1 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.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:1-2
The scene in Colossians 3:1-2 is set in a small, dimly lit room in the city of Colossae. The room is filled with a diverse group of individuals gathered for a bible study class. Among them are Lydia, a wealthy merchant known for her generosity, Marcus, a former Roman soldier who converted to Christianity after witnessing a miracle, and Priscilla, a skilled tentmaker who traveled with the apostle Paul on his missionary journeys.
These individuals came together in this room after hearing about the teachings of the apostle Paul and his letter to the Colossians. They are eager to learn more about how to live a life that is focused on heavenly things, as Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:1-2. The room is adorned with flickering oil lamps, scrolls of scripture, and cushions for seating, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for deep discussion and reflection on the words of the apostle.
As they sit in a circle, the flickering light casting shadows on the walls, they listen attentively as one of the group members reads aloud the words of Colossians 3:1-2, urging them to set their minds on things above and not on earthly things. The group engages in a lively discussion, sharing their own struggles and triumphs in living out this exhortation in their daily lives. Together, they seek to encourage and support one another in their journey of faith, striving to keep their focus on the eternal truths of the gospel.
What is Colossians 3:1-2 about?
The apostle Paul is encouraging us in this verse to focus our thoughts and desires on heavenly things rather than getting caught up in the distractions and temptations of the world. Setting our minds on things above reminds us of the eternal perspective and values that truly matter in the grand scheme of things. This verse serves as a reminder that our ultimate purpose and fulfillment come from our relationship with God and living out His will for our lives.
Imagine if we constantly fixated on material possessions, status, or temporary pleasures – how would our hearts and actions reflect our priorities? We cultivate a mindset that is centered on spiritual growth, love, kindness, and selflessness by shifting our focus to things above. It prompts us to seek God’s guidance and prioritize our faith in every decision we make. So, let this verse be a gentle nudge to realign your thoughts and priorities towards heavenly things, allowing God’s wisdom and grace to guide you in all aspects of your life.
Understanding what Colossians 3:1-2 really means
Structure for Commentary:
- Introduction to the Passage
- Context within the Bible
- Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases
- Connections to Other Biblical Passages
- Relevance to Contemporary Life
- Anecdote for Illustration
- Paul is urging the believers in Colossae to shift their focus from earthly to heavenly matters in these verses. It’s a call to elevate their thoughts and actions to align with Christ’s teachings and seek spiritual growth.
Context within the Bible:
The letter to the Colossians addresses the supremacy of Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects that understanding. Paul wrote this letter to counter false teachings and to encourage the believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases:
The phrase “set your hearts on things above” is a compelling directive. It implies an intentional effort to prioritize spiritual values over worldly desires. The heart, often seen as the seat of emotions and desires, is being guided towards a higher purpose. Similarly, “set your minds on things above” emphasizes a cognitive shift. It’s an invitation to reorient our thoughts towards divine principles and eternal truths.
Connections to Other Biblical Passages:
This teaching echoes what Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21 about storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. It also aligns with Romans 12:2, where Paul urges believers to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. These passages collectively encourage a life that is in harmony with God’s will. This passage is particularly poignant in today’s fast-paced and materialistic world. It challenges us to evaluate where we invest our time, energy, and resources. Are we consumed by the pursuit of wealth and status, or are we striving to grow in faith and character? It’s a call to live with eternal perspectives in mind. John, a successful businessman, found his life empty despite his achievements. He realized that his relentless pursuit of success had left little room for his spiritual growth. Inspired by these verses, John began to volunteer at his church and invest time in prayer and study of the Scriptures. Over time, he found a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose, not in his material successes, but in his relationship with God and service to others.
Conclusion and Call to Reflection:
These verses in Colossians are a powerful reminder that our ultimate goal is not found in earthly accomplishments but in our spiritual journey. Reflect on your own life: What are you setting your heart and mind on? How can you realign your priorities to reflect the teachings of Christ? Let this be a moment to refocus and recommit to living a life that seeks above all else the things of God.
How can we set our minds on things above?
We can set our minds on things above by focusing on the eternal perspective rather than the temporal things of this world. This involves constantly keeping our thoughts and desires aligned with the will of God and the values of His kingdom. Seeking the things that are above reminds us of the higher purpose and eternal significance of our actions and decisions.
Setting our minds on things above also means prioritizing spiritual growth and relationship with God above material possessions or earthly achievements. This shift in focus helps us to resist the distractions and temptations of this world and keep our hearts set on heavenly things. We can cultivate a mindset that is centered on eternal truths and values by meditating on the truths of God’s Word and seeking His presence in prayer.
Application
Picture this: balancing work deadlines and family time, yet still feeling something’s missing. Colossians 3:1-2 challenges us to shift our focus toward eternal values, like a compass guiding through life’s chaos. Just as you manage career and home, consider prioritizing your spiritual journey. Will you take the next step to seek what truly matters and walk closer with Christ?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.