Colossians 3:1 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Colossians 3:1

Comments

This passage is about the use of the mind, the control of the bodily parts and passions, and the use of the mouth and the words that are spoken. He is concerned about sanctification, progress in holiness. It is a great duty of the Christian life to live for the Lord and to advance in holiness. Our chief aim should not be pleasure – though we have tremendous assurance, and much happiness, and very moving and wonderful experiences – but holiness, living for the Lord, and representing him. The word ‘if’ does not mean that Paul is in doubt about their salvation, but is a form of consequential reasoning – if this is true of you, then certain things will follow. Christ, of course, has risen, and when he rose from the dead he demonstrated that he had wholly and successfully borne away the punishment of sin for all who trust in him. His resurrection proved that he had broken the bands of death and, if we believe in him, we are in a sense risen with him. Because he acted as our representative, our surety, when he rose, we also rose with him. We are free from death and we are free from sin’s condemnation. We shall never die; we shall never be judged. ‘Seek those things which are above, where Christ [is seated] on the right hand of God.’ What exactly does that mean? The fact that Christ is seated on the right hand of God speaks of his authority, his government, the unfolding of his purpose. This expression refers to him as being the executive ruler and government of all things. Scripture speaks variously of his being on the right hand of God in order to intercede for his people, but also to govern and to bring his mighty purposes to conclusion.

Application

So, since we are risen with Christ and we have received so much from him, we have got to live, setting our minds and our hopes upon the work of Christ and what he does. Our interests are there. We are like foreign ambassadors, as it were; we have a nation and a government somewhere else. We are here appointed in this country, what for? Well, to carry out the interests of our government. Seek the things which are heavenly – in other words, seek the winning of souls, that is one of the purposes of Christ. Seek holiness, that of course is the great purpose of Christ in bringing home a ransomed people for all eternity. Seek the interests of Christ and his government, his purposes in the world, that is the essential meaning. How should I live today? With an eye on eternity. There I shall be holy, that will be the place of perfection and glory and holiness and praise and worship – I should be preparing for that. Seek the things which relate to heaven and the eternal rule of Christ.

Questions

I can remember when I was a young Christian being in a gathering in a church where this was the text. But the preacher gave himself a hard time with it. He seemed to think that what we must seek is a kind of heavenly sensation, heavenly experience. After all, if I were in heaven, if I were above, what would I enjoy, what would I have there? So, to him, the text seems to say, can you not cultivate the taste to enjoy those things even now. But that is not what the apostle here means at all.

Outline

Purpose

Introduction

Colossians 3:1 Commentary and Bible Study