A note from the desk of our Pastor:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

Colossians 3:1

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse opens the third chapter of Colossians and launches the book’s second half. While the first half of Colossians warns against false teachers and their oppressive commands, the second half provides practical applications of Jesus Christ’s teachings.

The Apostle Paul begins this verse by saying, “if ye then be risen with Christ,” which in modern language sounds like a conditional statement. The “if” in this verse is not meant to imply doubt. The verse can instead be read, “since ye then be risen with Christ,” making the statement a logical conclusion. In theological terms, this is a positional truth. In God’s eyes, when Christ died and rose, the believer was legally and spiritually united with him. 

The mandate of “seek those things which are above” follows after the positional truth of being united with Christ. This instruction implies a continual action. In other words, the disciple of Christ should consistently seek to align his or her life with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Although this might feel like an impossible task the believer should remember that the two commandments given in the New Testament are to love God and to love your neighbors. These two instructions can be kept by any disciple daily.

The last phrase in this verse provides the motivation. The Apostle states, in reference to things above, that Jesus Christ is sitting on the right hand of God. Theologically, the position of Christ when he is seen at the right of God is important. When Christ is standing it implies an ongoing action is taking place. For instance, Jesus is standing at the right hand of God when he is interceding for believers. In situations where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God, it implies a completed work. This position of Christ is always in reference to eternal salvation. Thus, the Apostle is telling believers that their motivation is the completed work of salvation by Jesus Christ.

As the Apostle transitions in this verse from warning against false teachers to living as a disciple the application of the text becomes more universal. This verse applies to all believers at any time period. The verse tells us that eternal salvation is complete, we are united with Christ in his resurrection, and we should seek those things that Christ would have us do.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah