May 16 – Since, Therefore Do

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”  - Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)

It is good to know that the “If” in verse 3:1 actually means “Since” and the recipients of this letter are those in Christ because they have been raised with Christ. This letter written by the Apostle Paul to the assembly of believers in Colossae was written in prison, like the letter to the Philippians. But it has a very different message for us.  An important purpose Paul has in writing this letter, among others, was to refute the false teaching that was threatening this congregation of Christ followers. Also Paul was setting forth the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus Christ.  To encourage the members of the Colossae church to turn away from the false teachers in their midst.  Paul reminds them of their union with Christ. He also urged them to continue living in keeping with their position in Christ.  It is the promise in this verse that should motivate them and us to seek the better things where Christ is – in heaven at God the Father’s right hand.  Those better things are promised to all who believe the Gospel.  

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July 29 – If Then Seek

“ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Colossians 3:1 (ESV)

We are thankful for the new life which God has promised and given us when we put our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.  We are still living on earth in our human existence and can be attracted to things which are fleshly and not of God.  But our hearts can be occupied with truths of heavenly and spiritual value.  We can think of Jesus dying on the cross for us but then we realize that He is still doing something of eternal value for us as He is at God's right hand praying for us.  Yes, we can pray to God in the name of Jesus and God will hear our prayer and will help us each day.  It is very important that we keep these spiritual facts in mind every day.  We can be and are tempered to seek things of this world for our fleshly pleasure filling our minds with earthly things but we also have reason and cause to seek the things which are above with Christ and fill our minds with things that come from God.  Our promise is that Christ is seated above at God's right hand and advocating for us.  

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