Family Bible Series for August 13: Maintaining A Heavenly Focus

Posted: 8/03/06

Family Bible Series for August 13

Maintaining A Heavenly Focus

• Colossians 2:20-3:17

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

The group was absolutely convinced Jesus was returning to earth Oct. 22, 1844. Nearly 100,000 strong, this group followed their leader in upstate New York when he told them Jesus was returning on this date. Many sold their homes, land and businesses to sit and wait for Jesus' return. As we know, Jesus did not return to earth then.

One day, Jesus will return to earth a second time. But, are believers to sit and wait until he returns? Does God want us to watch the sky and neglect our earthly duties? Of course not. God desires that his people be Christ's representatives on earth until Jesus returns. In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he told us how we can accomplish this task.

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Focus On Things Above (Colossians 2:20a; 3:1-4)

In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he reminded them, as believers, they had "died with Christ to the basic principles of this world" (2:20a). They no longer were to live like the world. Since they had been raised with Christ, they were to set their hearts and minds on heavenly matters (3:1-2). As Christians, our life is hidden with Christ in God (3:3). But when Jesus appears, we also will appear with him in glory (3:4).

Rather than causing us to be heavenly-minded, but no earthly good, a proper focus of heaven causes us to have the proper focus of earth. We are not to avoid the earth and its inhabitants. In fact, Jesus has called us to be his representatives here. We are to be his witnesses and make a difference in the world around us.

There are 435 members of the United States House of Representatives. Each representative must be at least 25 years old and a United States citizen for at least 7 years. These members represent the interests of their constituents before the entire nation. As Jesus' representatives on this earth, we first must have had a born-again experience with the Savior. Then, we represent his interests in the world around us. Only as we set our minds above and focus on heaven are we qualified to represent Jesus on this earth.

Shed The Old Ways (Colossians 3:5-10)

There are certain actions of a Christian which please God. A person's old lifestyle must be left behind. Paul said to "put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (3:5). He included sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed as actions which must be eliminated (3:5).

In addition to these, Paul reminded believers their speech must change as well. He stated they must rid themselves of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language (3:8). The Colossians were to be truthful and not lie to one another (3:9). These believers were to shed their old ways and "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" (3:10).

George Gallup was speaking at a national seminar of Southern Baptist leaders. He stated that the Gallup Research organization uncovered some disturbing findings. In their research, they determined that believers in Jesus Christ are not much different from non-Christians when it comes to ethical behavior. Christians are about as likely to lie, cheat, steal and commit adultery as non-Christians. God has called believers in Jesus to be different. The world must see a marked difference between a Christian and the lost.

Put On The New Ways (Colossians 3:12-14; 17)

After Paul exhorted the Colossians to rid themselves of their old ways, he encouraged them to put on the new ways of Christ. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (3:12). He told the Colossians to bear with each and forgive what grievances they may have against one another (3:13). Most of all, they were to put on love, which would bind them together in unity (3:14). To summarize their new way of life, Paul reminded the Colossians that whatever they did, in word or deed, they were to do it all in the name of Jesus, while giving thanks to the Father (3:17). Once a person trusts Jesus Christ by faith, they are to allow Christ to accomplish a new work within them.

A London businessman was trying to sell his dilapidated warehouse, which had been empty for some time. He stood before the property with a potential buyer and was somewhat embarrassed at the state of disrepair to which the warehouse had fallen. The businessman promised, "I will be sure to replace the broken windows, correct any structural damage and repair the building." The prospective buyer replied, "Forget about the old warehouse. I will build something new here anyway. I don't want your building. I want the site."

This story illustrates what Jesus desires to do in the life of a believer. He wants our life in order to build something entirely new.

Discussion Questions

• Do you think that most Christians focus on heaven or earth?

• Why do many Christians still resemble the world in their actions?

• How does a Christian develop a godly lifestyle?