Colossians 3:2
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Set your affection on things above - Τα ανω φρονειτε· Love heavenly things; study them; let your hearts be entirely engrossed by them. Now, that ye are converted to God, act in reference to heavenly things as ye did formerly in reference to those of earth; and vice versa. This is a very good general rule: "Be as much in earnest for heavenly and eternal things, as ye formerly were for those that are earthly and perishing."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things," &c. (Col 2:20). Contrast "who mind earthly things" (Phi 3:19). Whatever we make an idol of, will either be a cross to us if we be believers, or a curse to us if unbelievers.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Set your affections on things above,.... For unless the affections are set on them, they will never be sought after in a proper manner. The word signifies to mind them, and think on them, to favour and approve of them, to be affectionately desirous of them, and concerned for them; for where the treasure is, the heart should be; and as the saints' best things are above, their minds and affections should be there likewise; their contemplation should be on those things, and their conversation should be in heaven; nor should they regard anything but what is there, or comes from thence, for they belong not to this world, but to another and better country: their citizenship is in heaven, and there, in a short time, they must have their everlasting residence; and therefore should seek after, and highly prize and value heavenly things, and set their affections on them, and not on things on the earth; not mind earth and earthly things, temporal enjoyments, riches, and honours; and though food and raiment, and the necessaries of life, are to be sought after, and cared and provided for, yet not with anxiety and perplexity of mind, in an over thoughtful and distressing manner; nor should the heart be set on those outward things, or happiness placed in the possession of them. Moreover, worldly lusts, the members which are on the earth, earthly pleasures that are sinful, may be here meant. Worldly lusts are to be denied, the deeds of the body are to be mortified, carnal desires are not to be gratified and indulged, provision is not to be made for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts; and particularly the vain philosophy of Jews and Gentiles, the traditions of the elders, the ceremonies of the law, which lay in earthly things, in worldly observances, the difference of meats and drinks, keeping of days, months, and years, new moons, feasts, and sabbath days; the rudiments of the world, the commandments and doctrines which were of the earth, and lay in not touching, tasting, and handling certain things that are on earth, and which perish with the using, as opposed to the doctrines of the Gospel, and ordinances of Christ, which are from above, and come from heaven, and have a spiritual and heavenly use: and which is the sense chiefly intended, though it is best to understand the words in their largest compass.
Colossians 3:2
Put On the New Self
1Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christless Pentecost - Part 1
By David Wilkerson11K29:00PentecostLUK 6:46LUK 9:58JHN 4:23EPH 5:27COL 3:2REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even dedicating one day a month or one hour a day to prayer can have a transformative impact. The preacher highlights the example of Jesus, who despite having the responsibility of caring for the entire universe, still made time to pray for his followers. He urges the audience to break free from the distractions and busyness of the world and commit to a deep and intimate prayer life, recognizing that it is through prayer that God can use them to make a powerful impact in the world.
A Passion to Know Him
By Charles Stanley10K1:03:41Knowing GodMAT 6:33ROM 12:2PHP 3:3COL 3:2JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord. Many people are content with knowing Jesus as their Savior because it means they are forgiven and redeemed. However, few are interested in knowing Him as Lord, which requires submitting their will to Him and allowing Him to guide their lives. The speaker encourages listeners to be observant of how God works in their own lives and in the lives of others, and to learn from these experiences. Finally, the speaker urges listeners to look for evidence of Christ in every circumstance of life, even if they don't always understand it.
The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion
By David Wilkerson9.9K51:53False TeachersISA 59:19AMO 6:1MAT 6:19MAT 7:21COL 3:2HEB 9:28REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on material wealth. The preacher urges the audience to turn away from sin and seek repentance, as forgiveness without repentance is a compromising message. He encourages the listeners to compare the teachings they hear with the true gospel of Jesus as found in the scriptures.
"Dow Jones and Revival"
By Leonard Ravenhill9.6K00:09MAT 6:33MAT 16:26LUK 12:34COL 3:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly concerns, drawing a parallel between the focus on financial markets like the Dow Jones averages and the need for a similar level of interest in spiritual matters. It challenges believers to invest their time, energy, and resources into building God's kingdom and seeking His righteousness above all else.
Your Ultimate Purpose
By Paul Washer6.8K30:28PurposeMAT 6:33ROM 8:28COL 3:2HEB 11:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the reality of God's truth in a person's life. He explains that simply memorizing and preaching a sermon does not guarantee the same level of reality as someone who has experienced God's work in their life over time. The speaker highlights the significance of being conformed to the image of Christ and how it benefits believers. He also emphasizes the need for believers to align their ultimate purpose with God's purpose, warning that a lack of focus on God's purpose can lead to darkness and misery.
Giving Your All
By Paul Washer5.8K41:00Absolute SurrenderMAT 6:33MRK 9:50ROM 3:23ROM 12:1EPH 4:30COL 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually aware and not allowing the world to dull our minds. He urges believers to constantly pray and be stewards of what they hear and see in church. The preacher explains that presenting our bodies to God is not about continuous rededication, but rather a once and for all decision that controls our future. He encourages believers to stop living with one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom, and instead focus on Jesus and follow Him wholeheartedly.
(Om Orientation) Discipline - Part 1
By Jonathan McRostie5.6K38:13OrientationPSA 119:11PRO 23:7ISA 26:3ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 4:8COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of disciplining our thoughts. He highlights that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping our actions and words. The speaker encourages filling our minds with good and truthful things, rather than leaving them empty. He also discusses the discipline of meditation and the need to focus on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report, as mentioned in Philippians 4. The speaker acknowledges that disciplining our thoughts is not easy, but it is a necessary process in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.
(A Heavenly Life) 1. Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen3.9K56:38HeavenMAT 4:17MAT 6:33MAT 22:37MRK 2:21LUK 9:62PHP 3:20COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker addresses the challenges Christians face in the changing world. He emphasizes the importance of focusing our minds on godly thoughts amidst our daily tasks and responsibilities. The speaker also highlights the need to resist the temptation to judge others and instead strive to speak and think with kindness and love. He shares a personal anecdote about a driving incident to illustrate the importance of responding in a Christ-like manner. The sermon concludes by referencing the examples of Jesus and Peter, who continued preaching about the kingdom of heaven despite the challenges they faced.
A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 2)
By Erlo Stegen3.8K1:02:07Biblical FamilyEXO 20:5MAT 10:34MAT 12:48JHN 1:12EPH 3:15COL 3:2In this final service of a weekend conference on the biblical family, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents repenting of their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. He warns that the iniquities of parents can have consequences for their children up to the third and fourth generation. The preacher shares a story of a baby who cried incessantly after birth, illustrating the potential effects of parental sin on their offspring. He urges parents to take their family responsibilities seriously, including providing spiritual leadership and proper discipline. The preacher also highlights the need for cultural preservation and self-discipline within the Zulu community.
"We Are Too Earth Bound"
By Leonard Ravenhill3.4K00:15MAT 6:19ROM 12:2COL 3:2This sermon emphasizes the call for believers to live differently from the world, not being overly focused on earthly matters but seeking a heavenly perspective. It challenges individuals to invest their time and resources in alignment with God's kingdom rather than following worldly standards.
(Heavenly Life) Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen2.8K56:38MAT 6:31MAT 6:33GAL 3:29EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 6:12COL 3:2COL 3:4HEB 11:13HEB 12:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of being heavenly-minded in a world filled with changes and uncertainties. It highlights the need to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions, urging believers to seek God's kingdom first and live in a way that reflects heavenly principles. The speaker encourages a shift in mindset towards heavenly things, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew thoughts and actions to align with God's will.
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #1
By John Owen2.6K1:32:31Audio BooksPRO 23:7ISA 26:3MAT 22:37ROM 8:62CO 10:5PHP 4:8COL 3:2The sermon transcript discusses the importance of being spiritually minded and the dangers of being influenced by the world. The preacher emphasizes that the preaching and publishing of a discourse on being spiritually minded is timely and necessary for Christians in the present circumstances. The sermon highlights the need for individuals to be aware of the ways in which the world tries to impose itself on their minds and distract them from faith and obedience. The preacher also explains that being spiritually minded is essential for experiencing life and peace, and provides insights into the nature and requirements of this mindset.
Is Your Affection on Things
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:04:54AffectionsACT 20:22ROM 8:28PHP 3:13PHP 4:6PHP 4:8COL 3:2In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and confusion over the recent suicides of four young people. He questions why these tragedies occurred and wonders if their upbringing or external influences played a role. The preacher reflects on his shaken faith in human systems but maintains his faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of seeking heavenly things rather than earthly possessions and shares a story of a young preacher who faced financial difficulties but found consolation in trusting that God sees the end from the beginning.
Live Pure Free From Pornography and Lustful Thoughts
By Tim Conway2.2K28:18PSA 24:3MAT 5:8ROM 8:13PHP 4:8COL 3:2JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of purity, particularly sexual purity, in the Christian walk. It addresses the prevalent issue of sexual immorality among young people and the battle against impure thoughts and actions. The speaker urges individuals to make visible progress in their pursuit of sexual purity, highlighting the need for maturity and growth in this area of life. The sermon stresses the significance of setting the mind on pure and spiritual things to overcome impure images and thoughts, ultimately leading to a closer relationship with God.
Fren-01 the Invisible Cloud of Witnesses
By Art Katz2.2K1:25:32Cloud of WitnessesMAT 25:302CO 4:18COL 3:2HEB 10:38HEB 11:12HEB 11:26HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not expressing resentment and not seeing oneself as a stranger or victim. He encourages the audience to recognize each other by the Spirit and put aside cultural barriers. The speaker highlights the need for Christians to see what is invisible and know that they have a better and enduring substance in heaven. He challenges the audience to consider if they truly see themselves as running a race in their Christian journey and if they believe they are surrounded by a cloud of invisible witnesses. The speaker urges the audience to settle something with God and seek His forgiveness for an inadequate Christianity.
Giving Our Mind to Christ
By Zac Poonen2.0K59:24MindPRO 23:7MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:23PHP 2:5COL 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting worldly desires and material possessions rule our lives. He encourages listeners to keep their focus on their ultimate destination, which is to become like Christ. The preacher highlights the need to surrender our bodies to God and not just go through the motions of prayer without genuine love and devotion. He also warns about the battle for our minds, as the devil seeks to control our thoughts through various means such as media and lies. The preacher calls for true worship and reverence towards God, rather than just seeking personal enjoyment in church gatherings.
Easter Sunday
By Martin Geehan2.0K42:03EasterJHN 1:12JHN 14:6ROM 8:21CO 15:57PHP 3:10COL 3:21TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to trust in Christ as their Savior and believe in Him with all their hearts. He highlights the power of the resurrection and how it can bring victory and freedom from sin and death. The preacher encourages the congregation to set their affections on things above and to spend time with Jesus, treating Him as a living presence in their lives. He concludes by urging everyone to pray for the power of Christ's resurrection to reside in them and to be faithful until Christ's second coming.
Apostle Paul's Preaching - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K12:59ROM 6:22ROM 8:281CO 6:191CO 10:312CO 5:17EPH 3:20PHP 2:5PHP 4:13COL 3:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the Spirit and having a mindset like Christ, focusing on the example of Paul's unwavering faith and dedication despite facing persecution and challenges. It highlights the need for a deep prayer life, sacrificial love, and a Christ-centered existence to live victoriously and radiate God's glory in all circumstances.
Himmlische Gesinnung (With German Translation)
By Art Katz1.9K56:45GermanGEN 28:12JHN 1:51JHN 3:6JHN 3:31COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting our affections on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions. He shares a personal anecdote about wishing he had students who sought answers from above rather than giving predictable earthly answers. The speaker encourages the audience to shut off earthly distractions like the radio and TV and seek that which is above. He also discusses the potential impact of seeking heavenly things and warns that speaking the truth may create a crisis, but it is not our responsibility to solve it.
Piper Responds to the Prosperity Gospel
By John Piper1.9K05:57MAT 5:13MAT 6:241CO 2:14PHP 3:8COL 3:2This sermon delves into the concept of being the salt of the earth as mentioned in Matthew 5, emphasizing that the true essence of salt is found in God being the gospel. It addresses the dangers of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it deviates from the true message of the gospel by appealing to worldly desires like wealth. The speaker passionately advocates for a church motivated by God as the gospel, not material gain, in order to truly impact the world and be a beacon of light.
Ian Paisley and William Mullan Testimonies
By Ian Paisley1.7K1:09:16PSA 119:105JHN 3:16ROM 8:171CO 1:172CO 4:4PHP 2:5COL 3:2REV 3:16REV 3:20This sermon reflects on the importance of staying true to the core message of the Gospel, emphasizing the need for personal surrender to God amidst the challenges and apostasy in the church. It highlights the significance of reading and studying the Bible diligently, exploring the depths of God's truth and message. The sermon also pays tribute to influential preachers like Jock Troop and James McKendrick, underscoring the impact of their teachings and characters in the ministry.
Zac Poonen Talking About Social Networking Sites
By Zac Poonen1.6K01:10PRO 4:25MAT 6:33EPH 5:15COL 3:21JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the potential dangers of the internet as a distraction from spending time with God, cautioning against allowing social media and other online platforms to consume more time than reading the Bible. It highlights the importance of keeping priorities in check, ensuring that technology serves as a tool rather than a master, and warns against the various ways the devil can use online distractions to hinder one's effectiveness for God.
Paul's Passion and Preaching - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K08:17JHN 3:16ROM 6:22ROM 8:28ROM 8:371CO 13:4GAL 2:20EPH 6:18PHP 2:5COL 3:22TI 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love, highlighting the need for genuine love that involves sacrifice and blood, not just superficial affection. It explores the transformative power of Christ's love to heal and cleanse, leading to a life of victory over sin. The sermon also delves into the profound prayer life of Paul, showcasing the significance of having a prayerful and Christ-centered mindset in overcoming challenges and living a life that reflects God's glory.
How to Live a Separated Life: Be Diligent
By Hoseah Wu1.5K40:46Separated LifePSA 46:10MAT 6:33LUK 10:42ROM 12:2COL 3:22PE 1:52PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of lacking an aggressive spirit in pursuing the Lord. He emphasizes the need to work diligently and ensure that our faith is genuine. The purpose of the weekend conference is to help each other discover the eternal things and have a clear direction in our Christian lives. The speaker also highlights the importance of coming together during the winter months to avoid spiritual decline and stumbling. The ultimate goal is to have a time of reflection and fellowship, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and free us from unnecessary distractions.
New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.4K09:35MAT 3:2MAT 3:9ROM 8:5PHP 3:19COL 3:2This sermon delves into the essence of the New Covenant as depicted in Matthew chapter 3, emphasizing the crucial act of turning from the Kingdom of Earth to the Kingdom of Heaven to truly embrace the New Covenant. It highlights the significance of setting our minds on heavenly things while engaging with earthly responsibilities, illustrating the analogy of a rubber band to depict this balance. The sermon also underscores the importance of having a clear goal in life that aligns with heavenly purposes to distinguish between living as a sinner or a saint.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Set your affection on things above - Τα ανω φρονειτε· Love heavenly things; study them; let your hearts be entirely engrossed by them. Now, that ye are converted to God, act in reference to heavenly things as ye did formerly in reference to those of earth; and vice versa. This is a very good general rule: "Be as much in earnest for heavenly and eternal things, as ye formerly were for those that are earthly and perishing."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things," &c. (Col 2:20). Contrast "who mind earthly things" (Phi 3:19). Whatever we make an idol of, will either be a cross to us if we be believers, or a curse to us if unbelievers.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Set your affections on things above,.... For unless the affections are set on them, they will never be sought after in a proper manner. The word signifies to mind them, and think on them, to favour and approve of them, to be affectionately desirous of them, and concerned for them; for where the treasure is, the heart should be; and as the saints' best things are above, their minds and affections should be there likewise; their contemplation should be on those things, and their conversation should be in heaven; nor should they regard anything but what is there, or comes from thence, for they belong not to this world, but to another and better country: their citizenship is in heaven, and there, in a short time, they must have their everlasting residence; and therefore should seek after, and highly prize and value heavenly things, and set their affections on them, and not on things on the earth; not mind earth and earthly things, temporal enjoyments, riches, and honours; and though food and raiment, and the necessaries of life, are to be sought after, and cared and provided for, yet not with anxiety and perplexity of mind, in an over thoughtful and distressing manner; nor should the heart be set on those outward things, or happiness placed in the possession of them. Moreover, worldly lusts, the members which are on the earth, earthly pleasures that are sinful, may be here meant. Worldly lusts are to be denied, the deeds of the body are to be mortified, carnal desires are not to be gratified and indulged, provision is not to be made for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts; and particularly the vain philosophy of Jews and Gentiles, the traditions of the elders, the ceremonies of the law, which lay in earthly things, in worldly observances, the difference of meats and drinks, keeping of days, months, and years, new moons, feasts, and sabbath days; the rudiments of the world, the commandments and doctrines which were of the earth, and lay in not touching, tasting, and handling certain things that are on earth, and which perish with the using, as opposed to the doctrines of the Gospel, and ordinances of Christ, which are from above, and come from heaven, and have a spiritual and heavenly use: and which is the sense chiefly intended, though it is best to understand the words in their largest compass.