The Book of Colossians Pt. 30 Enjoy What God Has For Us By Diligent Seeking.

In the first two chapters of Colossians, Paul described our privileges by Christ. He taught us how we are discharged from the yoke of the ceremonial law of Moses and have been given liberty to love and serve Jesus Christ.

He addressed some of the heretical teachings that caused unrest in this church and demonstrated that our defense is knowing who Jesus Christ is and understanding the scope of what He has done for us.

In the remaining chapters of Colossians, we are going to be taught the duties we have that accompany the doctrine we learned. In chapters one and two, belief is meant to impact behavior and teaching is given to train us how to live for God's glory.    

Though we are freed from the obligation of the ceremonial law, it does not mean that we are free to live as we choose. We are saved in order to walk more closely with God.

Believers must seek the things of God.

Colossians 3:1,2  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2)  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

The first item that Paul mentions is our union with Jesus Christ. He references the new birth, walking in newness of life, and experiencing God making old things pass away, as He makes us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 7:6).

Jesus told a very religious leader named Nicodemus that knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him. "Ye must be born again" is what Jesus told that man (John 3:3-8).

Colossians 2:12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 

The words "if ye then be risen with Christ" reminded the Colossians that they were different people after they were born again. Buried with Christ through baptism is a picture showing us that we died with Jesus Christ on His cross. His death is also our death. 

However, Jesus rose from the dead and His resurrection is our resurrection. This is all the work of God in us and for us when we exercise repentant faith in Christ. 

Thus, Colossians 3:1 begins by stating the facts. "Since you are risen with Christ through the new birth, here is what God expects of you." 

Buried with Him in baptism, we also are risen with Him. Since we received the doctrine of Christ, and profess to be partakers of a spiritual religion, seek those things. Search them out and be prepared to fully enjoy them.

Jesus commands us to seek His kingdom first. 

Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

As an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul is saying exactly what Jesus taught His disciples. Seek the kingdom of God first and seek His righteousness. Your Father in heaven will take care of whatever needs we may have. 

The word "seek" means to seek in order to find out, by thinking, meditating, reasoning, or making a diligent study of God's kingdom. 

We seek because we are citizens of heaven. 

Philippians 3:20,21  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21)  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 

In writing to the Philippian believers, Paul reminded them that their conversation was in heaven. 

The word "conversation" refers to our heavenly citizenship as children of the Living God. Therefore, we are to live as God's children by observing and obeying His kingdom rule (See Matthew 5-7). 

Or as we read in Colossians 3:1 we should actively "seek those things which are above." Paul is teaching us to seek, or carefully search out things that are above, heavenly things, the things of God. 

The logical question would be "Where can I seek those things that are above?" The simple answer is that God gave us His self revelation and it is contained in a volume of 66 books. 

Thus, in order to seek the kingdom of God first or to set our hearts on things above, we must open our copy of the scriptures and read them.

We have mentioned many times that the Spirit of God is our teacher in the Truth. He indwells each believer in Christ and He is our guide in the scriptures (See John 14:15-18; 15:26-27; 16:7-15).

The Spirit of God is our teacher in truth. 

1 Corinthians 2:9,10  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10)  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 

No one has seen or heard about the wonderful things that God has prepared for all believers to enjoy. He has prepared these things for all those who love Him. 

However, God fully reveals His wonderful things to us by His Holy Spirit. This is one major reason why the Spirit of God indwells each Christian. The Spirit of God inspired the scriptures and He is willing to teach all the deep things of God to us. 

Colossians 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Paul made it clear that we are to be seeking those things that are with the risen Lord in heaven's splendor. The word "seek" is the same word Jesus used in Matthew 6:33.

Set our hearts on heavenly things, not earthly. 

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

Paul helps us to see the way that we must seek those things which are above. The words "set your affection" mean to have an understanding and wisdom concerning the things of God. It means cherishing the things of God and desire more of Him. 

This connects with God giving us a new heart and a new spirit so that we can enjoy the things of God. Our hearts must be turned toward heaven and our thoughts centered upon our Lord Jesus Christ. 

One final note Paul gives us is that we seek the heavenly things of God and not worldly, earthly things. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

It is our privilege that we are risen with Christ. We benefit by the resurrection of Christ, and by virtue of our union and communion with Him. 

Through faith in Christ, we are justified, sanctified, and shall be glorified. 

Therefore, we must seek those things which are above. We must mind the concerns of Jesus Christ more than the concerns of this present evil world. 

We must make heaven our priority, seek the help of God to keep our communion with Him strong by faith, and hope, and holy love. 

May we be known as people who seek God each and every day. May the Lord of Glory keep transforming us into His glorious image. May we love and serve God above all else that we do.

Bob