Lesson 20 Overcoming Worldliness by Setting Our Affections on Things Above

 Lesson 20

Overcoming Worldliness by Setting Our Affections on Things Above

Scripture: Colossians 3:1–4 —
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

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Lesson Objective:

To teach believers how to overcome the pull of worldliness by focusing their thoughts, desires, and priorities on eternal realities in Christ.

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Key Points:

1. The New Identity in Christ

   • Being risen with Christ means we have a new nature and new desires (2 Corinthians 5:17).

   • Our spiritual position is with Christ, who reigns at the right hand of the Father.

2. A Call to Seek the Things Above

   • “Seek” is an active pursuit—daily aligning our choices with God’s Kingdom priorities (Matthew 6:33).

   • Earthly things fade; heavenly treasures endure forever (Matthew 6:19–21).

3. Setting Affection on Eternal Realities

   • Affection means deep attachment of the heart.

   • Our emotions, goals, and motivations should be shaped by eternal values, not temporary pleasures (1 John 2:15–17).

4. The Hidden Life in Christ

   • We are “dead” to the old sinful life and “hidden” in Christ—safe, secure, and identified with Him (Galatians 2:20).

   • Our true life will be revealed when He appears in glory.

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Life Applications:

• Guard Your Heart: Regularly evaluate if your strongest desires are God-centered or earth-centered.

• Redirect Your Focus: Replace worldly attractions with spiritual disciplines—prayer, worship, Bible study, service.

• Live with Eternity in View: Make decisions based on eternal rewards, not short-term gains.

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Reflection Questions:

1. What specific worldly distractions most compete for your attention?

2. How can you practically “set your affection” on things above each day?

3. In what ways does remembering your life is hidden in Christ give you strength to resist temptation?

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Prayer Focus:

Lord Jesus, lift my eyes above the fleeting things of this world. Teach me to treasure Your presence, to love Your Word, and to live daily for the glory that is to come. Amen.