"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth."
Colossians 3:1-2
Part 2
Yesterday: The Great Change at Salvation
“If ye then be risen with Christ.”
If we have a new heart, the appetites should follow.
“Seek those things which are above.”
We want what God wants. We live for Him.
Today: Our Savior and Our New Affections
Why do we seek things that are above? Because this is,
“Where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
Our Savior, Jesus, is in heaven now at the Father’s right hand. He is currently the sovereign ruler (Psalm 110). He is in control of and will deal with this earth and its people in time. He loves us, and He is the one who gives His children wisdom and knowledge for life down here.
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
When we need wisdom [every day], we go to Him and ask (James 1:5).
“Set your affection on things above.”
“Set your affection, set your mind on.”
“‘Keep on thinking about.’ It does matter what we think, and we are responsible for our thoughts”[1] (Robertson).
“You must not only seek heaven, you must think heaven”[2] (Lightfoot).
Before knowing Christ:
“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (Philippians 3:19).
After knowing Christ:
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
The best Christian living comes through believers who are mindful of their heavenly home and their Savior, who waits for them there. He/she thinks about home.
“The believer is to ‘seek the things . . . above.’ The word ‘seek’ marks aspiration, desire, and passion. . . . In order to seek these things, the mind must be set on them”[3] (Morgan).
“Not on things on the earth.”
Be careful, believers. We live here on this earth. This is our temporary home, our mission field. It is easy to become so aware of our surroundings that we neglect to think about what’s really important.
“‘Earthly things’ are not all evil, but some of them are. Even things harmless in themselves become harmful if permitted to take the place that should be reserved for the things above”[4] (Vaughan).
Quote: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
[1] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword. Colossians 3:2.
[2] Lightfoot’s quote from Vincent. Word Studies in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] Morgan’s quote is from Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, the electronic version in eSword. Colossians 3:2.
[4] Vaugh’s quote is from Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, ibid. Colossians 3:2.