Christ is our Life

Colossians 3:1–4

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

2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

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Exegesis

Verse 1 – The Call to Seek Higher Things

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

• Conditional phrase "If ye then be risen with Christ": This is not a doubt, but an assumption of fact. Since believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection (cf. Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4–5), they now share His resurrection life.

• "Seek those things which are above": The verb seek (Greek: zēteite) is present active imperative—calling for a continuous, intentional pursuit. The believer’s focus is redirected toward heaven, not earth.

• "Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God": Christ’s enthronement is the ground of this exhortation (cf. Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3). The right hand symbolizes authority, power, and majesty. The believer’s life must align with Christ’s exalted position.

Theological implication: Since Christ reigns, the believer’s true citizenship and loyalty are to heaven (Philippians 3:20).

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Verse 2 – The Mind Set Above

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

• "Set your affection": Greek phroneite, meaning "to think, to fix one’s mind, to have a mindset." It goes beyond emotions—this is about shaping one’s worldview and priorities.

• Contrast: “Above” versus “on the earth.” Earthly things include sinful desires, worldly ambitions, and temporal concerns (cf. 1 John 2:15–17).

• Practical dimension: This verse does not forbid earthly responsibilities but commands that the believer’s orientation must be governed by eternal realities.

Application: The Christian mind should be renewed (Romans 12:2) and directed toward God’s kingdom, not controlled by materialism or temporary pursuits.

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Verse 3 – The Believer’s Hidden Life

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

• "Ye are dead": Refers back to Colossians 2:20—believers died with Christ to sin, to the world, and to the old nature. This death is positional and spiritual, not physical.

• "Your life is hid with Christ in God":

  • Hid (Greek: kekruptai)—perfect tense, meaning a past completed act with ongoing effect. The believer’s true life is secure and concealed with Christ.

  • With Christ in God: The double prepositional phrase emphasizes absolute security and union—Christ in God, and the believer in Christ.

• Theological note: This points to both safety (no one can snatch us from God’s hand, John 10:28–29) and mystery (our true life is not fully visible now, but will be revealed later).

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Verse 4 – The Future Revelation of Glory

"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

• "Christ, who is our life": Christ is not just the source of life but the essence of it (cf. John 14:6; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21).

• "Shall appear": Greek phanerōthē—"to be manifested, revealed." Refers to the Second Coming of Christ in glory (cf. Titus 2:13).

• "Then shall ye also appear with him in glory": The hidden life (v. 3) will be publicly revealed. Believers will share in Christ’s glory (Romans 8:17; 1 John 3:2).

Eschatological significance: This points to the final consummation, when the believer’s present spiritual reality becomes visible, glorified with Christ forever.

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Theological Themes

1. Union with Christ – Believers share in Christ’s death, resurrection, and exaltation (vv. 1, 3).

2. Heavenly Orientation – A new mindset and pursuit shaped by Christ’s reign (vv. 1–2).

3. Security in Christ – The hiddenness of the believer’s life points to safety in God’s plan (v. 3).

4. Hope of Glory – Future revelation at Christ’s coming, when believers are glorified (v. 4).

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Practical Applications

• Seek higher values: Prioritize prayer, worship, holiness, and eternal pursuits.

• Renew the mind: Constantly align thoughts with Scripture rather than worldly trends.

• Rest in security: Trust that your life is safe in Christ, beyond the reach of the enemy.

• Live with hope: Anticipate Christ’s return and let it shape your daily conduct.

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✅ In summary, Colossians 3:1–4 exhorts believers to live out their new identity in Christ by seeking heaven’s values, fixing their minds on eternal realities, resting in their hidden life in Christ, and looking forward to their future glory with Him.