In this sermon, Benjamin Meade explores the transition from becoming a "new creation" in baptism to developing a "new mentality". Drawing from Colossians 3, he argues that Christians often focus too much on avoiding sin (a defensive "don't mess up" posture) rather than actively pursuing the "things above". Using sports analogies, Meade encourages believers to focus on their God-given strengths and active virtues—such as love, kindness, and humility—to live out the new life Christ has provided.

Following a morning lesson on Romans 6 and the nature of the "new creation," Benjamin Meade transitions into the practical application of maintaining a Christian perspective. He describes the current Christian state as "already not yet"—already saved and raised with Christ, but not yet in heaven.

Meade utilizes analogies from football, basketball, and soccer to illustrate a common pitfall: when teams are winning, they often shift to a "prevent" defense, focusing solely on protecting their lead and avoiding mistakes rather than playing with the same philosophy that made them successful. He suggests Christians do the same by focusing on "what I can't do" instead of "what I should do".

Focusing on Colossians 3:1–17, Meade emphasizes the command to "set your mind on things above". He shares his experience as a middle school basketball coach, noting that he places players on a team for their specific strengths, not their weaknesses. Similarly, he argues that Christians should identify their spiritual strengths—such as teaching, leadership, or encouragement—to contribute to the body of believers. The sermon concludes with a call to move beyond the fear of making mistakes and to "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus," focusing on active service, love, and gratitude.

I. Introduction: From New Life to New Mentality
- Recap of Romans 6: Those baptized into Christ are new creations called to put away the old.
- The "Already Not Yet" Condition: Christians are already saved by grace through faith but are still awaiting heaven.
- The Thesis: Having a new life requires a shift in perspective.

II. The "Prevent Defense" Trap (Sports Analogies)
- Protecting the Lead: Teams often stop being aggressive at the end of a game to avoid losing what they’ve built.
--- Football: Pulling defensive backs to keep plays in front.
--- Basketball: "Taking the air out of the ball" to run out the clock.
--- Soccer: Substituting offensive players for defensive ones.
- The Christian Parallel: Focusing so much on "not messing up" or avoiding sin that we forget to pursue the good.

III. Setting the Mind (Colossians 3:1–4)
- Seek Things Above: Since we were raised with Christ, our focus should be where He is.
- Hidden Life: Our old selves died, and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God.

IV. Focusing on Strengths (The Coaching Perspective)
- The Purpose of Selection: Players are chosen for their strengths, not their limitations.
- Application to the Church: We should focus on the gifts God has given us to help the body of believers grow.

V. The Virtues of the New Mentality (Colossians 3:12–17)
- The "Put On" List: Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering.
- The Bond of Perfection: Above all, putting on love.
- The Ruling Peace: Letting the peace of God rule and the word of Christ dwell richly through teaching and singing.

VI. Conclusion and Invitation
- Active Pursuit: Shifting from "not being proud" to "seeking ways to serve".
- Doing it Heartily: Living for the Lord rather than for the approval of men.
- The Invitation: An offer for baptism, prayer, or confession.