans 12:2)

Z-Tweet: “I CHANGED MY MIND”

III. Guard Your Identity “3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. (verse 3)

13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (Romans 13: 13-15)

2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

Z-tweet: “My Actions should cause people to see Christ before they see ME!”

4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 2:4)