SETTING YOUR AFFECTIONS ON HEAVENLY THINGS

Title: SETTING YOUR AFFECTIONS ON HEAVENLY THINGS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Colossians 3:2
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:19-21, Philippians 3:20, 1 John 2:15-17, Hebrews 12:2, Luke 12:34

INTRODUCTION:
As believers, we are called to live with a perspective that is not rooted in the temporal things of this world but in the eternal realities of God's kingdom. In Colossians 3:2, Paul admonishes us to set our affections on things above, rather than on earthly things. This Bible study will explore what it means to set our hearts on heavenly things, why it is essential, and how we can practically do so in our everyday lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING HEAVENLY AFFECTIONS

Setting our affections on heavenly things means prioritizing eternal values over temporary pleasures.

a) Heavenly Things Are Eternal
The things above represent what is eternal—God, His Word, His Kingdom, and the hope of eternal life with Him. These are the things that will never fade away (Matthew 6:19-20).

b) Heavenly Things Reflect God’s Will
Setting our affections on heavenly things means aligning our desires with God’s purposes and His will for our lives (Philippians 3:20).

c) Heavenly Things Bring Lasting Joy
Earthly things can provide temporary pleasure, but heavenly things provide lasting joy that comes from knowing and serving God (Psalm 16:11).

d) Heavenly Things Are a Source of Hope
Our hope in Christ and His coming Kingdom motivates us to live with purpose and perseverance, even in trials (1 Peter 1:3-4).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus taught His followers to focus on heavenly treasures in Matthew 6:19-21, where He said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

2. THE DANGER OF SETTING AFFECTIONS ON EARTHLY THINGS

When we set our affections on earthly things, we are distracted from our true purpose and hindered in our spiritual growth.

a) Earthly Things Are Temporary
Earthly wealth, possessions, and pleasures are all temporary and will eventually pass away (1 John 2:17). They cannot offer lasting fulfillment or security.

b) Earthly Things Lead to Distraction
When our hearts are focused on worldly things, we become distracted from the things that truly matter, such as our relationship with God and our calling to serve others (Luke 8:14).

c) Earthly Things Can Foster Idolatry
Loving the things of the world can lead us into idolatry, where we begin to worship material things instead of God (Colossians 3:5).

d) Earthly Things Are Often Rooted in Sin
Many of the desires of the flesh—such as greed, lust, and pride—are associated with earthly things, which pull us away from God’s holiness (Galatians 5:19-21).

e) Biblical Example:
The rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-24 struggled with setting his heart on his wealth and possessions rather than on following Christ, which led to his downfall.

3. THE BENEFITS OF SETTING YOUR AFFECTIONS ON HEAVENLY THINGS

When we focus on heavenly things, we experience spiritual growth, peace, and eternal rewards.

a) Spiritual Transformation
Setting our hearts on heavenly things leads to a transformed life that reflects the character of Christ. We begin to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which is evidence of God's work in us (Galatians 5:22-23).

b) Peace and Contentment
When our hearts are set on heavenly things, we experience peace and contentment, knowing that God is in control and that His promises are secure (Philippians 4:7).

c) Living with Purpose
When we set our affections on eternal things, we live with a clear purpose: to glorify God, to share the gospel, and to serve others (Matthew 6:33).

d) Eternal Rewards
Jesus promised that those who store up treasures in heaven will receive eternal rewards that far outweigh anything the world can offer (Matthew 6:19-21).

e) Biblical Example:
The Apostle Paul lived with his affections set on heavenly things, as he expressed in Philippians 3:13-14, where he said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

4. HOW TO SET YOUR AFFECTIONS ON HEAVENLY THINGS

Setting our affections on heavenly things is a daily choice that involves practical steps of devotion and discipline.

a) Renew Your Mind Through Scripture
Meditating on God’s Word helps us to refocus our hearts and minds on heavenly priorities (Romans 12:2).

b) Pray for a Heavenly Mindset
Regular prayer helps us to realign our desires with God’s will and to seek His Kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:10).

c) Live with an Eternal Perspective
Remind yourself daily of the reality of eternity, and live in light of the fact that this world is temporary and passing away (2 Corinthians 4:18).

d) Seek First God’s Kingdom
Prioritize God’s Kingdom and righteousness above all else, trusting that He will take care of your earthly needs (Matthew 6:33).

e) Biblical Example:
The Apostle John encourages us in 1 John 2:15-17 to "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world," and to focus on doing God’s will instead.

5. MAINTAINING A HEART SET ON HEAVENLY THINGS

Maintaining a focus on heavenly things requires consistency and discipline, especially in a world that constantly pulls us toward earthly desires.

a) Guard Your Heart and Mind
Protect your heart from distractions by keeping your thoughts and desires aligned with God's Word (Philippians 4:8).

b) Associate with Fellow Believers
Surround yourself with other believers who encourage you to live with a focus on the eternal and help you stay accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25).

c) Serve God and Others
A life of service helps to shift our focus from selfish desires to loving God and serving others, which are key aspects of heavenly priorities (Matthew 25:40).

d) Stay Focused on Christ’s Return
Keep the anticipation of Christ's return alive in your heart, allowing it to motivate you to live with purity and purpose (Titus 2:13).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus Himself, during His time on earth, set His affections on the Father’s will and eternal purposes, even when faced with great opposition (Luke 22:42).

CONCLUSION:
Setting our affections on heavenly things is not only a command from God but a transformative practice that brings peace, purpose, and eternal rewards. By keeping our hearts focused on what is eternal, we live lives that reflect God’s kingdom and glorify Him in every aspect. Let us, therefore, choose daily to set our affections on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and live for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to set my heart and affections on things above.

2. Father, give me the strength to resist the distractions of the world.

3. Holy Spirit, renew my mind and help me to focus on eternal things.

4. Lord, let my life be marked by a passion for Your Kingdom and righteousness.

5. Father, teach me to live with an eternal perspective in every situation.

6. Lord, help me to store up treasures in heaven and not on earth.

7. Holy Spirit, empower me to keep my thoughts pure and focused on Your will.

8. Father, help me to seek first Your Kingdom in all that I do.

9. Lord, help me to serve You and others with a heart set on heavenly things.

10. Father, I look forward to Your return and desire to live in light of eternity.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will experience a renewed passion for heavenly things in Jesus’ name.

2. Every distraction that pulls you away from eternal priorities is broken in the name of Jesus.

3. You will live with a clear, eternal perspective that glorifies God in all you do.

4. Your heart will be fully set on the things of God, and your life will reflect His Kingdom.

5. You will walk in purpose and peace as you focus on the eternal, not the temporary.

6. You will bear fruit for God’s Kingdom that lasts for eternity.