Colossians 3:1-4
1 “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”
Raised with Christ: Paul wants to make sure that believers understand that not only have they have been raised with Christ, but they have ascended with Him. Believers now sit at the right hand of God through union with Christ. Because of our proximity to God, we can seek to live according to a heavenly mindset. Because of whom we are in Christ, we are to live according to the Spirit and not according to the world. We have been placed above the world system. Therefore, we ought to live according to this reality.
For you have died: Paul continues to build his argument by reminding the believers that their old selves have died (see also Galatians 2:20). These old selves are not old personalities or bodies. Paul is speaking of our dead spirits. When we believe, our old spirits die, and we are resurrected with brand-new human spirits. We are no longer enslaved to the ways of the world.
Hidden with Christ: Believers are close to God. So close, in fact, that we are enveloped in Christ. Because of this reality we do not need get closer to God. Instead, we are to live from the reality of our intimacy with God.
When Christ, who is our life: Paul does not merely view Jesus as savior and lord. Paul refers to Christ as our life. He is our source and resource for daily living. Christ is eternal life itself and we are in union with Him. This union secures our future and empowers us in the present.
