Delving into the depths of Colossians 3:1-4, we find a profound passage that offers spiritual guidance on living a life that is fully surrendered to Christ. This section of Scripture is a call to believers to set their minds on things above, to seek the eternal, and to live in a manner that reflects the truth of their salvation.
Setting the Context To understand the richness of Colossians 3:1-4, it’s essential to consider the context in which it was written. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, penned this letter to the Colossian church, a community of believers facing the challenge of integrating their faith into everyday life amidst a culture heavily influenced by pagan philosophies and practices. Paul’s message is one of encouragement, reminding the believers of their new identity in Christ and how this identity should transform every aspect of their lives.
Colossians 3:1-4 The passage in question reads: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (ESV)
Breaking Down the Meaning 1. Raised with Christ: This verse begins by reminding the believers of their spiritual reality - they have been raised with Christ. This isn’t merely a positional truth but a practical reality that should influence every aspect of their lives. Being raised with Christ means that believers have a new nature, one that is capable of seeking and desiring heavenly things.
Seek the Things Above: The command to “seek the things that are above” is a call to prioritize the eternal over the temporal. It’s an invitation to reorient one’s affections, desires, and pursuits towards things that have lasting value. This doesn’t mean believers are to neglect their earthly responsibilities but rather to approach all of life with an eternal perspective.
Set Your Minds on Things Above: This is a repetition of the command for emphasis, underscoring the importance of mental and spiritual orientation. Believers are to cultivate a mindset that is heavenly-minded, recognizing that their true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This involves meditating on Scripture, prayer, and fixing one’s thoughts on Jesus Christ.
You Have Died: The death mentioned here is not physical but spiritual - a death to the old self and its sinful desires. This death is a result of union with Christ in His death and resurrection. It signifies a radical break with the past, freeing believers from the dominion of sin and enabling them to live a new life.
Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God: This is a profound statement of the believer’s new existence. The life of a believer is no longer merely earthly but is “hidden with Christ in God.” This means that the true essence of a believer’s existence is safe, secure, and will befinally revealed when Christ appears. It’s a promise of preservation and a future revelation of glory.
When Christ Who is Your Life Appears: The ultimate hope of the believer is not in the things of this world but in the appearing of Christ. When He appears, believers will also appear with Him in glory. This is a promise of future glorification, where believers will be transformed into the likeness of Christ and will live in the presence of God forever.
Spiritual Guidance Colossians 3:1-4 offers several points of spiritual guidance: - Eternal Focus: Believers are to maintain an eternal focus, prioritizing heavenly things over earthly. - New Identity: The passage reminds believers of their new identity in Christ, which should transform their perspective on life. - Mindset: The orientation of the believer’s mind is crucial, needing to be set on things above. - Death to Sin: Believers have died to sin and should live in light of this reality, seeking to glorify God. - Future Hope: The ultimate hope of the believer is in the future appearing of Christ, where believers will be glorified with Him.
In essence, Colossians 3:1-4 is a call to live a life that reflects the believer’s true identity and hope. It’s an invitation to seek the eternal, to live with an awareness of one’s heavenly citizenship, and to look forward to the future appearing of Christ, when believers will be fully glorified with Him. This passage encourages believers to live in the present with an eye on the future, transforming every aspect of life with the realization of their union with Christ.
FAQ Section
What does it mean to seek the things that are above?
+Seeking the things that are above means prioritizing eternal values and realities over temporal ones. It involves cultivating a mindset that values spiritual growth, eternal perspectives, and a deeper relationship with God over earthly concerns and desires.
How does my life being “hidden with Christ in God” impact my daily living?
+This truth should give believers a sense of security and perspective. Knowing that their true life is safe with God should encourage believers to live with courage, integrity, and a commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of life, regardless of earthly circumstances.
What is the significance of Christ being my life?
+Christ being our life means that He is the source, sustainer, and goal of our existence. This truth should lead believers to a deep dependence on Christ, recognizing that all of life’s meaning, purpose, and fulfillment are found in Him.
How should the future appearing of Christ influence my life today?
+The promise of Christ’s return should motivate believers to live with purity, integrity, and a desire to honor God. It should also fill believers with hope and anticipation, knowing that their future is secure and glorious with Christ.
What does it mean to “appear with Him in glory”?
+This refers to the future glorification of believers when Christ returns. At that time, believers will be transformed into the likeness of Christ and will live in His glorious presence forever, enjoying a relationship of perfect love, joy, and fellowship with God.
