Colossians 3:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

NIV: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

NASB: Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

CSB: So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

NLT: Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

KJV: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

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

Prior chapters discussed the false teachings Paul wants the Colossian Christians to avoid. Chapter 3 begins with a transition from these teachers into a description of legitimate spirituality, from the only true teacher: Christ. Paul's use of "if" here is not really a question, but an assumption. He writes the following to those who are saved by faith in Christ. Their goal was to live with an eternal perspective rather than a focus on the rules and regulations of this world. Rather than following a set of rules, Christians are to submit moment-by-moment to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Paul then explains why believers are to focus on eternal matters. Christians are to set their minds "above," so to speak, because that is where Christ is. Christ is not on earth, or in the grave—He is at God's right hand. This was the consistent teaching of Jesus, and of the early church (Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1 Peter 3:22). Paul would also teach this message to the Romans (Romans 8:34). The book of Hebrews also emphasizes this location of honor for Jesus (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2).

Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ''put to death'' such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior. The next passage will contrast these sins with the positive behaviors Christians are meant to undertake.

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Prior chapters in Colossians emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and the inferiority of worldly teachings. Paul's explanation of Christ as the ultimate authority, and the only source of truth, is key to understanding the difference between godly wisdom and worldly deceptions. In this chapter, Paul will apply those earlier ideas using practical instructions. This application runs through the beginning of chapter 4, which will end with various news about fellow Christian ministers.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.