Colossians 3:1-4 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.… e: — I. A FACT ADMITTED: the resurrection of Christ. 1. That He was dead cannot be questioned. 2. He was buried. What became of His body? 3. He rose, and in the providence of God many circumstances transpired to render it obvious and undeniable. II. THE PRIVILEGE SUPPOSED. Christians are risen with Christ. 1. Professedly, by joining the Church; coming to the Lord's table; confession with the tongue. 2. Representatively, by virtue of that federal union with Christ by which His acts become theirs. 3. Spiritually, from death in sin to a life of faith, hope, acceptance, holiness, duty. 4. By anticipation, having the pledges, earnests, and first-fruits of exaltation with Christ. These anticipations differ in various Christians, but four seasons are peculiarly favourable to it — (1) The solitude of the closet. (2) The ordinances of God's house. (3) Affliction. (4) The dying hour. III. A DUTY ENJOINED. 1. The things themselves are described not by their nature, but by their residence, which shows their excellency. There is no night there, no pain, no sin; but the peace that passeth understanding; the joy unspeakable and full of glory; beloved connexions; the good of all ages; angels; Christ. 2. We should seek them because they are — (1) Necessary. While many things are desirable and some important, one thing is needful. (2) Attainable. You are not quite sure of earthly things. 3. They must be sought — (1) Principally. "Seek ye first," etc. (2) Intensely. (3) Perseveringly. IV. AN INFERENCE DERIVED. "If." 1. It is surely desirable to know this. 2. There is no evidence of our religious condition that can be depended upon separately from heavenly-mindedness. 3. If you are seeking the things above, they must correspond with your condition, and your practice must accord with your profession.Conclusion: 1. Some entirely disregard the things above. 2. Others regard them as doubtful. 3. Others "declare plainly that they seek a country." (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. |
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