Commentary

Verses 1-4 contain a tri-fold ground to the command to occupy our minds with what (WHO!) matters most--Christ, our ascended and seated Lord. The first ground (3a) is that we have died to the mastery of earthly things over our lives and have been raised together with Christ (1a). The second ground (3b) is that we are hidden with Christ in God. And the third ground (4ab) is that the best is yet to come--when Christ returns we will return with him in glory. No matter how difficult our immediate circumstances are we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are in the safest place in the universe, hidden with Christ in God. Let’s fix our minds (1b, 2) on this truth and this Person, who is our very life! Next time we are tempted to fixate our minds on the problems and pleasures swirling about us, let's remind ourselves that Christ is our life and let us treasure our place in Him above any worldly distraction.

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Colossians 3:1-4

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esv

Εἰ οὖν συνηγέρθητε τῷ Χριστῷ,

Therefore (resumptive of 2:20), if ( since ) you have been raised with Christ,

τὰ ἄνω ζητεῖτε,

then , keep on seeking the things that are above,

οὗ ὁ Χριστός ἐστιν

where Christ is, ( because Christ is there)

ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ καθήμενος•

in that (He ) is sitting at the right hand of God.

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ground

τὰ ἄνω φρονεῖτε,

(Let me give the command of 1b in other words ), (positively) keep setting your minds on things that are above,

μὴ τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς.

( negatively do) not (keep setting your mind) on things that are on earth.

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conditional

ἀπεθάνετε γὰρ

For you have died,

καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν κέκρυπται σὺν τῷ Χριστῷ ἐν τῷ θεῷ•

and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

ὅταν ὁ Χριστὸς φανερωθῇ, ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν,

( furthermore ) when Christ who is your life appears,

τότε καὶ ὑμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ φανερωθήσεσθε ἐν δόξῃ.

at that time you also will appear with him in glory.

temporal

progression

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