Colossians 3:1 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God."

The "If then" marks the change of emphasis - the first two chapters have set forth doctrine. Chapter three commences the exhortation to adorn the doctrine with our conduct (Titus 2:10 ). Raised with Christ. Having, through faith in Him died with Him, we have also risen with Him, and are alive with Him.

No longer under the world, the flesh and the devil, and we no longer have to fight from the ground, but from above as alive in Him, the seated, victorious Lord of all. From the new position of might, authority, above with Him we are positioned to be overcomers (Ephesians 1:3; Revelation 3:21 ).

Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

We are to participate in the will of heaven - in the purposes of Christ. Seek them as the priority of our lives (Matthew 6:33 ). Strive for the things above in our now experience, and as our fixed goal. Our thoughts are to be occupied with His Lordship in the present and in the future. We are as participators with Him to mind His things - His Word - His glory. This is being spiritually minded as opposed to being earthly or fleshly minded. (Philippians 3:19; Romans 8:5-7 ). We always have personal responsibility in God's great redemptive plan. It is ours to "seek" - "set our minds". We must take the co-operative action with Christ.

Colossians 3:3 "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

The old life is no longer. The source of our new life is hidden. Our new life, though seen by the world, is a puzzle to the world. Even we inquiringly look at the wonder of this life bestowed (1 John 3:1 ).

"The world knows neither Christ nor Christians, and Christians do not even know themselves". Bengel

Christ is in heaven and we are in Him. We are on earth, Christ is in us. It may indeed appear to be a paradox - but it is so and its real. "With Christ in God" - that means our life is not only safe, it is has its source in the heart of God, and therefore is life continuous and abundant.

Colossians 3:4 "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Christ is our life. Receiving Him personally is to have life (1 John 5:12 ). This is the life of Christ Himself (Galatians 2:20 ) . His life in us is fulfilling in its completeness (Philippians 1:21 ). We shall share in the appearance of Christ. From the time He ascended to the throne of God, He has been hidden from view (Acts 1:9; 3:21; 1 Peter 1:8 ). His appearing again is our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8 ). Our life to be, and the glory we shall share at the Lord's appearing is hidden from the world and us (1 John 3:1-2 ). But our glorification is real and spoken of as though already accomplished (Romans 8:30 ). It will be worth it all when we see Jesus - we shall be glorified together (Romans 8:17 ). We are eagerly waiting for the redemption of our body (Romans 8:17 ). We shall be like Him (Philippians 3:21 ). Paul identifies himself with the Colossians in this by the change from "your" to "our" - our prospect grows brighter as the days go by.

Knowing what we are in Christ, we are fully persuaded to let our lives show it before the world.

(Colossians 3:5-9 Read these verses carefully). The sins that belong to our earthly sin nature. We are to see to it that all belonging to the old life dies. The wrath of God is upon them. Christ suffered the punishment due to us for these things. Let them die out of our lives:

Colossians 3:8,9 "... put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, ..."

In taking action to "put off" we will find the power these things had formerly in our lives, has been broken by His death for us, and we are able and free to put them off. If it were not so, we would not be told to take the action.

(Colossians 3:10-14 Read these verses carefully).

	Because we have put on the new man.
	Because our new man is renewed in knowledge, certain of attainment in Christ - (Ephesians 4:13 ).
	Because that renewed knowledge is according to the image of Him who created - Christ is the pattern of this new man (Colossians 1:15; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ).
	Because all the old distinctions that divide do not count any more (Colossians 3:11 ) there is no barrier to union with Christ. Those who teach otherwise are false.
	Because Christ is all and in all - He is our common standard and centre.
	Because we are chosen of God, set apart, His loved ones (Colossians 3:12 ).

Colossians 3:12,13 "Put on ... mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, ... even as Christ forgave you ..."

Above all put on love (Colossians 3:14 ) that binds the family of God together.

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

"Let the peace of Christ be umpire" Lightfoot

The peace of Christ as an active, positive force in us, operating so as to bring us to the finest in our personality. When we are in doubt as to motives, impulses, desires, the peace of Christ must be allowed to arbitrate and decide the issue. When self is allowed to be the deciding factor we lose the sense of Christ's peace. As we obey God, so we are confirmed in that obedient action by Christ's peace.

As a body we are called to this controlling peace not only individually but collectively. Peace governing the body corporate keeps the unity. Where there is common loyalty to Christ, that community of believers will be marked by Christ's peace. Such a gathering of His people will be known for being thankful.

Notice that Ephesians 5:18-19 and this verse are the same except that in Ephesians we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit - whereas here the appeal is

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; ..."

In the first we are shown the supernatural flow that accompanies "Spirit" fullness - in the second, that the Spirit uses the indwelling Word of Christ in that supernatural flow. It is certain that any true inspired teaching or utterance of the Spirit will be full of the Word of Christ and never contrary to the written word.

Those who meditate on and soak up the Word so that it becomes a living part of them, and lived out by them, are prepared vessels for Holy Spirit manifestations. To love Jesus is to keep His Word. (John 14:23 ). To be His true disciple there must be a walking continually in His Word (John 8:31 ). The indwelling Word of Christ is spirit and life (John 6:63 ).

Those having the abundant, rich, full revelation of Christ living in them, will not be willing to part with such wealth for the trash of heresy. How can the "wisdom" of God be surrendered for the foolish theories of men. Christ's Word makes wise the simple (Psalm 19:7 ). Outflowing from the hearts in which Christ's Word lives comes ministry to one another.

Colossians 3:16 "... teaching and admonishing one another ..."

Mutual help of the other, with sound instruction and fervent correction and direction, provoking growth. Hearts full of the Word will be praising hearts. There will be mutual edification through inspired psalmists - hymns of high praises - spiritual songs of the Holy Spirit, building up the Lord's people - ministry to the Lord with grace in our hearts. Are we yet to see Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16 in fullness in the gatherings of the Lord's people?

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. "

Whatever we "do in word or deed", our promises and actions must all be done in His name and for Him. "Giving thanks." The best way to thank the Father for Jesus is to serve thankfully, not with reluctance or reticence, but with rejoicing. Our thanksgiving through Him because our serving is done through Him. Without Him we can do nothing - with Him we can do all things.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you now operate from the new position of an overcomer? (Colossians 3:1; Ephesians 1:3; Revelation 3:21 ).
2. Are you participating in the will of heaven? (Colossians 3:2 ). Where do the purposes of Christ fit in your priorities?
3. Does the life you now live have its source in the heart of God? (Colossians 3:3 ).
4. What do you expect to happen to you personally when Christ appears? (Colossians 3:4 ).
5. In obediently taking off what belongs to the old life, do you find that you can do so because the power of those things is broken? (Colossians 3:5-9 ).
6. Have you so put on Christ that He is recognisable in you?
7. Can you explain the experience of the peace of Christ ruling in your life, and the life of the body of believers? (Colossians 3:15 ).
8. What relation does the word of Christ richly dwelling in you, have to your operating in gifts of the Holy Spirit? (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-19 ).