Passage: Colossians Study | Lesson 06
COLOSSIANS 3:1-4Kevin Chan, Ph.D. | February 8, 2015
Here is the article I read in class:
1. Read through the passage and note your observations or questions. Here are some of mine:
“Therefore” – relates to previous passage and context
“with Christ, “where Christ”, “with Christ”, “when Christ”, “with Him”, “have been raised up”, “have died” -> past tense
contrasts – “things above” vs. “things that on earth”, “hidden” vs. “revealed”
cultural phrase – “seated at the right hand of God”
2. What are believers encouraged to do?
“keep seeking the things above” - To continually pursue, Matt. 6:33
“set your minds on the things above” – To intentionally think, inner disposition, Phil. 4:8
3. What are the “things above?” What are the “things that are on earth?”
“things above” – realities of heaven, holy, eternal, Christ-centered, values, aspirations, hope, Gospel, God’s promises, God’s presence -> spiritual values that characterize Christ
“things on earth” – earthly, temporal, worldly, ungodly, worries, self-sufficiency
4. List the reasons why believers can seek the things above and their significance.
SAVED BY GRACE – “WE HAVE A HEAVENLY RESERVATION IN ETERNITY”
“you have been raised up with Christ” – positional, reality of a resurrected new life, Col 2:12
“you have died” – put aside the values, desires, principles and system of the world, Col 2:20
“Christ is seated at the right hand of God” – authority, place of honor, exalted position,
power, supremacy, sufficiency, Ps. 110:1, Luke 22:69, Acts 2:33, Acts 7:56, Eph. 1:20
SECURED FOR GLORY – “WE HAVE A GLORIOUS REALITY TO COME”
“hidden with Christ in God” – with Christ, glorious reality to be fully revealed 1Jn. 3:2,
secured in Christ, assurance of promise, Rom. 8:31-39
5. How are these a direct response to the different false teachings of the previous passage?
Is Paul advocating escapism or another form of dualism (i.e. body is bad, spirit is good)?
Not legalism (i.e. religion of human achievement/standards), mysticism (i.e. pursuit of a
deeper or higher subjective religious experience), asceticism (i.e. life of rigorous self-denial)
Not self-made, self-earned earthly religion
Salvation is by grace alone. We don’t deserve or can earn the salvation.
Only through the work of Jesus Christ who is our supreme and all-sufficient Savior.
Not escapism (i.e. habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or
entertainment as an escape from reality or routine) or dualism. Rather, living in Christ
addresses real matters believers face in this world. Through Christ, we can view things,
people and events of this world with an eternal perspective. The most realistic faith!
6. How can you seek the “things above?” What difference would it make in your life.
“Keep seeking” – continual action through prayer [Phil. 4:4-7, Matt. 6:33-34]
“Set your mind” – intentionally thinking, inner disposition about the Gospel [Phil. 4:8-9]
Ask the right “heavenly-” or “kingdom-oriented” questions [Matt. 6:33-34]
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