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SEEKING THE THINGS ABOVE

Posted by: henkf <henkf@...>

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The Names of God
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SEEKING THE THINGS ABOVE
      
INTRO: Text: Col. 3:1-4
 
1. Man by nature is a "seeker."-- Something that he pursues, effort to obtain.
2. The object of man's  search has the power to shape his life.
   a. Illus., Influence of wealth on man-- may become dishonest, suspicious,
   engage in all kinds of evil (see I Tim. 6:10). He loses "his heart"
   feelings for others.
3. In reality, only two things which man seeks--things above and things of
   the earth; temporary and eternal.(see 2 Cor. 4:18)
4. To "find" the things above, appear with Christ in glory, one must
   mortify the members upon the earth. Many wrestle with the problem of
   putting sin to death in the body, yet never able to have much
   success...give up.
 

I. THE CHRISTIAN HAS THE PRIVILEGE AND DUTY TO SEEK "THE THINGS ABOVE."
 
   A. In baptism one is "cut free" from sin by "circumcision of Christ" in
      putting off the body of sin in the flesh (Col. 2:11,12). Baptism is
      where GOD does the operating to free one from the dominion of sin.
      1. One is in bondage, nothing to do with righteousness (Rom. 6:20).
      Christian is freed from this dominion.
      2. Two laws in Rom. 7. Law of sin and death and Law of Moses.
      Consented that the law (Moses) was good, but yielded constantly to law
      of sin and death.
      3. Rom. 8-- Law of Spirit of life-- Christ condemned sin in the flesh.
      Sinless one paid penalty for sin. Man has incentive and means to
      overcome sin in the flesh.  In relation to Christ, freed from penalty
      of sin and its dominion. In this relation to Christ, one can put sin
      to death.
   B. Those in Christ are the only ones who can have assurance of obtaining
      "the things above."
   C. Duty- Purpose for Christ's death and freeing from dominion of sin
      is that man might put to death the practice of sin. (see Rom. 6:11-13;
      Col. 3:1,5f).
      1. In reality, the world is crucified to the Christian (see Gal.
       6:14). One is to regard the world as being dead.
      2. If this is not the case, the work of redemption is defeated.
 
II. WHAT ARE THE "THINGS ABOVE" WHICH WE ARE TO SEEK?
Things pertaining to "heavenly citizenship. (Phil. 3:20)
 
   A. Summarized--"Christ"--To see His glory (Jn. 17:24); To share such with
      Him (Rom. 8:17); to enjoy "mansions" which He now is preparing. (Jn.
      14:2,3)
   B. Fellowship with the Father of our spirits; in presence of one who
      is worthy of honor, praise; one able to supply all needs. (Rev.
      21:21-25)
   C. Association of angels and saints made perfect (Heb. 12:1; Lk. 13:28,29).
   D. Glory, honor, immortality. (Rom. 2:7)
      1. Glory- Gives happiness- cause of great rejoicing. (Col. 3:4; I Thess.
       4:17)
      2. Honor- Esteem in which one is held by God. (see Jn. 12:26; I Pet.
      1:7)
      3. Immortality- State of being free from suffering, decay, exemption
      from sin, impurity.
 
III. WHY SEEK THE THINGS ABOVE?
 
   A. Satisfying- Earthly things meet needs only for moment, must seek to
      fill again. Never really satisfied. Seed of destruction within. To seek
      one means of satisfaction brings into conflict with another.
   B. Certain- Earthly in constant change. Things above serve as that to
      which can anchor soul.
   C. Eternal- Earthly decay. "Things seen are temporal, unseen are eternal."
      (2 Cor. 4:18)
      This gives strength to overcome...put to death the deeds of the body.
     
IV. MUST 'SEEK' THINGS ABOVE.
Must believe such exist.
 
   A. Word carries thought of "earnest endeavor," "diligent labor."
   B. How? By setting "affections" (love), mind on things above. (Col. 3:2)
   C. Christian to be "renewed in the spirit of his mind." (Eph. 4:23; Rom.
      12:2) Something which one does--"as taught by him." (Eph. 4:21)
   D. Conscious mind can be occupied with only one thing at a time.
      Sub-conscious mind expresses thoughts fed into it in the past. By
      conscious effort of setting minds on things above, will displace
      thoughts of things of the earth.
      1. Reason one continues to practice sin is that he continues to think
      on sin. Break with the past not easy. One is often discouraged
      that temptation continues to come up, give way to sin.  This is need
      for renewed effort.
      2. Here is need for constant study and meditation of God's word.
   E. By "looking to Jesus" we can become like Him. (2 Cor. 3:18)
      1. Not just "positive thinking" but the object of thoughts, relation to
      Him.
 
CONCLUSION.
       1. Have you been made free from the law of sin and death? Obedience
       frees (Rom. 8:2)
       2. Knowledge that the righteous demands fulfilled if walk after
       Spirit, faith in Christ.
      3. Are your affections set on things above? Members on earth
      mortified? If you will, promise of glory with Christ awaits you.
      (Heaven real. Illus., Blind boy flying kite. When asked how he knew
      kite was in air, he replied, "I can feel it pull.")

 

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