Raised with Christ and Setting Affections Above

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1,2)

The King James translates verse 2 as “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” The Greek word for affection is phroneō, meaning ” to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication.” It can be said it is the framework of the mind. We are to set the framework of our minds on the things above where Christ is.

Now, let’s back up to verse one. Paul asks a question of sorts, while making a profound statement at the same time. “If then you were raised with Christ...” The Greek word for raised is an interesting one. It is synegeirō and means “to raise together, to cause to raise together.” The word binds two together. Without the binding (and raising) of the two the word would not exist. In other words, our being “raised” can only be WITH Christ, united and tied with Him.

So, Paul was saying “If then you were tied and raised together with Christ seek those things which are above.” With Christ, we are to seek the things above. Not alone but with Christ. Isn’t that comforting?

Before leaving the earth Jesus promised the person of the Holy Spirit would be sent to them. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you.” (John 14:16,17)

The Greek word for advocate is paraklētos and means “summoned, called to one’s side, esp. called to one’s aid.” This advocate was not just for early church believers but for us – right now. The Holy Spirit is by our side giving us wisdom and strength.

Don’t miss this: we have died WITH Christ, raised WITH Christ and now the Holy Spirit walks WITH us. We can seek the things above only because we have been raised WITH Christ. I’ll end with verses 3 and 4 from our Colossians 3:

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

Our lives are hidden with Christ. He is seen and not us. But when He appears we will appear with Him. That is because we are tied and united for eternity. I have twin girls. If you see one in a room or anywhere you will see the other. They are tied together with a special bond. We too are united with Christ in His death, resurrection a will appear with Him in glory!