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. CHRIST IS RISEN. This appears — (1) From the Holy Scriptures. (2) From eye-witnesses. (3) From the testimony of the Spirit. II. Christians are RISEN WITH CHRIST. What is this? (Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:12, 20.) 1. Christ is our Head, and a public Person (Ephesians 5:23). 2. Whatever He did, He did it not in a private but a public capacity, and therefore we are looked upon as doing it in Him (Isaiah ]iii. 5). 3. Hence, when He arose, we arose in Him and with Him. 4. Metaphorically we rise from sin. III. BEING RISEN WITH CHRIST WE ARE TO SEEK THE THINGS ABOVE. 1. What things? (1) The perfection of graces. (2) The society of angels. (3) The vision of Christ (John 17:24). (4) The enjoyment of God; consisting (a) in our clear knowledge of Him (John 17:3). (b) Perfect love to Him. (c) Infinite expressions of love from Him (Zephaniah 3:17). 2. How seek them? It implies — (1) Our knowledge of them. (2) Our love for them. (3) Our labouring to be instated in them (Matthew 6:33). IV. WHY SHOULD THEY WHO ARE RISEN WITH CHRIST SEEK THE THINGS ABOVE? 1. Because now all things else are below them. 2. Their inheritance is there. V. USE. 1. Motives. (1) The things below are unsuitable, the things above suitable. (2) They empty and deceiving; these full and satisfying; nay, there is more happiness in seeking heaven than enjoying earth. (3) They uncertain to be attained; these certain if sought for. (4) They mixed with troubles, these pure comforts. (5) They transient end fading, these perpetual and everlasting. 2. Means. (1) Exercise graces — repentance, faith (Hebrews 11:5-6). (2) Perform duties. (Bishop Beveridge.) 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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