In Pursuit of What ?

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1–2

In Pursuit of What ? I. First Pursuit -- seek Christ A. WORSHIP

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Heb. 10:22-25

In Pursuit of What ? It has been said, “As a tear magnifies grief, as laughter magnifies humor, as a smile magnifies joy, so worship magnifies God.”

In Pursuit of What ? B. Seeking B. Seeking The Greek word for “seek” is ζητεω zēteō, and it means “to worship (God), or to plot (against life); or to desire, to endeavor.” The Greek word for “seek” is ζητεω zēteō, and it means “to worship (God), or to plot (against life); or to desire, to endeavor.” I Cor. 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” I Cor. 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

In Pursuit of What ? II. Second pursuit -- Higher Thoughts A. Set the Mind The Greek word for “set” is φρονέω phrone ō which means “to exercise the mind, to interest oneself in; set the affection on.”

In Pursuit of What ? Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual £ act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual £ act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:1-2 B. Your Primary Affection John 10:10b. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly John 10:10b. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly

In Pursuit of What ? III. Be Aware of what you are Pursuing A. Satan wants you to only pursue the things of the World 1Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

In Pursuit of What ? "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble/honorable, whatever things, are just/right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue/excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise meditate/dwell on these things" (Phil. 4:8). "Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble/honorable, whatever things, are just/right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue/excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise meditate/dwell on these things" (Phil. 4:8).

In Pursuit of What ? B. Pursuing things above does not mean we will miss out on things on Earth B. Pursuing things above does not mean we will miss out on things on Earth C. Adjusting Priorities C. Adjusting Priorities But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well....Mt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well....Mt. 6:33.