Sermon: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4
DAY 1 — RAISED WITH CHRIST
Scripture
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
— Colossians 3:1
Thought
To be “raised with Christ” is a settled reality for every true believer. Salvation is not merely forgiveness; it is resurrection — being brought from spiritual death to spiritual life. Because of this new life, our direction must change. We no longer live primarily for what is earthly, temporary, or self-centered. Instead, we are called to seek what is above, where Christ reigns. Our priorities reveal whether we truly understand our resurrection with Him.
Action
Write down your top five priorities in life right now. Pray over them and ask: Which of these clearly reflect that I am seeking what is above? Make one practical adjustment this week to better align your priorities with Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that I have been raised with You. Help me to live in the reality of my new life. Turn my heart upward today, away from what is temporary and toward what is eternal. Teach me to seek You first in all things. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does my daily life reflect that I have been raised with Christ?
- What earthly priorities might be competing with my devotion to Christ?
DAY 2 — SETTING YOUR MIND ON CHRIST
Scripture
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
— Colossians 3:2
Thought
Your life follows your mind. Whatever occupies your thoughts will direct your actions, desires, and decisions. Paul does not simply say “seek heaven”; he commands us to think heavenly thoughts. A Christ-filled life begins in a Christ-focused mind. If we constantly feed our minds with the world, our lives will mirror the world. But if we feed our minds with Christ, our lives will reflect Christ.
Action
Choose one intentional spiritual practice today:
- Spend 15 minutes in prayer, or
- Read Colossians 3 slowly, or
- Listen to a Christ-centered sermon, or
- Journal about what Christ means to you.
Be deliberate about what you allow into your mind today.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, renew my mind. Help me to think about what is true, noble, pure, and lovely. Guard my heart from worldly distractions and keep my thoughts fixed on Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- What most shapes my thinking — Scripture, culture, social media, or Christ?
- What is one habit I can begin to help me think more about Christ daily?
DAY 3 — YOU HAVE DIED, AND YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN WITH CHRIST
Scripture
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
— Colossians 3:3
Thought
To be “hidden with Christ” means security, identity, and belonging. Your life is now wrapped up in Him. Your past does not define you — Christ does. Your failures do not control you — Christ does. Your future is not uncertain — it is safe in Christ. Because your life is hidden in Him, you can live with confidence, freedom, and obedience rather than fear.
Action
Write down one past sin, regret, or identity label that still troubles you (e.g., “I am a failure,” “I am unworthy,” “I am broken”). Then write beside it: “My life is hidden with Christ.” Meditate on that truth.
Prayer
Father, thank You that my life is hidden with Christ. When I feel exposed, ashamed, or insecure, remind me that I am safe in Him. Let my identity rest in Christ alone. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- Do I live more out of fear or out of my security in Christ? Why?
- How would my life change if I truly believed I am hidden with Christ?
DAY 4 — CHRIST IS YOUR LIFE
Scripture
“When Christ, who is your life, appears…”
— Colossians 3:4a
Thought
Paul does not say, “Christ is part of your life.” He says, Christ is your life. This means He is not an accessory, hobby, or addition — He is the center, source, and purpose of everything. A Christ-filled life is one where Christ shapes our values, relationships, decisions, speech, and character.
Action
Ask yourself today: If someone watched my life for one week, would they conclude that Christ is truly my life? Choose one way to intentionally live this out — through kindness, generosity, forgiveness, or witness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are my life. Help me to live in such a way that others can see You in me. May my words, actions, and attitudes point to You today. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- If Christ is truly my life, what would look different tomorrow?
- In what areas of my life do I still live as if Christ is optional?
DAY 5 — OUR GLORIOUS HOPE IN CHRIST
Scripture
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
— Colossians 3:4
Thought
Our hope is not in this world — it is in the coming of Christ. One day He will return, and we will be revealed with Him in glory. This future hope gives present strength. If we truly believe Christ is coming again, we will live differently now — more holy, more faithful, more bold, and more joyful.
Action
Share Christ with someone this week — a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor. Tell them what Jesus means to you or invite them to church.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I long for the day when You return. Until that day, help me to live faithfully, witness boldly, and hope confidently. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
- How does my hope in Christ’s return shape my daily life?
- If Christ returned today, would I be ready with joy or shame?
