“Seek And You Will Find”
Sermon Title: Seek And You Will Find
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
Introduction
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Colossae who received the Gospel well, but Paul is concerned about news of the church being distracted and deceived by outside factors such as philosophy, ascetism, and self/made religion (religious practices). Likewise, we too are distracted from Christ by many things in the world that are attractive to us every day. This is especially true for us who live in a world that promotes the idea of “be a better version of yourself.” The world offers many things promising that you will be a better person, but the Apostle Paul says, “but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” (Col. 2:23b)
Message
We may often look at Christian life, and becoming a better Christian, in terms of “doing.” Reading the Bible more, evangelizing, discipleship training, or learning theology are good things, but they do not make us better Christians in itself and “they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Our identity is in Christ alone and it is not defined by how much we do nor how theologically correct we are. We often forget the amazing truth that we are one with Christ (Cf. Rom. 6:5-7; 1 Cor. 6:17). Paul is trying to point the Colossians back to Christ by telling them that anything apart from Christ is of no value.
We cannot become better Christians by our own means and methods. Your Christian life started with God; salvation and sanctification is through God alone, so there is nothing we can do ourselves in working out our own salvation and sanctification. And so, Paul exhorts us to seek and set our minds onto the things of heaven.
Point 1) Seek Christ – “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Col. 3:1)
- Paul’s instruction are simple: Seek Christ. Paul does not give any “special” instructions for their faith to grow except to seek Christ by seeking the things of that are above. We cannot improve ourselves through our fleshly willpower or our own methods and it cannot stop the indulgences of our flesh because sin is always knocking on our door. We need something greater, something from above.
- Our innate reaction is to think about what “work” we can do. When we begin with this approach then we are starting with ourselves, but it must start with Christ
- Christianity is the only religion where you cannot earn your way to God. A religion that is based on works or legalism is a worldly way of thinking and living. This is why the Gospel doesn’t make sense to the world that tells you that you must work and earn everything. It is not about what you have done or what you will do. It is all about what Christ has done and what Christ is currently doing according to God’s promise.
- Paul warns us in Col. 2:8: “See it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” This is counter cultural to the world that tells you that it all starts with you. Paul teaches us to live seeking and continuing to seek Christ. Seeking Christ is part of our identity as Christians. It means our home is in heaven and we are citizens of God’s kingdom. As citizens of heaven, we are to live as such by setting our minds on the things of heaven and not on living the way the world lives.
- Being a great Christian is not about doing “big” things for the Lord. We hear stories of missionaries, martyrs, and other Christians living boldly for Christ. However, we must remember that it was not their own courage or strength that allowed them to do great things. They sought after Christ and in their seeking, they were conformed to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Their faith, courage, strength, and confidence was from above and was founded solely on the Gospel.
- We like to see results right away and so we resort to trying to take actions into our own hand. Our immediate reaction is to figure out a way rather than seeking Christ, especially when things don’t go our way. We need to repent for this attitude. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit which is a life-long process. Seeking Christ is about repentance, faith, and patience.
POINT 2: The Power of the Gospel – “Are you trusting in the Gospel of Christ?”
- We are able to seek and set our minds on the things above if we trust and believe in the death, resurrection and life of Jesus. It is possible only through our union with Christ in his death and resurrection. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:1-3)
- Through his own death, Christ has put to death our old self on the cross. We are no longer slaves to sin, our old selves, and our old ways of life. Through his resurrection, the Holy Spirit now lives in us. We have newness of self and life, and we are able to seek the things from above. The Holy Spirit conforms our mind, body, and spirit to be Christ-like.
POINT 3: Our Eternal Destiny
– our life is hidden with Christ in God, but “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” As Christ is glorified, we too will be glorified.
- Glory awaits us because we are united with Christ. We are to seek the things from above because Christ is our eternal destiny. Seek the one you are destined for. It is the promise of God.
Practical applications for seeking Christ
- Repentance: we must repent of the things that reside in our hearts that keep us from setting our affections and trust on Christ alone. We must put to death the things of the flesh and put on Christ.
- Community: seek community with fellow believers in Christ. God has given us the Church to encourage, build up, support, and admonish each other.
- Preach the Gospel to yourself daily. Remind yourself of what Christ has done for you, who you are in Christ, that it is no longer you who lives but Christ who lives in you (Gal. 2:20).
Reflection and Questions
Our old self has been crucified with Christ on the cross and the life we live is not our own life but we now live in Christ and Christ lives in us. Thank God that this Christian life isn’t up to us but it solely depends on the death, resurrection and life of Christ. Christ walked the walk that we were supposed to walk for us and because of the Spirit of Christ, we who are in Christ, are to follow suit!
- Reflect on your walk with Christ. Have you walked patiently in line with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or have your been quick to see results and do things your own way without seeking Christ first?
- Is there any part of your Christian life where you have been more “doing” than “being”? Has there been any point in your Christian walk where you felt or still feel you can earn God’s favour or that you are a “good Christian” because you do these things? (Please remember that this does not mean that you shouldn’t pray, serve, evangelize, read Scripture, etc. This is not a question of what we should or should not do – it is a matter of the focus of our heart)
- Search your heart – what are the things in your life that have gained your affection and distract you from seeking Christ?