“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2).  Notice in verse 1, we need to seek the things which are above.  Will that be physical or spiritual things?  Christ is at the right hand of God.  Are there physical things there?  Our minds should not be on the physical.  This passage is saying we should literally put our minds on things above.  What about things on the earth?  Should we set our minds on them?  Obviously we need food and clothing to live, so we know we must use the material things.  Even so, Jesus said not to be concerned about food and clothing (Matt. 6:8; Matt. 6:30-34).  He said these were the things the nations seek after.  We need to put our mind on things above and NOT on things on the earth.  If we do not set our minds on things on the earth, will we love them?

The definition of “set your affection on” in Colossians 3:2 is specifically “to exercise the mind.”  This indicates that this choice between loving and living for the temporary world and loving and living for spiritual things and eternity is not simply a one-time decision; it is a continual process as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 9:27.  “But I keep under my (physical) body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Cor. 9:27). This must be a daily battle, a daily decision, and a consciously chosen state of mind in order to keep our minds in the right direction.  “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16-18). In order to have the strength to make this daily choice, we must perpetually remember what Paul speaks of, that this world is “but for a moment,” and that there is “a far more exceeding and eternal” glory awaiting us if we focus on that spiritual world instead of this temporary one.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:16-17).  Who created these things?  The one who created our mouths, the same one who made us so we can be tempted is the creator of all.  He tells us three temptations here: desires of the flesh, of the eye and pride of life.

What about our five senses?  Some love music and feed their ears all the time.  They are attached to the plugs in their ears wherever they go.  What about the smell of flowers, fresh soil, rain or perfume?  Some love the smell of fancy food.  Others love feeling of things—touch.  The Lord has created us so we can be tempted.  He made Christ the same way.  What is his point here: God has made everything we can know with our senses to be temporary.  These things are of the world.  In verse 17 we see that the world passes away and so will the temporary desires.

Think back on the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:21-22 and pay particular attention to what causes some to be offended.

• Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful (Matt. 13:21-22).

What are all these desires of the world?  They are things that take our time and effort.  If our lives are focused on the things of the world, how much time do we have left for the Lord?  How can we be good ground?

• They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection (Luke 8:13-14)?.

Note that in Luke he adds two more things and describes the problem quite nicely.  In verse 14, some brethren are choked.  The weeds take all their time.  Notice what is choking them—the cares, riches, pleasures of this life.  These things are not evil in themselves.  Jesus used money but he did not love it (Matt. 17:27; 1 Tim. 6:10).  He was not given to pleasures the world enjoys.  Those things are all temporary.  No matter what we do with them they are only temporary.  Only what we do for the Lord is eternal.

Can anyone who loves this cosmos be pleasing to God?  Can you love the cosmos and the good things of the world as long as you do not love the evil?  If that is possible, then of what value is the command in 1 John 2:15-17?  Let’s see what else Jesus has to say in the Sermon on the Mount.  “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24).  Why did the translators put in the word mammon instead of material things?  What is mammon?  The English translators used the Aramaic word mammon to stay out of trouble with the one who commissioned the translation.  What would King James have done to them if they had translated that word properly?  How does this apply to us?  We must love one and hate the other.  How do we hate these material things?  Do we take a hammer and go around beating them?  How do we hate the world and the things of the world?  Why can we not serve God and mammon at the same time?  Is there a difference between not serving mammon and not loving the world?

• No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:13-15).

Literally the word mammon in both passages means material.  Why did the Pharisees not like this sermon?  They coveted the material things.  What should we not love? How can we hate or despise material?  What did Jesus think of material things?

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2).  What did Jesus think of man’s judgment?  What did he think of the shame?  Where did the shame come from?  The word “despise” is Strong’s Greek # 2706 and is the same word that is used in Matt. 6:24—hold to one and despise the other.  Jesus’ despised the shame, but we must understand where the shame came from.  Whose judgment was it?  Man judged the cross as a shame.  What did Jesus think of their judgment?  He held on to God’s judgment and despised man’s.  What if we hold on to people’s judgment that material things are important?  Do we value those material things?

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15).  Jesus died that we would not live for ourselves.  If we live to ourselves, what do we love?  We love the world and the things in it—mammon.  But if we live for Jesus, will we love the material things; will we value them?

According to 1 John 2:15, what happens if I love the world?  The love of the Father is not in me!  One man was proud to announce that he loved the world and things of the world, and another immediately finished quoting the scripture to him saying, “Then the love of the Father is not in you.”  The first man declared “That scripture does not mean that!”

If God does not say what he means, how can you know what He means?  1 John 2:16 tells why we should not love the world.  He names the things of the world.  “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”  He names the things of the world.  Desires of flesh and eyes are not of the Father.  This includes words that march, dance and sing as they become Beowulf, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton or Frost!  Do you know anyone who does not love at least some of the things around them?

• And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others (Eph. 2:1-3).

Foods may taste good, but we should not love them.  What should be our motivation when we eat?  We need to eat for strength and not for drunkenness (Ecc. 10:17).  “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph. 2:3).  How does Satan appeal?  He appeals to us through the desires (lust is the same Greek word) of the flesh and mind.  What do the nations of the world do?  They love and enjoy this world—this cosmos or universe.  What are they according to the last part of this verse? They are children of wrath.

The Definition of a Disciple:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch (Acts 11:26).

There Is A Cost To Being A True Christian (Luke 14:25‑35).

And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

We Must Love the Souls of All Men (John 13:34).

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

But We Must Hate All Others as a Master (Luke 16:13‑15).

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

We Must “Bear Our Cross.” This Means We Must Die to Ourselves (Mark 8:34‑37).

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

The Cross Is an Instrument of Death. When We “Take Up Our Cross,” We Are “Losing Our Life.”  We Must Live This Way Every Day (Luke 9:23‑24)!

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

The Old Paul Was No Longer Alive. It Was Christ Living in Paul. We Must Be Like That (Gal. 2:20).

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:1‑3).

We Must “Forsake All That We Have.” Before Becoming a Christian, We Live to Do Our Own Will, Pleasures, Or Desires (Eph. 2:2‑3).

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But We Must Become Like Christ, by Forsaking Our Own Will (John 6:38).

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

We Must Not Do Anything of Ourselves to the Point Of Dying, if We Must (John 8:28‑29).

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do ALWAYS those things that please him.

We Can See That It Is Not Good Enough to Give God a “Share” or “Portion” or Just a Part Of Our Lives. We Must Not Live For Ourselves Any More At All, But, Rather, For Christ and Him Only (2 Cor. 5:14‑15).

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him ONLY shalt thou serve (Matt. 4:10).

This Includes Every Thought We Think . . . (2 Cor. 10:5).

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ;

This Also Includes Every Word That We Say And Every Deed That We Do (Col. 3:17).

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

We Must “Continue In Christ’s Word” To Be a True Disciple (John 8:31).

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

We Will See That Continuing In Christ Will Cause Us To Bear Fruit (John 15:1‑2, 8).

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.  

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

We Must Bear Much Fruit to Be Christ’s Disciple.  If We Don’t, We Will Be Taken Away From The Vine.

How Do We Bear Fruit (Col. 1:10)?

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Though “bearing fruit” is often associated with converting someone to Christ, we see that doing any good work causes us to bear fruit. Evangelizing is one kind of good work. Obeying any command of God is a good work. Therefore, we can bear fruit any time we obey a command of god. Continuing in Christ’s word will cause us to bear much fruit, which will make us a true disciple (Luke 6:40).

The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

The End Goal of the Disciple Is to Be Perfect (Complete) Like Christ (1 John 2:4‑6).

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

The only way to fulfill our purpose as a disciple is to continue in (keep) all of Christ’s word!