Live as New In Christ

“Set Your Mind on Things Above” – Living the New Life in Christ (Colossians 3:1–11)

Text: Colossians 3:1–11 (ESV)

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God...” (Colossians 3:1)

Introduction: Raised with Christ

Paul begins this section with a powerful “if-then” statement. But this is not a hypothetical condition—it’s a statement of fact for those who are in Christ. If you have been raised with Christ (and you have, if you are truly regenerate), then your life is no longer rooted in the earthly, sinful patterns of the old man. It is hidden with Christ in God.

This passage is a call to live in accordance with our new identity. It is not a moral checklist or a pathway to salvation—it is the fruit of salvation already accomplished by God’s sovereign grace. This is sanctification flowing out of justification.

1. Heavenly-Mindedness (vv. 1–4)

“Seek the things that are above... Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (vv. 1–2)

The Christian life begins with a new affection. The heart that was once enslaved to sin (Ephesians 2:1–3) has been made alive together with Christ. Therefore, our desires and priorities are now reoriented toward Heaven, where Christ reigns.

This command is not a vague mysticism or escapism; it's a practical call to fix our thoughts, values, and desires on the risen Lord. Why? Because our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” (v. 3), and when Christ returns, we also “will appear with Him in glory” (v. 4). This is our future hope, and it shapes our present pursuit.

2. Putting Sin to Death (vv. 5–9)

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” (v. 5)

Because we have been raised with Christ, the old sinful ways no longer define us. But they still linger in our flesh. Paul exhorts us to actively mortify (kill) these desires. This is not done in our own strength but by the Spirit (cf. Romans 8:13). The list in verse 5—sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness (which is idolatry)—reveals that sin is fundamentally a worship issue.

The wrath of God rightly falls on such sin (v. 6), and believers are reminded: “In these you too once walked, when you were living in them” (v. 7). But no more. The old man must be put off, like filthy garments, and replaced with the new.

This is not a call to perfectionism, but to consistent spiritual warfare. Sanctification is progressive, and it is God who works in us (Philippians 2:13), yet we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). This is the mystery of grace-driven effort.

3. Putting On the New Self (v. 10–11)

“...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (v. 10)

The new self is not something we create; it is something we have put on in union with Christ. It is continually being renewed—note the present tense. This is the ongoing process of sanctification, and the tool God uses is knowledge—specifically, the knowledge of Christ through the Word.

This new creation is not divided by worldly categories. “Here there is not Greek and Jew... but Christ is all, and in all” (v. 11). In the body of Christ, all believers share the same standing before God, regardless of ethnicity, background, or past sins. We are united by the same Savior, justified by the same grace, and indwelt by the same Spirit.

Conclusion: Live Like Who You Are

Colossians 3:1–11 is not a list of burdens. It’s a glorious call to live like who you truly are in Christ. The Bible teaches that all who are in Christ are no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of the Most High. We’ve been raised with Him, we are hidden in Him, and we will appear with Him in glory.

So we put sin to death—not to earn salvation, but because we are already saved. We seek the things above—not to escape this world, but because our true citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). And we live as a new humanity—not divided by the flesh, but united in the image of Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Let this passage stir your heart to renewed love for Christ, a holy hatred of sin, and a deep longing for glory. He who began this good work in you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Be sure to always check everything through the scriptures, like the noble Bereans and we encourage you to contact us at here for much more.  Be sure to find and join a faithful local church, let us serve Christ together, no matter the distance that separates us. 

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family