So, I hope you have been seeking things above this week! One final note on this subject – as you look at your life and the things that you spend time on, I challenge you to identify one area in which you can cut some time. But don’t just cut time, replace that time with spending some quality time with God. For me, I can definitely cut some time in watching television. So, I am going to cut my time in front of the television by 1 hour this week and replace that time with studying God’s Word and praying. Next time you see me, you can ask how I am doing!
This week, we are going to move to the first four verses of chapter 3:
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died; and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (NASB).
I would like to give you an English test today with just three questions. Oh no! I am sure your heart has started beating a little faster and your palms are beginning to sweat. Don’t worry – I think you will do great on this test. I have three verbs underlined in the above verses. What tense is each verb (present, past or future)?
Let’s start with the first one ‘have been raised’ – it is in the past tense. The second verb underlined ‘keep seeking’ is in the present tense. And the third verb underlined ‘will be revealed’ is in the future tense. How did you do on your English test? Looking at those three verbs, I want to ask you three questions.
First question – have you been raised up with Christ? Is there a time in your past where you trusted in Christ and Christ alone for your salvation? If so, you have been raised up with Christ! As verse 3 states, you have died – you are no longer defined by what you have done. You are a new person in Christ Jesus (your life is hidden with Christ in God!). You may want to stop reading for a few minutes and thank God for who you are in Him!
Second question – Are you presently seeking the things above? We have been talking about this for the last four weeks! How are you doing today with the concept of seeking things above? If you are not doing so well, stop reading right now and ask God to help you seek things above. To be honest, I had to stop and ask God to help me seek things above today.
Third question – Are you looking forward to the day that you will be revealed with Christ? I love… I LOVE how verse 4 begins: “When Christ, who is our life”. Read that again: “When Christ, who is our life”. Some translations read like this: “When Christ, who is your life”. Wow! Christ is our life! And you know what else that verse communicates – He is coming back and we will be revealed with Him in glory! Take a few minutes and think about that wonderful truth – one day we no longer have to live by faith; we will be with Him! Oh what a glorious day that will be, and the next day, and the next day, and the next day…