Colossians 3:1

Commentary on Colossians 3:1

“If therefore you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.”

Introduction

Colossians 3[i] opens with a summons rooted in the believer’s mystical union with Christ. Verse 1 reads:
“If therefore you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” (New King James Version)

This verse anchors practical living in gospel-shaped identity. The apostle Paul does not merely exhort conduct; he grounds Christian ethics in the believer’s resurrection life and heavenly citizenship.

Exegetical Observation

Conditional Reality of Resurrection Life

Paul begins with “If therefore you were raised with Christ.” This is not a mere hypothetical. In the apostle’s argument it carries a sense of certainty: those united to Christ in baptism have passed through death into resurrection life. That union serves as the foundation for all that follows in chapter 3.

Exhortation to Seek Heavenly Things

The main verb, “seek,” makes clear that Christian longing must be deliberate and ongoing. Believers are to pursue “things which are above,” directing their desires, priorities, and decisions toward the realm where Christ reigns.

Heavenly Throne and Eschatological Assurance

By reminding readers that Christ is “sitting at the right hand of God,” Paul alludes to Psalm 110[ii]. Christ’s ascension and enthronement guarantee both present empowerment and future glory for his people. This secures our hope and shapes our present discipleship.

Theological Teaching

Union with Christ is the wellspring of sanctification. Our entire new life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), and it is from that secret place that all moral reformation flows.

Sanctification is progressive and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Setting our minds on heavenly things cultivates godly affections that mortify sin and foster virtue. It is not self-will at work but Christ living in us through sovereign grace.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Discipleship calls for intentional cultivation of a heavenly mindset.

• Renewing the Mind through Scripture
  Daily meditation on gospel truths and promises realigns our affections. Memorising and praying Colossians 3:1 helps rewire habitual thought-patterns.
• Prioritising Heavenly Affections
  In decisions about career, leisure and relationships, ask: “Which choice best reflects my heavenly citizenship?” Let eternal values outweigh temporal gain.
• Corporate Worship and Fellowship
  Gathering with the local church reminds us, that Christ reigns in the heavenly assembly. Singing, praying and hearing the Word fuel our longing for the world to come.
• Mission and Service from a Heavenly Perspective
  Acts of mercy, evangelism and justice flow best from a heart fixed on the unseen kingdom. We serve “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23), modelling our Master who intercedes at the Father’s right hand.

Teaching from Colossians 3:1

• Our identity is secured in Christ’s resurrection; we truly share in his risen life.
• Christian desire is not passive; it must actively pursue heavenly realities.
• Christ’s enthronement affirms both present spiritual authority and future hope.
• Sanctification begins with setting the mind on things above, not on earthly distractions.
• True Christian living flows from assurance of our hidden life in God.

---

[i] Colossians 3

New King James Version

Not Carnality but Christ

3 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.

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The Christian Home

18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Footnotes

Colossians 3:24 NU omits for

[ii] Psalm 110

New King James Version

Announcement of the Messiah’s Reign

A Psalm of David.

110 The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!

3 Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power;
In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning,
You have the dew of Your youth.
4 The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”

5 The Lord is at Your right hand;
He shall [a]execute kings in the day of His wrath.
6 He shall judge among the nations,
He shall fill the places with dead bodies,
He shall [b]execute the heads of many countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He shall lift up the head.

Footnotes

Psalm 110:5 Lit. break kings in pieces

Psalm 110:6 Lit. break in pieces