Colossians 3:1

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

Context:Before delving into the verse itself, it’s essential to understand the context of Colossians. The book of Colossians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, addressing various issues they were facing, including false teachings and the supremacy of Christ. In chapter 2, Paul warns against being taken captive by worldly philosophies and traditions, emphasizing the importance of staying rooted in Christ.

“If ye then be risen with Christ”:Paul starts by assuming that believers have experienced spiritual resurrection in Christ. This refers to the new life believers receive when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This spiritual resurrection signifies being made alive in Christ, delivered from the power of sin and death. It implies a radical transformation that happens when we are united with Christ.

“Seek those things which are above”:Once believers have experienced this spiritual resurrection, Paul encourages them to focus their attention on heavenly things. This means setting their minds on the spiritual realities and eternal truths rather than being preoccupied with earthly matters. It involves seeking a heavenly perspective and prioritizing things that align with God’s will and kingdom.

“Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God”:Paul directs believers to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This imagery emphasizes the exalted position and authority of Christ. Jesus, having accomplished His work of redemption, is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, signifying His position of honor, power, and intercession on behalf of believers.

Application:Based on this verse, we can draw several practical applications for our lives:

• Seek a heavenly mindset:As followers of Christ, we should continually renew our minds and set our thoughts on heavenly things. This involves aligning our values, desires, and priorities with God’s kingdom and seeking to live in obedience to His Word.
• Pursue Christlikeness:Since we are united with Christ, our aim should be to grow in our likeness to Him. We should seek to imitate His character, love as He loved, and serve as He served. Our pursuit should be to become more like Him each day.
• Fix our gaze on eternity:Earthly concerns can easily distract us from the things of God. We are reminded to keep our focus on eternal truths, investing in things that have eternal value rather than being consumed by temporary pursuits.
• Rely on Christ’s authority and intercession:Knowing that Christ is seated at the right hand of God gives us confidence and assurance. We can approach God with boldness, knowing that Jesus intercedes on our behalf. We can rely on His authority and power as we navigate through life’s challenges.

Remember, a Bible study is not limited to a single verse. Exploring the surrounding verses and the entire book of Colossians can provide further insights into the message Paul intended to convey.