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. THE INTIMATE CONNECTION BETWEEN CHRIST AND HIS PEOPLE. "Dead with Christ," "Risen with Christ." The latter phrase implies — 1. That the soul was once dead in sin. The body of the sinner lives — his mind is vigorous, but his soul is dead. It sees no beauty in Christ, hears not the gospel, is unmoved by the love of God, is insensible to the terrors of the coming judgment. 2. The same power which raised Christ from the dead raises dead souls to life. II. THE DUTY ENJOINED — "Seek," etc. 1. The godliness is not merely a "state," but a "life." 2. In this active course the Christian is not treated as a mere machine — moved irrespective of his will. God's power is manifested in it all, but the Christian himself is to "seek." 3. We are not left in ignorance of the object of our search. "Things above." This indicates — (1) Their character. "Things above" — spiritual, heavenly, Godlike, holy, pure. (2) Their locality. Satisfaction is not to be found in earthly things. III. THE INDUCEMENT TO THIS LIFE. "Christ sitteth" above. It is His will that those whom the Father has given Him be with Him where He is. Christ's position is — 1. One of honour. "The right hand." Him hath "God greatly exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour." 2. One of power. "The right hand" is a symbol of authority. From heaven He shall come to judge the world. 3. Meanwhile it is the position of an Intercessor. (F. Wagstaff.) 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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