Day 1: Raised With Christ
Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
In Colossians, Paul is dealing with a number of issues, not the least of which are false teachers that are adding the burden of traditional regulations about diet and seasonal celebrations on the backs of young Christians who are finding there way in Christ. He chastises the Christians for allowing themselves to be sucked into such a debate which has nothing to do with the gospel and is detrimental to their spiritual wellbeing. Instead he encourages them to remember whose they are and what should be their priority.
Priority #1: Being raised with Christ, means that we will seek the things that are above. Jesus instruction was to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” In other words, have your heart and mind set on God’s heart and mind, conforming yourself to His design. (More on that tomorrow.)
Priority #2: Put earthly things in their place. It is easy for us to prioritize what we can touch, taste and see. That’s the natural order of things. Remember, “Christians are called to be different.” God’s design for us is not the natural order, but to set our minds on His desires for us…namely to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus.
“You have died.” The New Testament is filled with statements about us being dead. In Romans 6, Paul describes us as “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” In Galatians 2, Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” In Colossians 2, Paul says, “…you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of this world…” In 2 Corinthians 5, “17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” The point…where once we were ruled by sin, with sinful thoughts, a heart that was dedicated to sin, a mind controlled by sin…you get the point…now, all that is DEAD. We are a new creation with a new heart, a new mind, new thoughts and desires. That is the power of Christ in us.
Think about it:
How have your thoughts changed since giving your life to Jesus?
How about your desires? Your priorities?
DAY 2: It’s Time to Change Clothes
Focus Scripture: Colossians 3:12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
What does it look like to have died with Christ, raised with Christ, have a mind set on things that are above? Paul doesn’t leave us without practical application.
Take your time and read through this scripture a few times. Pray for the Holy Spirit to affirm in you where Christ is living in you in His fullness and to also convict you where the new life of Christ in you is being hindered in some way. It’s not about measuring up. It’s about growing up. This is not an exercise in self-condemnation. This is an exercise of spiritual transformation…a renewing of the mind. Remember Paul’s admonition in Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
That is the picture of what it means to set your minds on the things that are above. Now, go back and really read the word God has for you in Colossians 3, prayerfully, seeking for the Lord to work in you powerfully.