In Colossians chapters 1 and 2, Apostle Paul spoke of the pre-eminence of Christ and the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. In chapter 3, he instructed us on the practical aspect of living in the knowledge of the pre-eminence of Christ.

In Colossians 3:1, Paul pointed that we have been “risen with Christ.”

1. The basis of this resurrected life (Eph 3:1a)

We cannot be “risen with Christ” if there Christ was not resurrected. In Ephesians 3:1, Apostle Paul emphasized the resurrection of Christ. The word “if” here denotes a condition according to fact, i.e. it is a fact that we have been risen with Christ. Since we have died to our old self and have been risen with Christ, we must “seek those things which are above.” We can be partakers because Christ first rose from the dead. The Lord’s resurrection is the centre of the gospel. We are dead to the power of sin, and are now alive in Christ.

2. The reality of this resurrected life (Eph 3:1b-2)

Our old nature has died, therefore we must live accordingly. How differently are we living our lives? We must be dead to the things of this world, and alive to seeking the things that are above. Are we eagerly seeking the things that are above? These things that are above are divine things. Things that are worthy of God, and what He delights in. To “set your affections on things above” means to have our minds set firmly upon heavenly things, not earthly things. What is our ambition? Is it things of this earth? Or eternal things? When we set our minds on Christ, we will be of great use to the Lord.

3. The hope of this resurrected life (Eph 3:3-4)

Our hope is that our lives are kept safe in God. God is the One who keeps our lives safe in Him. God will not allow our faith to fail us. Those who are truly born again in Christ will have this hope in Christ. There will be the bodily resurrection for us one day. So, trust in the Lord to mould us and to deliver us. And one day in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will have our hope realised.