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Study: The Colossians EpistleThe Supremacy of Jesus Christ in Our Daily LivingColossians 3:1-4 Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV): If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. IntroductionAs modern day Americans, we are a people simply deluged with worldly recreation, entertainment and activities. The world offers to us: sports entertainment, books, movies, shopping, hobbies, music, food, drinks, expensive toys and even our jobs. Virtually any form of worldly enjoyment known to man is readily available. And all of it for the sake of indulging self. So it is all there; the world's stuff. Which begs the question: is it inherently sinful for Christians to participate in, and enjoy, such worldly offerings? Well, as we touched on in Colossians 2, all things are to be enjoyed unto God (i.e., for His glory) so long as: 1) Scripture does not clearly prohibit it, 2) it does not stumble, or grieve, a weaker brother or sister in Christ and 3) it does not violate our own conscience. In other words, we are not to be taken captive to legalism and/or asceticism. For such things are not inherently sinful in and of themselves. But even so, some may protest: Philippians 4:8 (NKJV): 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there is any virtue and anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV): 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy." Hebrews 11:13 (NKJV): they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Philippians 3:20 (NKJV): 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, 1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV): Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts... Romans 12:2 (NKJV): do not be conformed to this world, But even if all these verses are in a context which applies here (and they are not), do they teach that a Christian can never participate in, and enjoy, worldly offerings (e.g., a movie, a book, sports entertainment, shopping, etc. all of which may contain sinful elements and/or temptation)? Put differently, must a Christian only participate in, and enjoy, those activities which are only spiritually profitable; and must avoid all activities which are spiritually neutral or perhaps worse? No! Then it is a matter of degree isn't it (i.e., not if you can do it, but to what extent)? Or put even better, what is in the heart? 1. The Connector In his epistle to the Romans, Paul devotes the first 11 chapters to teaching doctrine. Then, in chapters 12-16, he instructs regarding practical daily living (i.e., application). First doctrine; then application. The same is true for other Pauline epistles, including Colossians. Paul has devoted the first two chapters to confronting the Colossian Heresy by teaching doctrine. Now, beginning here in chapter three, and continuing through chapter four, Paul transitions from doctrine to application. What connects Paul's doctrinal section to his application section? We see it here in verse 1(a), "If then" Or better translated, "since." In other words, Paul is now going to apply all of his doctrinal teaching in chapters one and two to the Colossians' practical daily living. What doctrine is Paul relying on for his application? That, "you were raised with Christ," In essence, that we, as believers, have been baptized into (i.e., spiritually united and identified with) the life, death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. In other words, we are absolutely complete by means of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ! True believers in Jesus Christ are not lacking! True disciples of Jesus Christ are not insufficient! True servants of Jesus Christ are not substandard! Instead, we are absolutely complete in Jesus Christ! Therefore, based on this doctrine, Paul now begins his instruction regarding believers' practical daily living. 2. The Charge A. Paul's Charge to Seek B. Paul's Charge Regarding What to Seek First, what "those things" are not. They are not the physical and material things (e.g., Christ's throne, streets of gold, physical health, etc.). All too often, professed Christians express their longings for such material blessings in Heaven as if that were the main attraction. In sharp contrast, Paul is charging the Colossians to seek the One who dwells there (i.e., our Lord Jesus Christ). His very presence! His immutable attributes! His eternal glory! His perfect worship! C. Paul's Charge Regarding How to Seek Set- The Greek is once again in the present tense which denotes a continuous, ongoing, effort (i.e., keep setting; be constantly setting). Your Mind- The seeking Paul commands is one which occurs in the mind (viz., an internal mindset). It could be translated as "concentrate," "think" or "have this inner disposition." MacArthur likens this inner disposition to a compass. For as a compass inherently and continuously points to the North, the Christian's entire inner disposition (i.e., his mindset) should inherently and continuously point to the Heavenly realm (viz., our Lord who dwells there). Wuest- "To direct one's mind to a thing." Lightfoot- "You must not only seek heaven, you must also think heaven." Hendriksen- "To ponder and yearn for." For what? On Things Above, Not on Things on the Earth- We have already taken a look at "those things which are above" back in verse one. Now, we see the same Greek used here, but this time it is also contrasted with "things on the earth." What are the "things on the earth?" Obviously, as we have already alluded to, it refers to material possessions and all forms of worldly recreation, entertainment and activities. But also included are the intangibles (e.g., honor, power, prestige, position, advancement, popularity, etc.). The culture we live in is the very epitome of what Paul is referring to. It permeates the very core of America. Such stuff (i.e., tangible and the intangible) is what most people live for (i.e., it is their identity). Practically speaking, how do we instill and maintain this inner disposition which is continually focused on the Heavenly realm as opposed to the earthly? Relentless prayer. Diligent Bible study. Single-minded and whole-hearted worship. Faithful serving. Selfless giving. Hospitable fellowship with dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. In short, a continual commitment to spiritual disciplines. There is simply no substitute!! No short-cuts!! However, again, Paul is not arguing for monasticism, asceticism, legalism, etc. He is not telling Christians to completely abstain from all forms of worldly living. As we often hear it put, "We are to be in the world, just not of the world." The difference is that as Christians, we no longer see earthly things as if they are all that matter. Instead, we have minds set on the Heavenly realm, God our Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit which indwells us. Hughes- "We see in these verses the "Great Divide" in the Christian life. What we set our minds on determines our seeking and thus the direction of our Christian lives. What do you think about when you have nothing else to do? Some common sense qualifications are in order here, because we all variously daydream about our favorite team or a coming vacation or our yard. Sometimes we are under such pressures at home or work that we can scarcely think of anything else. But these things aside, do our minds regularly go up to Christ and "things above?" If they do not, we are in trouble We need to hold loosely to the things below, our possessions. Every one of us has incredible wealth- more things than we know what to do with. Because of our possessions, it is difficult to set our minds on things above." Luke 12:34 (NKJV): 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV): 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Expositors- "The things on the earth are not in themselves sinful, but become so if sought, and thought on, in preference to the things above." MacArthur- "Because the things most important to us are in heaven, we must not be entangled in this present world. It is a preoccupation with Heavenly reality which is the hallmark of true spirituality and the starting point of practical holiness Preoccupation with the eternal realities that are ours in Christ is to be the pattern of the believer's life Paul is not advocating a form of mysticism. Rather, he desires that the Colossians preoccupation with heaven govern their earthly responses. To be preoccupied with heaven is to be preoccupied with the One who reigns there and His purposes, plans, provisions and power." 3. The Cause Now, we see the cause (i.e., Paul's reasoning) for our being Heavenly minded (viz., "For you died"). It is in the past tense. As such, when we were baptized into (i.e., spiritually united and identified with) the Person and Work of Jesus Christ, we actually died with Him as the penalty for our sin was paid. Thus our, "life is hidden with Christ in God." The Greek is in the imperfect tense (i.e., it stresses the ongoing effects). Put simply, our lives have been hidden with Christ's and they remain that way. Because we are in Christ and Christ is in God, we are inseparable (i.e., we are one with our Lord) and as such, we are eternally secure. Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV): For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Note- All past tense; a done deal. We're eternally in Christ.) So why should we, as true Christians, set our minds on things above and not the things on this earth? Vincent answers it best. Vincent- "Your new spiritual life is no longer in the sphere of the earthly and sensual, but is with the life of the risen Christ, who is unseen with God." Galatians 6:14 (NKJV): But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Note- Believers have died to the world system, through their faith union with Christ in His death and resurrection.) 4. The Consummation Here, we continue to see Paul's reasoning for our being Heavenly minded. But, while Paul's reasoning in verse three was in the past tense, his reasoning here in verse four is in the future tense (viz. God's future consummation of His, and our, glory). Simply put, His second coming! Our Life (Spurgeon) A. Christ is the source of our life. That same voice which brought Lazarus out of the tomb raised us to newness of life. B. Christ is now the substance of our spiritual life. It is by his life that we live; he is in us, the hope of glory, the spring of our actions, the central thought which moves every other thought. C. Christ is the sustenance of our life. What can the Christian feed upon but Jesus' flesh and blood? O pilgrims in this wilderness of sin, you never get a morsel to satisfy the hunger of your spirits, except ye find it in him! D. Christ is the solace of our life. All our true joys come from him; and in times of trouble, his presence is our consolation. There is nothing worth living for but him; E. Christ is the object of our life. As speeds the ship towards the port, so hastes the believer towards the haven of his Saviour's bosom. As flies the arrow to its goal, so flies the Christian towards the perfecting of his fellowship with Christ Jesus. As the soldier fights for his captain, and is crowned in his captain's victory, so the believer contends for Christ, and gets his triumph out of the triumphs of his Master. Spurgeon- "Oh! how safe, how honoured, how happy is the Christian, since Christ is our life!" Why should we set our minds on things above? Lightfoot- "The veil which now shrouds your higher life from others, will then be withdrawn. The world which now persecutes, despises, ignores now, will then be blinded with the dazzling glory of the revelation." What a spectacular future which awaits us!! And friends, that ought to drive us to be Heavenly minded! ClosingHughes- "Let us covenant to not fix our thoughts on the material and immaterial things of this world, but to pray for minds set on things above, to hold the Scriptures close to our hearts, to reflect on our past history, and to rejoice in anticipation of our future in Him." Friends, the key to living a faithful Christian life is to have a life centered on Jesus Christ; for Christ, not this present world, is the center of the true believer's universe. As such, while many things are lawful in and of themselves, this mindset (i.e., inner disposition) will enable us to maintain a proper perspective on this world and all its offerings. Summary:(NKJV): For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. When you stand before God's judgment seat, with the gazing eyes of Jesus Christ penetrating your heart, what will be revealed to have been your highest priority (i.e., your passion) during your life here on earth? Teacher: Darin Lawson |