📝 Summary This lecture, drawn from Colossians 3:1–4, centers on establishing worth and identity in Christ, especially at the start of a new year. The Pastor urges listeners to abandon the pursuit of worldly validation—often reflected in New Year’s resolutions—and recognize that their worth is already settled as God’s “masterpiece.”
The core message is to shift focus from earthly concerns to a heavenly perspective, setting the mind on “things above.” Understanding that life is “hidden with Christ” frees believers from striving, fear, and the pressure of others’ expectations, empowering them to live boldly, confidently, and purposefully according to God’s plan, with a secure identity and certain future.
đź”– Knowledge Points
- Identity and Worth in Christ Your Worth Is Already Settled
- The question “Am I good enough?” often surfaces around the new year, prompting resolutions that suggest a need for self-improvement.
- Paul’s message in Colossians 3 reminds believers that their worth is already established; they are “enough” and can do all things through Christ.
- Believers should see themselves as a “masterpiece created under Christ Jesus to do good work that you have prepared in advance for me to do.”
- Being a masterpiece means being “one of a kind,” making comparison to others invalid. Freedom Through Identity in Christ
- This identity frees individuals from striving to prove themselves, from being limited by others’ expectations, and from seeking validation from the world (e.g., social media “likes”).
- A risen identity releases a person from chasing validation. When Christ reigns, the world no longer rules.
- Believers are free to live fully in the gifts and calling God has placed on their lives, as their purpose is preordained by God.
- To avoid being limited, one must stay focused on God’s calling rather than on others’ feedback or perceptions.
- Adopting a Heavenly Mindset Set Your Heart and Mind on Things Above
- Colossians 3:1–2 instructs believers to set their hearts and minds on “things above, where Christ is,” not on earthly things—embracing a heavenly perspective.
- The Pastor ’s analogy of being “in the car” on a road trip to Greenville illustrates being “in Christ”: daily life is lived within the context and perspective of being in Christ, which brings joy to the journey.
- This heavenly perspective provides clarity and context for worldly events, as God’s plan is revealed in Scripture.
- Assurance should come from where one’s trust lies (in God), not from personal performance. This requires being a “doer of the word, not a hearer only,” actively trusting God in difficult situations. Transformation of the Mind (Metamorphosis)
- Romans 12:2 calls for transformation (“metamorphosis,” like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly) by renewing the mind—changing how you think.
- A practical technique is to write down swirling thoughts to gain perspective and expose the irrationality of anxieties.
- Next, consult a concordance to see what God’s word says about those thoughts, replacing personal struggles with God’s clarity.
- This aligns with taking “every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- A heavenly mindset frees us from “small thinking,” expanding our understanding of what God can accomplish through us and unlocking potential often limited by our perceived capabilities.
- The Security and Hope of Being in Christ Life Hidden and Secure in Christ
- Colossians 3:3 states, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God,” meaning our identity and life are secure.
- The Pastor recalls Tony Evans signing his Bible with “Galatians 2:20”: “I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” emphasizing that life is not about our own strength but Christ working through us.
- This security frees believers to live boldly and courageously, without fear of condemnation, rejection, or failure. A confident walk in Christ manifests as humility and a servant’s heart, not pride.
- Unlike earthly treasures that can be stolen, our identity in Christ is secure in heaven. Future Hope and Purposeful Living
- Colossians 3:4—“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory”—underscores our future hope.
- This security and hope lead to purposeful living. Believers should use their gifts boldly and walk confidently in Christ, not in self.
- The lecture concludes with three takeaways: 1) Your worth is settled. 2) You are free from the world’s pressures. 3) You are free to live fully now with an eternal perspective because your life is secure and your future is certain.
đź“š Assignments
- When preoccupied with your worth, remind yourself: “Lord, you said I’m a masterpiece created under Christ Jesus to do good work that you have prepared in advance for me to do.”
- Dare to believe and step out in faith to do something bigger than yourself, trusting God to accomplish it through you.
- When your mind swirls with anxious thoughts, write them down to gain perspective, then use a concordance to find what God’s word says about the situation.
- When facing an obstacle, actively trust in the Lord with all your heart instead of leaning on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in the situation.
- Live purposefully by using your gifts boldly and walking confidently and humbly in the security of your identity in Christ.