Being “Heavenly-Minded” Brings Real Earthly Good.
The sermon concludes a study of Colossians 3:1-11 by emphasizing our union with Christ—in both His death and resurrection—and how that union affects the way believers are to live. The passage is divided into two key parts:
1. Verses 1–4: Our New Orientation
Believers are raised with Christ, so they are called to seek and set their minds on “things above”. This doesn’t mean ignoring the world, but aligning our thoughts with God’s purposes in Christ.
Paul uses indicatives (truths about what God has done) as the foundation for imperatives (commands for how we live). An example is since we’ve been raised with Christ (indicative), we should seek the things above (imperative).
2. Verses 5–11: What We Must Put to Death
Because we have also died with Christ, we are called to put to death sinful behaviors like sexual immorality, greed, anger, slander, and lying. These actions are part of the “old self,” which has been crucified with Christ. Getting rid of these behaviors isn't just beneficial for ourselves but it contributes to God’s renewal of the world.
We are called to live out the resurrection by seeking Christ above and put to death what doesn’t belong in God’s kingdom. In doing so, we show the world a transformed life and point to the hope of full reconciliation—with God and with one another.
Because of who Jesus is and what He has done (the indicative), we can faithfully respond with how we live (the imperative).
Being truly “heavenly-minded” makes us deeply useful for earthly good.
Resource: https://equipper.gci.org/2025/07/sermon-for-august-03-2025-proper-13
1. Verses 1–4: Our New Orientation
Believers are raised with Christ, so they are called to seek and set their minds on “things above”. This doesn’t mean ignoring the world, but aligning our thoughts with God’s purposes in Christ.
Paul uses indicatives (truths about what God has done) as the foundation for imperatives (commands for how we live). An example is since we’ve been raised with Christ (indicative), we should seek the things above (imperative).
2. Verses 5–11: What We Must Put to Death
Because we have also died with Christ, we are called to put to death sinful behaviors like sexual immorality, greed, anger, slander, and lying. These actions are part of the “old self,” which has been crucified with Christ. Getting rid of these behaviors isn't just beneficial for ourselves but it contributes to God’s renewal of the world.
We are called to live out the resurrection by seeking Christ above and put to death what doesn’t belong in God’s kingdom. In doing so, we show the world a transformed life and point to the hope of full reconciliation—with God and with one another.
Because of who Jesus is and what He has done (the indicative), we can faithfully respond with how we live (the imperative).
Being truly “heavenly-minded” makes us deeply useful for earthly good.
Resource: https://equipper.gci.org/2025/07/sermon-for-august-03-2025-proper-13
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