“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 (KJV)
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”– Colossians 3:1 (NLT)
“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.”– Colossians 3:1 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 3:1 Mean?
In Colossians 3:1, the apostle Paul speaks about the transformation that occurs when we accept Christ. He emphasizes that if we have been raised with Christ – that is, if we have accepted His sacrifice and been given new life – then we must actively pursue the things that are important in God’s kingdom. This does not just mean thinking about heavenly matters but actively seeking them out and living in a way that reflects our new identity.
To be risen with Christ means that we are no longer bound by our past or by sin. We have a fresh start, and our focus shifts from the worldly things that used to occupy our lives to the spiritual reality of our identity in Him. Paul encourages us to set our minds on things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This position of honor signifies authority and power, reminding us that Jesus reigns over all.
Colossians 3:1 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that our new life in Christ calls us to action. Paul does not suggest passively waiting for good things to come to us; instead, he implores us to seek out the spiritual life that God offers. This pursuit is not merely about striving for our own benefits; it is about aligning ourselves with God’s will. We must approach each day with the intent to seek God’s presence, His purpose, and His promises.
Living a life that reflects our connection with Christ requires deliberate choices. We can choose to focus on things like kindness, compassion, and grace, which reflect our understanding of God’s love for us. Furthermore, this lifestyle is nurturing for us as we grow spiritually and engage with our communities and ourselves in ways that are uplifting.
The encouragement in this verse also confronts us with a challenge: to distinguish between our spiritual priorities and the distractions of our daily lives. When we set our minds on things above, it shapes our perspectives and influences how we respond to the struggles we face. We become carriers of hope and grace because we have anchored our lives in the truth of Christ’s resurrection.
Paul’s teaching is consistent with other parts of scripture that urge believers to fix their eyes on Christ. In Philippians 4:8, Paul urges us to think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Similarly, in Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. These verses collectively guide us toward a mindset grounded in heavenly realities and dictate how we should live.
Context of Colossians 3:1
To fully grasp the significance of Colossians 3:1, we should look at its background and context. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colossae to address a blend of Greek philosophy, Jewish legalism, and false teachings that were threatening their faith. Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, not only as our Savior but as the source of our new life.
By the time we arrive at chapter three, Paul has already laid a robust foundation of theological truths regarding who we are in Christ. He reminds the Colossians that their former life has died, and they now walk in newness of life. This context reinforces that setting our minds on things above is both a new identity and a daily practice.
Paul needed the church to understand that their focus must be on Christ, rather than adhering to the mixed beliefs that surrounded them. The world offers many distractions, but our charge is to prioritize our relationship with the Lord and to remain steadfast in pursuit of Him. This shift allows us to embody the characteristics of Christ to our community and to one another.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 3:1
Let’s take a closer look at this verse and break it into key parts for better understanding. The first segment, “If ye then be risen with Christ,” speaks to our identity in Him. It establishes a conditional reality; it suggests that being a Christian means experiencing transformation and new life.
The next part, “seek those things which are above,” challenges us to actively look for what God desires for us. This isn’t just about hoping for good things but taking action toward spiritual growth and seeking deeper understanding of who God is.
When we come to “where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God,” it reminds us of Jesus’ exalted position in heaven. His authority brings comfort and hope to our lives; it also encourages us to align our pursuits with what He represents. As He reigns, we are called to reflect His love and grace in our interactions.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 3:1
There are many lessons packed into this powerful verse. One lesson is that our identity in Christ should impact every area of our lives. How we live, how we treat others, and how we manage our time should all be influenced by our relationship with Him. Reflecting Christ’s care and love in all aspects of life is an expression of our devotion.
Another important lesson is the significance of seeking God intentionally. We live in an age filled with distractions, and without deliberate effort, we can easily lose sight of what truly matters. Actively spending time in prayer, reading the Word, and engaging in community with fellow believers enables us to align our hearts with God’s will.
Finally, Colossians 3:1 reminds us that our hope is rooted in something greater than ourselves. Amidst life’s challenges, we can find strength and comfort by focusing on our Savior. This is not a passive escape but a dynamic source of empowerment to meet life’s trials with resilience and grace.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Colossians 3:1 serves as a fresh reminder to consciously center our lives around Christ. It compels us to not only enjoy our identity in Him but also to reflect that identity through our actions, thoughts, and relationships. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, we get to carry the light of hope, pointing those around us toward the love of God.
As we seek Him daily, let us be bold in our pursuit of heavenly things and remain encouraged in our faith. We can explore more about spiritual growth and God’s love by reading other passages like 1 Samuel 20:1 or dive into Paul’s letters such as 1 Corinthians 13. Each verse adds color to our understanding of what it means to live with Christ at the center of our lives.