#202 – The Risen Life In Christ

THE RISEN LIFE IN CHRIST

Colossians 3:1 4 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

FIRST LET'S LOOK AT THE SEEKING OF THE RISEN LIFE

Note the “if” factor in the beginning statement of this verse.

1. Paul says, “If ye then be risen with Christ.” If ye then be risen” translates, “sunegeiro,” and means, to raise together, to cause to raise together.” This verb is an aorist passive indicative. The aorist tense goes back to the point of time when they were raised with Christ. It is a once-for-all act when one is saved. Then there is the passive voice. This act was not only at a point of time, i.e., when you were saved but the passive voice is where the action refers to where the action takes place on the believer. The believer is the recipient of God's saving grace. The believer doesn't do a thing but believe. The saint of God can't do what has already been done.

2. The “if” introduces a first class condition, e.i., This construction assumes it to be true. This construction is often translated, “Since ye be risen with Christ. This means Paul is addressing saved people.

3. “If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above,” The believer has an eternally, all powerful, connection with Christ as He ministers to us as He sits at the right hand of God.

4. Now that Paul has assured the Christians of their position in Christ, he exhorts them to act by faith as sons of God, and obtain the things there that can be received by faith. We do not operate by the power of this present world. Ephesians 1:3 establishes the fact that there are things in heaven waiting to be received by the believer. He says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:"

5. Those Spiritual blessing have been given us to supply the needs in our lives as we walk with Him. Next,

THE AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE
Paul continues to instruct when he says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

1. The words “Set your affection on things above” translate “phroneo” and means, “To have, to have understanding, be wise.” The meaning is an exhortation to keep looking heaven-ward. There is where our affections are to be concentrated.

2. In contrast to this Paul says, “Not on things on the earth.” A walk with God is this wicked world is not only difficult but impossible. That is, without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the constant help we get from our Lord as He intercedes in our behalf.

THE PROTECTION OF THE RISEN LIFE

Paul reminds them that they “are dead” and “your life is hid with Christ in God.” Satan is a powerful being. But His power is not even measurable when compared to the power of God. We have a hiding place. It is put this way: “your life is hid with Christ in God.” This statement would have no meaning if the believers security is not being assured. We are protected by the one who has all power. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Don't fear Christian brother or sister, your life is hidden and out of the reach of the enemy.

THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE RISEN LIFE

Christ is the sum and substance of the risen life. 1 John 5:11 12, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."

The believer has the Son and therefore he has everlasting life and the protection that goes with having God as our father.

THE PROSPECTS OF THE RISEN LIFE

This promise is made to believers now. Colossians 3:4,