Connect Ephesians 2:6 with Colossians 3:1-3 on our heavenly focus. Seated with Christ—Our New Position Ephesians 2:6: “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” • At the very moment of salvation, God places us “with” Christ—not merely near Him, but sharers in His exalted position. • This is a finished, historical fact. Our citizenship is already registered in heaven (Philippians 3:20). • Because the seat is “in Christ Jesus,” our acceptance before the Father is as secure as the Son’s own standing. Setting Our Minds Above—The Daily Pursuit Colossians 3:1-3: “Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” • Paul moves from position (“raised with Christ”) to practice (“strive for the things above”). • “Set your minds” is continual; heavenly focus is not a one-time glance but a steady gaze. • Our “hidden” life means security and separation: secure because it is concealed in God, separate because worldly values no longer define us. How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Ephesians shows where we are seated; Colossians tells us what to seek. 2. Position fuels pursuit: we aim upward because that is where we already reside spiritually. 3. Both passages root everything “in Christ,” eliminating self-effort and magnifying grace. Supporting Snapshots from the Rest of Scripture • Hebrews 10:19-22—because we have heavenly access, we draw near with confidence. • 2 Corinthians 5:17—new creation reality explains the break with old desires. • 1 John 3:2-3—hope fixed on Christ’s return purifies current behavior. • Matthew 6:33—seeking first God’s kingdom aligns daily needs with eternal priorities. Why Heavenly Focus Changes Everything • Identity—We are no longer defined by past sins but by our seat beside Christ. • Perspective—Trials look different when viewed from the throne room (Romans 8:18). • Purpose—Earthly tasks become kingdom assignments; mundane moments gain eternal weight (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Purity—A gaze fixed on Christ crowds out lesser attractions (James 4:8). • Hope—Future glory steadies present storms (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Living the Reality—Practical Steps • Start each day by reading a passage that lifts your eyes above the immediate. • Rehearse your heavenly position aloud when tempted to despair or sin. • Schedule regular “throne-room breaks” during the day—brief pauses to acknowledge Christ’s rule over the meeting, chore, or conversation at hand. • Invest in eternal ventures: people, gospel work, acts of mercy (Matthew 6:19-21). • Cultivate gratitude; thanksgiving is the native language of those already seated in heaven (Ephesians 5:20). Christ has seated us; we now set our sights. Heavenly position and earthly practice belong together, turning everyday life into a lived echo of the throne. |
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