Resurrection Power

Here is given the second reason for not following the counsels of the false teachers. As the Christians were not to do this because they had died with Christ (2:20), so now they are led on to see that they are risen with Christ, and this in particular is a reason for not following any false way. To be dead with Christ carries with it resurrection, and now the Apostle will show that this is the genuine and adequate power against any indulgence of the flesh. Holy living is possible, but it must be realised in the right way, not in the wrong. We shall also see how all true life neces* sarily springs from true doctrine.

I. The Reminder (v. 1)

The Apostle first calls their attention to the fact they were “raised together with Christ,” the word “if” imply¬ ing “since.” He assumes it as a fact and does not suggest any doubt. The resurrection is variously presented in the New Testament, and it is at once a proof, a pattern, a power, a prophecy, and a pledge. It is the proof of our acceptance of Christ’s death and of our acceptance with Him (Rom. 4:25), it is to be the pattern of our holy life (Rom. 6:4), it is also the power for Christian character and service (Eph. 1 :18-20); it contains the promise of our own resurrection (1 Thess. 4:14), and it is the pledge of our life hereafter (John 14:19).

In this passage our resurrection is associated with Christ (2 :12) because we are united to Him in such a way that whatever He did, we are regarded by God as having done also (Rom. 6:8).

Resurrection Power, 3:1-4
II. The Realisation (vs. 1, 2)

On account of this union with a living Christ, we are to do two things. First, we are to “seek those things that are above,” and then we are to do still more, “set our mind on the things that are above.” The word “mind” includes the entire personality and refers to the whole bent of our inner nature. We are to see that the tendency of our life is towards heavenly, not earthly things. The original word is very striking, implying concentration of every power on things heavenly (Phil. 2:2, 5; 3:19, 20; see also Matt. 6 :33 and Gal. 5 :26). This attitude naturally and necessarily follows from our union with Christ.

III. The Reason (v. 3)

Christ is now in heaven, seated on the right hand of God, and when He died we were united to Him in His death, and, as a consequence, in His resurrection. This means that as He is above, our life united to Him is “hid with Christ in God.” The word “hid” is very suggestive because it means “has been permanently hidden,” and the thought seems to include the two ideas of secrecy and safety. Our life is “hid” and therefore unseen by man. It is also “hid” and therefore incapable of being touched or hurt by any evil power. This is the glory of the Christian life, and it is not surprising that men from time to time have rejoiced in the consciousness of perfect safety in this union with Christ (see Bishop Moule, Colossian Studies, page 190).

IV. The Revelation (v. 4)

But this is not everything, for although the believer’s life is now hidden, one day Christ will be made manifest and then the Christian also will be revealed with Him. Christ is described as “our life” and thus we are identified with Him (1 John 5:12). Lightfoot has a very helpful comment on this thought of the believer’s manifestation; “The veil which now shrouds your higher life from others, and even partly from yourselves, will then be withdrawn. The world, which persecutes, despises, ignores now, will then be blinded with the dazzling glory of the revelation.” This is the inspiration of the Christian soul as he looks forward to that blessed hope when Christ shall appear and all His people appear with Him in glory (John 17:22; Rom. 8:19; Rev. 19:11-14).

This familiar and yet perennially wonderful passage is full of blessed teaching concerning Christ and the believer. (1) Christ is mentioned no fewer than four times, including His resurrection, His session above, His union with God, and His coming again. (2) The believer is also mentioned in connection with Christ in several ways. First comes our union with Christ, then follows our life hidden in Him, and lastly, the assurance is given of future manifestation. All this suggests and emphasises the one supreme lesson of the New Testament, that occupation with Christ is the secret of everything in the Christian life. The old word Sursum Corda, “lift up your hearts,” is the only right attitude for salvation, sanctification, and satisfaction. Be it ours to respond with thankfulness, adoration and praise, “We lift them up unto the Lord.”