Colossians 3:1-4
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (ESV)
Theme:
Seek the things above where Christ is.
Doctrine:
Believers live in light of their union with the risen Christ.
Focus:
The hidden life of the believer and the hope of appearing with Christ in glory.
1. Union with the Risen Christ (v. 1).
“If then you have been raised with Christ…”
1.1 The Meaning of Union with Christ.
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into His death? … For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.” Romans 6:3-5.
1.1.1 Union with Christ: Spiritual, Not Ritualistic.
1.1.2 What Romans 6 Means by “Baptised into His Death”.
The Meaning of the Phrase “baptised into Christ” means saving union with Him by the Spirit (Gal. 3:27).
1.1.3 The Symbolism of Baptism.
Immersion: Burial with Christ (Rom. 6:4).
Rising from the water: Raised with Christ to new life.
1.1.4 Colossians 3:1 and the “Already–Not Yet” Resurrection.
1.2 The Implication: Seek the Things Above.