Colossians 3
July 28, 2022
“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (v1-4)
Paul calls believers to set their hearts (affections, desires, commitments) and minds (thoughts, hopes, daydreams) on things above (v1-2). Most of us tend to daydream about what we think will make our life better, namely whatever we can get, have, or experience in the here and now. But Paul says Christ’s “appearing” (v4a) will inaugurate our real life, when we will enter “glory” (v4b) - and everything we’ve longed for will be ours in Him!
Father, I confess how much of my heart’s hopes and daydreams are about securing pleasant, pain-free things in this life. Not that it’s bad to want good things to enjoy in this life (1 Tim 6:17), but I don’t want to pursue shadows, and so miss the real thing, who is Christ. Open my eyes to His goodness and glory so that I daydream about and set my heart on the return of the One “who is my life.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
