Colossians 3:1-4

New Aims for New Men - 3:1-4

1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

In Colossians 2:20 Paul argued that we were dead with Christ. He extends the same line of reasoning here. We have been raised to a new life in Christ. There has been a spiritual resurrection from our death to sin. We have a new life after baptism. (Romans 6:4)

The "if" here is not a doubt about their baptism. The word is "since" they have been baptized, they ought to change their lives and behavior.

Our goal is higher than this life. We must develop a desire for things of a higher plane. Study Matthew 6:33; 1 Peter 3:11.

In John 8:23 Jesus makes a clear difference in things above and things of this world.

The right hand of God represents power and authority. Many are waiting for Christ to set up his kingdom and begin to reign. He is already the King of His Kingdom. (Revelation 1:9; Colossians 1:13)

1 - If you have been raised to a new life, set your desires on the spiritual blessings from above, where Christ is now reigning.

2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Vincent "seek-practical striving - - set your mind - the inward impulse and disposition."

There is no room for divided loyalty in Christ. (Matthew 6:24) The mind is either on Christ, or it is on the material things of this earth. This is not a 50/50 proposition.

2 - Set your mind only on the things above. Do not try to divide your mind by thinking on material things part of the time.

3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Here is news - You died. When you were baptized, you died to sin. You died to self. You died to the things of this world. You died to the world. You died to the lust of the world.Phillips "you have already died" SEB "since you have died"

Vincent "No longer in the sphere of the earthly and sensual, but is with the life of the risen Christ, who is unseen with God."

We have been hidden away. SEB "your life has been hidden away" Vine "to cover, conceal, keep secret" We are not to live the Christian life in secrecy. But the value of our life is tucked away in heaven with Christ. Thayer "Christ is now hidden from sight in heaven but hereafter to return visibly."

3 - You have died to this world, and your life is now found with the risen Christ, who is unseen by this earthly world.

4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Phillips "Christ, the secret center of our lives" Without Christ our life would have no value, meaning or purpose. As Christians, our life IS Christ. He is not a part of our life. He is the sum of our existence.

When Christ appears, we appear. NEB "is manifested" NASB "when Christ is revealed"

Study 1 John 3:2; Romans 3:21

ZA "to appear, bring to light, shine, be visible." We will shine like Christ shines. We will be like Him.

4 - Christ is your life. When he is made visible, you will be seen with him in glory.