Set Your Affections On Things Above Meaning | Truth Revealed!

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The mind is the place where thoughts can come from above or beneath. So why does God tell the born again believer to set your affections on things above?

God tells the believer to set their affection or mind on things above because He knows they are now risen with Christ seated in heavenly places. Jesus also put the serpent underneath His and the born again believers feet. This wisdom from the serpent beneath is earthly, sensual, and devilish.

  • Colossians 3:1-3 (KJV) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
  • Ephesians 2:6 (KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
  • Genesis 3:14-15 (KJV) And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Ephesians 1:21-23 (KJV) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
  • James 3:15 (KJV) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Thank you Father for everything the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us! We now have a better understanding of why you tell us to set our affection on things above! As we continue we will go more in depth about setting our affection on things above. We will go over wisdom that is from above, wisdom that is not from above, and why God says to set your mind on things above.

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Wisdom That Is From Above

The wisdom that is from above is a spiritual and heavenly type of wisdom. This wisdom comes from God. What is this wisdom from above like?

  • James 3:17-18 (KJV) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Let’s investigate each one of these characteristics of wisdom from above according to Strong’s and/or Thayer’s definition.

  • Pure – chaste, clean, pure, pure from carnality, pure from every fault, sacred.
  • Peaceable – pacific,  salutary, peaceable, relating to peace, loving peace, bring peace with it.
  • Gentle – appropriate, mild, gentle, moderation, patient, seemingly, suitable, equitable, fair.
  • Easy To Be Entreated –  good for persuasion, compliant, easy to be entreated, easily obeying.
  • Mercy – compassion, mercy, kindness or goodwill towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.
  • Good – benefit, well, of good constitution or nature, useful, salutary, good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright, honourable.
  • Fruits – fruit, the fruit of trees, vines, of the fields, the fruit of one’s loins, that which originates or comes from something, an effects, result, work, act, deed, advantage, profit, utility.
  • Without Partiality – impartial, undistinguished, unintelligible, without dubiousness, ambiguity or uncertainty.
  • Without Hypocrisy – undissembled, that is sincere, without dissimulation (hypocrisy) unfeigned, undisguised.

Knowing and understanding these characteristics of wisdom from above actually helps us to recognize when God is speaking to us. I believe the amplified translation of James 3:17 puts it well.

  • James 3:17 (AMP) But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].

God gives His children clear instructions on what to set their affection or mind on. Which is the wisdom of God. This type of wisdom lines up according to what God says. This is the type of wisdom is for those who are spiritually minded. Those who are spiritually minded have the mind of Christ to be instructed according to the word of God. In other words, they renew their mind according to what is written which is from above!

  • Romans 8:6 (KJV) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
  • Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

This type of wisdom from above will transform you. The word of the Lord will change you to line up with the things of the Spirit. This wisdom will naturally cause the fruits of the Spirit to grow and become visible for all to see!

  • Galatians 5:22-26 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Those who are Christ’s receives this wisdom from above. Understand that the Holy Spirit will produce these fruits that can only come from God which shines forth in their life. Ask God for knowledge and understanding in regards to His wisdom specifically. Then incline your ear to what He says and apply your heart to understanding it. Seek after this type of wisdom as if it is the purest silver or priceless treasure!

  • Proverbs 2:1-7 (KJV) My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
  • Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Those who ask God for this type of wisdom, it shall be given. Those who seek God for this type of wisdom, shall find it. God will open the door for you to know and understand the fear of the Lord, the knowledge of God. He stores away this type of wisdom for the righteous. In other words, The Holy Spirit will reveal the true wisdom to those who are in right standing with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. 

That being said there are others who consider and call something else wisdom which is not from above and not from God.

This Wisdom Is Not From Above

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Previously we looked into the wisdom which is from above that comes from God. However there is a different type of wisdom which comes from beneath.

The wisdom which is not from above is earthly, sensual, and devilish. This type of  wisdom comes from the serpent, the carnal man, carnal mind, and carnal flesh. The devil is a liar and has some fooled to think that his voice is considered wise. This type of wisdom is enmity against God.

  • James 3:15 (KJV) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
  • Romans 8:6-8 (KJV) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

The devil wants his children in the world to set their affections on the things beneath of the carnal flesh and sin. Simply put this type of wisdom goes against the word of God. Those who receive this type of wisdom are carnally minded. In other word’s, jealousy and selfish ambition, etc, is what they want. They reject the truth from God to receive things of the flesh in which they were never suppose to walk in.

  • Ephesians 2:1-3 (KJV) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:12 (KJV) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

  • James 3:14-16 (AMP) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. 15 This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.

This type of wisdom from beneath will conform to the world. The spirit of the world will lead and cause the works of the flesh to manifest. This type of wisdom manifests the works of the devil.

  • Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

God tells the believer to set their affection on things above because He knows the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. These thoughts come from the mind of Christ.

The wisdom from beneath is earthly, sensual, and devilish. These thoughts come from the carnal mind.

That being said, God has put the serpent under the born again believer’s feet through Jesus Christ. God tells them to stand and set their affection on things above because the word from above will be a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path. However, the serpent who is beneath their feet wants them to set their mind on things beneath with the hope of them following the voice of the beast.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
  • Romans 8:6-8 (KJV) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
  • Psalms 119:105 (KJV) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Why Does God Say Set Your Mind On Things Above?

Why does God want us to set our mind or thoughts on things above?

God knows as a man thinks so is he. In other words, the body will line up with the thoughts you constantly dwell on. The mind of Christ focuses on what God said which is things above. The carnal mind focuses on the things which the serpent says which are from beneath. 

  • Colossians 3:1-3 (KJV) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
  • James 3:15-18 (KJV) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
  • Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

It’s extremely important to understand what mind or thoughts you should dwell on. One mind which is of the flesh will try to sway you to live according to the carnal flesh. The other mind which is of the spirit will speak truth according to the word of God and help you to walk in the Spirit through Jesus Christ. The two types of thoughts are contrary to one another. One thought brings life while the other thought brings death. God tells the believer to take the carnal thoughts captive. The Holy Spirit reminds the believer of what Jesus says.

  • Romans 8:5-7 (KJV) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (KJV) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

God directly tells the believer what to set their mind on. God knows that other thoughts will try to come and persuade them to think on fleshly carnal things. However, you get to choose which thought to dwell and focus on.

There is a good type of doctrine from above but then there is another type of doctrine which is of devils. Which doctrine will you give your ear time to dwell and listen to? Which voice will you commune with and entertain?

The Holy Spirit wants you to dwell on the good so you’re not moved by the lies of Satan. However, Satan seeks whom he can persuade and rob through the doctrine of lies.

  • 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
  • 1 Timothy 4:4-6 (KJV) For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
  • 1 Timothy 4:7-9 (KJV) But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

Dwell on this solid doctrine which comes from God. Set your mind on these things and pursue wisdom from above by the grace of God through faith. If contrary doctrine comes questioning what God said, ignore it and don’t give it any space in your mind. Learn to deny the lie from the enemy and pursue the truth of God according to whats written in the Bible. Silence the voice of the enemy and walk with God with a clean heart knowing the Holy Ghost will guide and teach you along the way!

Titus 2:1-15 (KJV) But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

The reality is Jesus Christ changed you if you’re born again. He wants you to renew the mind according to what He said because it will cause your body to line up accordingly. Dwell on this Word of Truth from above and be led by the Holy Ghost! You will be amazed how the grace of God reflects whats written to become a reality in your walk with Christ, right now in earth. So others can see the fruit that the Lord caused to grow and be visible! Be blessed and much love in Jesus name!

Bible Scripture Reference

  • Set Your Affections On Things Above Meaning | Truth Revealed!
    • Colossians 3:1-3
    • Ephesians 2:6
    • Genesis 3:14-15
    • Ephesians 1:21-23
    • James 3:15
  • Wisdom That Is From Above
    • James 3:17-18
    • James 3:17 (AMP)
    • Romans 8:6
    • Romans 12:2
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
    • Galatian 5:22-26
    • Proverbs 2:1-7
    • Matthew 7:7-8
  • This Wisdom Is Not From Above
    • James 3:15
    • Romans 8:6-8
    • James 3:14-16(AMP)
    • Galatians 5:19-21
    • 1 Corinthians 2:16
    • Romans 8:6-8
    • Psalms 119:105
  • Why Does God Say Set Your Mind On Things Above?
    • Colossians 3:1-3
    • James 3:15-18
    • Proverbs 23:7
    • 1 Timothy 4:1-3
    • 1 Timothy 4:4-6
    • 1 Timothy 4:7-9
    • Titus 2:1-15

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