Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:28-31 & Colossians 2:1-3, 3:1-4
I. Your wisdom is revealed in seeking Christ.
A. If Colossians 2:3 is correct that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, that tells us who we Christians are to be. We are to be archeologists. We dig for the treasure of wisdom that is hidden in Christ. The Greeks in Corinth were a people that treasured wisdom. They sought wisdom in eloquent words, in intelligence and academic learning, in legal reasoning, and in philosophy.
B. But we see in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 that God often chooses foolish things over wise things. The Corinthians were a foolish people who heard a foolish message about a crucified Savior who was risen from the dead that was preached in a foolish way according to worldly wisdom. But they believed that foolish message, and look at what happened! God completely changed their lives. Seeking Jesus then is the best way and the wisest way to live.
II. Your wisdom is revealed in your salvation with Christ.
A. Jesus has been raised from the dead. And now, because you are united with Christ by faith, you also have been raised from the dead (Colossians 3:1). Since Jesus lives in us, we are already experiencing a taste of heaven as we live out our days on earth (vs. 1). We died with him to our old ways and have been raised with him to his new ways (vs. 2-3). In Jesus we have something far better than what the world can give us. It is wise to live for Him and His salvation.
B. When we pray for God’s kingdom to come to earth, and as we extend God’s kingdom through behaving like Christians in our work and in our school and in our community and in our family, what happens? The beauty and values of heaven become more visible and tangible on earth. Unbelieving people on this earth see heaven in us because of our heavenly focus. A heavenly focus produces an earthly difference. In fact, it makes all the difference in the world.
III. Your wisdom is revealed in your future glory.
A. The wise plan of God to save people started even before God created the world. Ephesians 1:4-5: “even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” Psalm 110:1: The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Jesus is king over all things. Jesus rules as a glorious king. We will share that glory (Colossians 3:4).
Application:
The wise seek the glorious things that are above, not the things on earth.
Sources:
The Bible
Commentaries by G.K. Beale, Mark Meynell, Andrew Wilson, David Pao and Sam Storms
Sermon Discussion Questions
1) In what ways today do people regard Christ and Christianity as foolish rather than wise? How is this different from the way they were regarded in Paul’s day? Why?
2) What has already happened to Christians according to Colossians 3? And what will happen in the future?
3) What does setting your mind on things above look like in practice? What obstacles are there in your daily life to practicing this heavenly mindedness?