Raised with Christ – Part 1
Introduction
When we come to Christ, some amazing changes take place in our lives. God’s graciously saves us from sin and death and showers his abundant gifts upon us. Let’s consider some of these gifts as recorded in Colossians:
- God rescues us from the dominion of darkness and brings into his kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12-14).
- We were once God’s enemies but now he reconciles us to himself (Colossians 1:21-22).
- Our old way of life has been put to death and God has raised us to new life in Christ (Colossians 2:12).
- We are made alive with Christ and all our sins are forgiven (Colossians 2:13).
In the light of God’s grace to believers, let’s now look at how he calls us to live in this world.
Reflect
- What reason does Paul give for calling believers to set their hearts on things above? (v 1a)
- What does it mean to ‘set your heart on things above’? What does it mean to ‘set your mind on things above’?
- Think of some ways you can put these things into practice.
Paul declares that believers have been raised with Christ. This is the true status of all who are in Christ. But I’m sure we realise that while we are here on earth, it is not yet our state. God therefore calls us to continually set our affections, our thoughts, and our desires on his kingdom – the place where we will live forever. This world is no longer our true home, so we must not cling to its values nor focus on its fleeting pleasures.
Reflect
- How does the first part of verse 3 tie in with the beginning of verse 1?
- What does the second half of verse 3 tell us about the closeness of our relationship with Christ?
- What will happen when Christ returns? (v 4)
When we come to Christ, there is a sense in which we die to our old self and are joined to Jesus in his resurrection life. When Christ returns, we will be seen in glory as the ones who belong to him. What a great day that will be!
Reflect
- What do verses 5, 8 and 9 call us to do?
- What is the result of doing these things? (v 6)
- What changes do verses 9 and 10 say have taken place in the lives of believers?
Let’s live as those who have been made alive with Christ, remembering that in him there are no cultural, ethnic or class distinctions. In Christ there is total unity.
Something to think and pray about
Re-read Colossians 3:1-11. Prayerfully come before God and ask him to help you ‘put to death’ anything that is hindering your relationship with him. Then determine to keep setting your heart and keep setting your mind on things that are above.
Something to sing about
Raised with Christ (Trevor Hodge); May the Mind of Christ My Saviour (Emu Music); Raised with Christ (Brady Steinour); This Life I Live is Not My Own (Michael Morrow).
Thank you Chris…..always need this reminder…..the difference between my ongoing status of being in Christ (in the sphere of……) as opposed to my daily state of being in this world……it is both reassuring and comforting to be reminded of this Truth.
Selah !