Colossenses 3

Colossenses 3

Maclaren writes that… We have now done with controversy. We hear no more about heretical teachers (eg Col 2:4+, Col 2:8+). The Apostle has cut his way through the tangled thickets of error (Col 2:23+), and has said his say as to the positive truths with which he would hew them down. For the remainder of the letter, we have principally plain practical exhortations, and a number of interesting personal details. The paragraph which we have now to consider is the transition from the controversial to the ethical portion of the Epistle. It touches the former by its first words, "If ye then were raised together with Christ," which correspond in form and refer in meaning to the beginning of the previous paragraph, "If ye died with Christ." (Col 2:20+) It touches the latter because it embodies the broad general precept, "Seek the things that are above," of which the following practical directions are but varying applications in different spheres of duty… There are here two similar exhortations, side by side. "Seek the things that are above." The first is preceded, and the second (Col 3:2+) is followed by its reason. So the two laws of conduct are, as it were enclosed like a kernel in its shell, or a jewel in a gold setting, by encompassing motives. These considerations, in which the commandment are embedded, are the double thought of union with Christ in His resurrection, and in His death, and as consequent thereon, participation in His present hidden life (Col 3:3+), and in His future glorious manifestation (Col 3:4+). So we have here the present budding life of the Christian in union with the risen, hidden Christ; the future consummate flower of the Christian life in union with the glorious manifested Christ; and the practical aim and direction which alone is consistent with either bud or flower (Col 3:5ff+). (Colossians 3:1-4 The Present Christian Life, A Risen Life - Recommended) Colossians 3:1 can be outlined as follows (Adapted from Dr John MacArthur's commentary on Colossians)… THE REMINDER Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ THE RESPONSIBILITY Keep seeking the things above THE RESOURCE Where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God AN "IF" THAT IS A CERTAINTY If (ei) is a particle indicating a fulfilled condition, followed by the indicative mood, the mood of reality (see notes on conditional clauses). "If" in this case does not convey uncertainty but is what is referred to as a first class conditional clause which assumes that the statement which follows is true (see similar use of "if" in Col 2:20+). One can substitute Since or in view of the fact for if. In marked contrast to the mystical promises of achieving your "human potential" offered under the guise of the New Age Movement (or any other non-Biblical mystical method), Paul now unveils in clear language the true way to "be all that you can be". This is truly God's plan for the "human potential movement". The if is used logically, not theologically, by way of argument, and not by way of doubt.