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.… I. A GLORIOUS TRUTH SUPPOSED — that believers are risen with Christ. This involves — 1. A firm belief in His resurrection. This doctrine is of paramount importance as the principal evidence of Christianity. Every other doctrine hangs upon it. If Christ be not risen, where — (1) Our access to God. (2) Our success in prayer. (3) Our hope of pardon. (4) Our holy aspirations. (5) Our bright prospects (see 1 Corinthians 15:14-19). 2. A personal experience of its power. (1) In the renewing of the mind. (2) The changing of the heart. (3) The quickening of the spirit. (4) Newness of life. 3. A well-grounded anticipation of conformity with His resurrection. (1) Spiritual life with Him now in heaven. (2) Completeness of bodily and soul likeness to Him by and by. II. A MOMENTOUS DUTY REQUIRED. 1. The superiority of its object — "the things above."(1) The glorious state of happiness in reserve for believers in heaven. (2) The sublime realities of religion that belong by way of preparation to the heavenly state-growth in grace and knowledge; spirituality of mind, holiness, devotion to God, love to His people. How superior to the pleasures of the ungodly. 2. The extent of its application. It implies more than a belief in things above, and includes — (1) A persuasion of their value. We shall not be induced to seek what we do not value. Worldly men underrate them: but rising with Christ brings spiritual perception, by which they are viewed in the light of eternity. (2) A fixing of the mind on them — choosing them in preference to sublunary things. The wisdom of the Christian's choice will be seen when the universe is in ruins. "The things which are seen are temporal."(3) A diligent pursuit after them in the use of the appointed means. Beware of the fascinations of the world. Cultivate heavenly dispositions. 3. The power of its motive. (1) In general. The principles we profess call for it; the profession we make demands it; love, gratitude, our own interest and God's glory, all urge us to it. (2) In particular. Mark the Person — Christ. He is over all. Mark the posture — "Sitteth," etc. — one of dignity and authority. This was the joy set before Him, and is the joy set before us? (Ebenezer Temple.) 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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