What does it mean to be risen with Christ according to Colossians 3:1?
Being risen with Christ means the believer has died, been buried, and risen with Him, producing changed appetites and desires. It leads to seeking eternal things above, where Christ sits at God's right hand, setting affection on heavenly priorities rather than earthly, perishable things.
Les teaches from Colossians 3:1 that if you be risen with Christ—having died with Him and been buried with Him—there is going to be a result: a change in appetites and desires. That change moves the believer to seek those things which are above, which are eternal. Les connects this with the Lord Jesus' earthly words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and all these other things will be added unto you,” emphasizing priorities. Heaven is to be our first interest; we are to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Earthly things perish, and while anticipation is exciting, the realization of eternal things will be greater. This does not mean entering a monastery, because God gives blessings to enjoy, but priority speaking, heaven comes first.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
More Questions
What should believers who are risen with Christ seek?
If you are risen with Christ, you should seek the things that are above and make them your priority.
Can Colossians 3:1 be applied to modern Christians?
In Colossians 3:1 Paul is writing to Gentile believers, so the verse applies just as much to Christians today.