Note 1 at Col. 3:1: This is not a question even though the sentence starts with the word "if." All born-again believers are risen with Christ (see ref. a at this verse). It's an accomplished fact in our spirits. The NIV translates this verse, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God."

Note 2 at Col. 3:1: It is important to understand the context of this verse in order to get the full picture of what Paul is saying. In Colossians 2:4, Paul said he was saying these things so no one could beguile the Colossians into turning away from Christ (see note 20 at Col. 2:4, p. 1197). He wanted them to know the total completeness of their new life in Jesus so they would never be drawn away (see note 10 at Col. 2:10, p. 1200). He went on to explain that we are dead to all the laws dealing with externals (Col. 2:20-23).

Therefore, since we are dead to this world and risen with Christ (Rom. 6:5) our focus should be on heavenly things, not earthly things. The law with its emphasis on actions is one of those earthly things that should no longer occupy us. If we focus on who we are in Christ and what He has given us, holiness will follow. Preoccupation with our earthly position (i.e. our actions of holiness) is a sure sign that we are not focused on our heavenly position (see note 34 at Col. 2:22, p. 1203).

Note 3 at Col. 3:1: The question could be asked, "If we are risen with Christ, why then do we have to seek things that are above? Why don't we just automatically experience resurrection life?" The answer is that we are not just a spirit being; we also have a fleshly body (see note 3 at Rom. 7:18, p. 790) which must be subjected to the Holy Spirit in order to experience the resurrection victory that is even now present in our spirit.

To "seek" eternal realities by thinking, meditating, reasoning and inquiring into them should be the norm of all New Testament believers. To be occupied with Christ and His purposes will release the resurrection power of Jesus into our physical lives.

Note 4 at Col. 3:1: Paul didn't specify in these verses the "things which are above" he was speaking of, but there are many heavenly things which we are admonished to think on in scripture.

Jesus instructed His disciples to think about their mansion in the Father's house as an antidote to discouragement (see note 5 at Jn. 14:2, p. 490). We are to think of everything in the perspective of eternity (see notes 20-21 at 2 Cor. 4:18, p. 999). We are to meditate in the Word of God day and night (Josh. 1:8). Certainly, part of the heavenly things we are to think on is our position in Christ and all that entails.

We can summarize what we are to think on by following the instruction of Paul in Philippians 4:8 which says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Note 5 at Col. 3:1: The terminology "where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" is significant. This was used to denote the supreme position of authority (see note 6 at Mk. 10:37, p. 398).