5/27/10 Colossians 2-3
Set your Mind
(Col 3:2)2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Most scholars agree that the book of Colossians was written to combat heresy which was evident in and around the church at Colossae. The exact heresy is not known, but from the truths which Paul presents to the Colossae church we can have a good idea that it was probably the early forms of Gnosticism. Gnosticism is a philosophy which claims to have superior or hidden knowledge. There superior knowledge was based on a heresy which claimed everything material is bad or evil and everything spiritual in nature is good or divine.
Naturally, with this kind of teaching there were two thoughts that were developed which were in opposite directions from each other. The first thought was since all material things are bad then I must deny myself of all the material things that I can. The hope is that if I do this then I will break the power of evil that is part of everything material. This belief produced legalism. (Col 2:21-22)21“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22(which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?
The second thought was since all material things are bad then it does not matter how I live. Thus I can live however I want and there is no such thing as morality and I cannot be held accountable for my actions. This belief produced loose living. (Col 3:5)5Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
Paul offers another option which is the true knowledge and is centered on the living Christ. In chapter 2 Paul stress the point that Christ was the fullness of deity in bodily form (Col 2:9) and therefore destroying the Gnostic’s basic philosophy that everything material is bad and everything spiritual is good. Paul stresses the point that God had also raised his body from the dead (Col 2:12) and in fact is presently seated, a physical description, at the right hand of God.
With this knowledge the Colossae church and we are not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deception, but are to seek Christ who is above. We are to set our mind on the things above where the living Christ is. The thrust of the Greek means that we are to “keep on setting our mind” upon the heavenly realm where Christ rules and reigns. This means that to “set your mind” is a continual ongoing effort. There must be a constant and disciplined effort to evaluate attitudes, dreams, desires, plans, life choices, and actions as it relates to the reigning King and His kingdom. As we consistently readjusted our minds and reorder our priorities to the things above we resist the lure of legalistic and loose living.
Prayer: Almighty, Most Holy, Excellent, Loving Father I praise you. You have prepared all things and you deserve all worship. I seek your kingdom today. I ask that my mind will be set upon the things above and not the thing that are on the earth. Give me an eternal focus, in submission to your rightful rule, while I live on the earth to produce fruit for your honor and your glory. I thank you Jesus for paying my debt and nailing to the cross that I may put on your love. I pray that your peace will rule in my heart and that your word will richly dwell in my mind. Set my mind in upon You so whatever I do in word or deed, will be done in your great name to which I give thanks through You to the Father. Amen.