Discerning followers
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:2-4
The Bible sees the mind as the place of thought, decision, and intention. Our minds consent us to be rational, to weigh evidence and options, to make decisions about right and wrong, and to shape what actions to take. Our minds provide us motive why we worship, praise God, pray, love, repent, and trust. From our text, knowing that we are cleansed in Christ, we can then set our minds on godly things. Notice what Paul said. He said that because we have died with Christ when we placed our trust in Him and his righteousness through His death on the cross, now we are able to set our minds on the things above and no longer on the things of the world. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). Paul is not saying we should no longer think about our mortgage, jobs, food expenses, and family. What he was stating was that our minds, even if we are thinking about the pressing needs at hand, need to be focused on God. We realize that the Word of God was provided so we can have the wisdom that will help us make godly decisions. We are not of our own for we belong to the One who has purchased us with His blood and He indwelt us with Himself through the Holy Spirit (see John 14:23). When we were regenerated by our union with God through the working of the Holy Spirit, we were remade in His image. Now we have the capacity to constantly love God, obey Him, desiring to please and honor Him, and in the process produce godly lives based on His directions. In His presence through the working of His Spirit within, our mind is changed and our heart is moved. The ultimate purpose of God for every Christian is to transform our character reflecting who Christ is in our life. Spend time in prayer with God and always seek His will and guidance found in His word. What God wants from you is to become a discerning person making godly decisions. So let God’s word richly dwell in you and “continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
Latest sermon upload on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuhzVbg2RdY
