If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. —Colossians 3:1-3
The ministry of Fighter Verses desires that each person who has dedicated themselves to weekly memorizing the Fighter Verses passage will also be committed to grow in their understanding of Scripture. It begins with asking God to engage our minds and open the eyes of our hearts—to truly, and deeply, receive His Word. The Holy Spirit then works this precious word in our hearts to better equip us to follow Christ, our Victor in the fight of faith.
Context: What came before in Colossians 2?
“As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him," having been established in your faith (v. 6). Do not let yourselves become captives to the world’s philosophies, regulations, traditions, elementary principles—rather than according to Christ (v. 8). In Christ dwells all the fullness of God in bodily form, and in Him we have been made complete (vv. 9-10). We were buried with Him in baptism and were also raised up with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. We were dead in our trespasses and sins but now have been made alive together with Him (vv. 12-13).
“If you have died with Christ,”
Believers are in union with Christ in His death. In Him, we are set free from the law of sin and death, and are made alive to God. Do not then exchange your freedom in Christ for useless, man-made rules. Do not let your heart be carried away with the things of this world or submit to them—things destined to perish, the worship of angels, following decrees, regulations, and self-abasement that have no value against fleshly indulgences (vv. 16-23).
“If then you have been raised with Christ,”
Believers are in union with Christ in His resurrection from the dead. He has conquered the grave and is alive forever. In Him, we walk in newness of life. Our new life in Christ will continually be drawn to seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (v. 1). This position at the right hand of God, is the place of absolute authority. The King of kings is seated there, signifying His work is finished. Oh, how thrilling to think on this heavenly scene! Our risen Savior is there interceding for us and ruling in sovereignty over everything. Is it any wonder that earthly things will fade in view and lose significance?
“Set your minds”
Is there something for me to do? Yes. Set your mind on things above, not on the things of earth (v. 2). We do this by yielding to the Holy Spirit and taking every thought captive to obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). And we do this also by remembering what God has done for us and what He has said about our position now—“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (v. 3).
The believer is in union with Christ, hidden with Him in God. There we enjoy true worship of God, the love of God, the pleasures of God, fulfillment of all God’s promises, the peace of fellowship with God, the security of God, the righteousness of God, the glory of God, and more, all through our union with Christ. Today and every day, may our thoughts turn continually to the things that are above, not the things that are on earth. The things that are above define our new life, eternal and glorious in Christ Jesus our Risen Lord.
For Reflection
Have you been raised with Christ? Those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are given new life in Him. Read the following Scriptures to help you personally answer this question: Romans 5:6-11 Romans 10:8-11 Ephesians 2:1-10 1 Peter 1:3-9
What are some “things that are in the world” that especially pull on your heart? In what ways will Colossians 3:1-3 help in your fight of faith to break that pull?
In John Bunyan’s allegory Holy War the city of Mansoul’s walls have gates that are vulnerable to assault: Eye-gate, Ear-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate. And nothing can get into Mansoul except by the gates. What “things that are on earth” have you allowed to enter your “gates,” to take up residence and draw the affections of your soul away from Christ? Repent of these things and ask God to guard your soul, and give you strength, grace, and discernment to join in this holy war.