The Letter to the Colossians always forces me to reevaluate my walk with Jesus in society the bombards us with competing messages, ideas, beliefs and philosophies. Paul is writing to a church that is being taught some strange beliefs by false teachers. They are being taught “hollow and deceptive philosophies” (Colossians 2:8), but Paul encourages them to “just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7). Here are three thoughts on discerning God’s truth in a culture of lies.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” ~Colossians 3:1-4

Seek the Things of Christ

Paul reminds our Colossian friends that they have indeed been raised to new life with Jesus through their faith. This reminder is followed by the command to set their hearts on the heavenly things of Christ. Christians must always be turning their eyes to the heavenly wisdom and truth that is found in Christ. He tells the Colossians that in Jesus “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Therefore, if Christ is in essence wisdom and knowledge, we turn to Jesus and set our minds on His truth when we are lacking wisdom. So, in faith, daily seek the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus which will lead to spiritual growth.

Set Your Mind on the Things of Christ

Paul doubles down on the need to set our minds on the things of Christ in the next verse. Our beliefs are tightly woven into our hearts and minds; therefore, the way we think will influence what we believe and the way we live. In addition to setting our minds on the things of Christ, we are reject the earthly lies that present themselves as wisdom and truth. As we seek and set our minds on the things of Christ found in Scripture, we will learn to discern what is true and what is false. 

Be Hidden in Christ Your Life

Finally, Paul concludes saying that our lives, as followers raised with Jesus, are hidden in Christ. While this is an abstract idea, it means that we are now aligned with the truth of Jesus. Any truth that is contrary to the truth of the Gospel is to be rejected for the genuine teaching of the Bible. While our theologies are never perfect in this life, we strive to grow in our knowledge and will some day be made perfect when we appear with him in glory. So I encourage you as we patiently journey through this life, seek and set your hearts and minds on the things of Jesus!

Hi friends! I am Pastor Chris, and I am so glad that you have checked out our church website. I started pastoring at Slippery Rock Alliance Church in December of 2018. I am excited about what God is doing at SRAC and look forward to staying connected with all the members and visitors of our church via every ministry platform. I will be making weekly blog posts on spiritual formation, theology, parenting, and church apologetics. So stay for more challenging and uplifting content to come! Thanks for popping in, and if you are a visitor, know that we want you here! Join us for Sunday morning worship @ 10:30A and check out our sermon page to get a taste of what the preaching is like. "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." ~Ephesians 1:2