This text reminds us that we do not simply participate in the death of Christ,
but also his resurrection. This is good news.
WHY DO CHRISTIANS CHANGE?
“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” Colossians 3:1-3
- We change because of what Jesus has done for us.
- We change because of what Jesus is doing now.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
- We change because of what Jesus said He will do.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. [15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained. PHILIPPIANS 3:12-16 (NIV)
WHAT DO WE NEED TO CHANGE?
- Heart Change – COLOSSIANS 3:4-9, Ephesians 5:3-7
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. [19] Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; [20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 CORINTHIANS 6:18-20
- Mind change Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:3-7
HOW TO CHANGE!
- “Set” “Seek” (Greek zeteo) (Colossians 3:1-2).
- Put to Death - Colossians 3:5; Romans 8:5-11
Setting our minds on things above is an invitation to live as if the heaven we anticipate is real, as if death has been defeated, as if sin is exposed as empty and idolatrous, as if the powers of this world as exposed as naked and shameful.
- Seek accountability - Hebrews 10:24-25