Colossians 3:1

If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.

'IF THEN' -The 'if' doesn't express any doubt (Colossians 2:20). Rather is expresses. premise upon which. conclusion is to be based.

'YE WERE RAISED TOGETHER WITH CHRIST' -An obvious reference to baptism (Colossians 2:12-13).

Points to Note:

1. Again, let it be noted that every member in Colossae had been baptized. In the New Testament we don't find. class of people known as "un-baptized Christians". Baptism is the line between Christian and non-Christian, lost and saved (Mark 16:16).

2. Another argument for the essential nature of being baptized, is that baptism is likened to. death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3). Obviously, if one hasn't been resurrected in baptism ("raised with Him"), then one is still dead in sin. For it isn't until one is baptized that the Bible says that one is "raised up with Him". (See Ephesians 2:1).

'SEEK' -2212. zeteo dzay-teh'-o; of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in. bad sense) to plot (against life): -be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means). Compare 4441.

-'keep on seeking' (Wms); 'Then aspire to the realm above' (NEB).

'THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE'. Matthew 6:19

Points to Note:

1. Everyone "seeks" something, i.e. everyone is expending energy, time and effort in "seeking" (Romans 10:3; 1 Corinthians 1:22; Acts 17:21; Matthew 6:32 'For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek..').

2. Thus the requirement that the Christian expend energy, time and effort in their relationship with God isn't unreasonable, for even sinners willingly offer such to the Devil.

3. The false teachers (Colossians 2:8) were doing their own diligent seeking, unfortunately, in the wrong things.

4. Carefully note the difference between God's cure and the cure offered by the false teachers: (a) The false teachers said, 'Master the body, by treating it in. severe manner' (Colossians 2:20-23). (b) God says, 'Master the flesh, by rising above it, master the body, by first mastering the mind, the thoughts and the heart.'

5. This seeking the things above is. very practical endeavor, it isn't the attempt for some out-of-the-body experience. Rather, in the context the "things above" would include working on the godly virtues which God commands us to put on (Colossians 3:12-17).

'WHERE CHRIST IS' -

Points to Note:

1. The Jehovah Witnesses claim that the vast majority of the saved, will spend eternity upon the earth. But if that is the case, then most Christians will never be "with" Christ, for they won't be in heaven. Obviously, something is wrong with that doctrine. Christians, all Christians, are always exhorted to fix their minds on heavenly things, for that is the hope and goal promised to every child of God (Matthew 6:19; 1 Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 3:20; 1 Peter 1:4).

2. This verse should really make us think, especially those impressed with earthly heros. Why worship somebody that has risen to no higher plane than yourself? Even the greatest athlete is still bound to this earth!

3. And O'Brien correctly notes, 'Paul is not indicating an interest in some cosmic geography, nor is he encouraging the pursuit of "that which is above" for its own sake.' (p. 161)

'SEATED ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD' -

Points to Note:

1. Which gives us the assurance that His sacrifice did effectively atone for sin. Would He be seated at the right hand of the Father, the most preeminent position possible, if He had failed?

2. '"Seated" is placed with emphasis at the end of its clause, indicating the completeness of the Saviour's work and the dignity of his position.' (P.P. Comm. p. 148) (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 10:12; Revelation 3:21).

3. 'These facts supply the motive...Our home with Him is not simply in the region of the things above, but in the highest position there, at God's right hand.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 537)

4. And if Christ is seated at the right hand of God, then certain truths need to be appreciated: (a) Christ is reigning as King! He is ruling in the midst of His enemies (Psalms 110:1). He is seated on David's throne (which always was God's throne) (Acts 2:30). Thus the premillennial claim that Christ isn't presently reigning, is false. (b) Christ also then has all authority (Matthew 28:18). And if that is the case, then nothing, in this world or the next can prevent our access through Him to the Father (except our own refusal). (c) Thus, we don't need any angels, spiritual beings, or deceased "saints" to show us the way.