CSU Long Beach

Colossians 3:1-4

"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. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

[Colossians 3:1-4 ESV]

Chapter Context

Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ''put to death'' such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior.

Chapter Summary

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Understanding Colossians 3:1-4

(Click to see explanation of verses)

We chose these verses from Colossians 3:1-4 to encourage our members to prioritize Christ in their lives and gain courage to spread the Gospel. The focus is on the transformative power of the Gospel, reminding us as believers that our true identity, value, and security are found in Christ. By understanding that our lives are “hidden with Christ,” members of AACF Long Beach are empowered to live with an eternal perspective, secure in their relationship with God, and are then called to share this hope with others.

Verse 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."

Prior chapters discussed the false teachings Paul wants the Colossian Christians to avoid. Chapter 3 begins with a transition from these teachers into a description of legitimate spirituality, from the only true teacher: Christ. Paul's use of "if" here is not really a question, but an assumption. He writes the following to those who are saved by faith in Christ. Their goal was to live with an eternal perspective rather than a focus on the rules and regulations of this world. Rather than following a set of rules, Christians are to submit moment-by-moment to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Paul then explains why believers are to focus on eternal matters. Christians are to set their minds "above," so to speak, because that is where Christ is. Christ is not on earth, or in the grave—He is at God's right hand. This was the consistent teaching of Jesus, and of the early church (Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; 1 Peter 3:22). Paul would also teach this message to the Romans (Romans 8:34). The book of Hebrews also emphasizes this location of honor for Jesus (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:2).

Verse 2 - "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Repeating the theme of verse 1, Paul reminds the believers at Colossae to keep their minds on godly, spiritual things. This is meant for those who have accepted Christ, and received Him as their Savior. Rather than looking to the earth around them, the minds of Christians should be focused "above." The things "above" are the things of God. God is often noted as being "above" in the New Testament (John 3:31; 8:23; Ephesians 4:10) and heaven is described as "above" (James 1:17).

In this context, the "things of the earth" are associated with ungodly activities. For example, James 3:15 notes a false approach which "is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic." In contrast, the "wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). This does not mean that believers should ignore all earthly concerns. It does, however, mean that believers ought to give their time and attention to things pleasing to God, rather than things pleasing to men.

Verse 3 - "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Paul has already noted that believers "died to the elemental spirits of the world" (Colossians 2:20). Here, he repeats the same metaphor. Since believers have "died" to sin, in the sense of being separated from it, the believer's life is "hidden," or "contained" within Christ. In the previous chapter, Paul discussed false teachers who used tricks and deceptive arguments. These men claimed special, hidden wisdom which only they had access to. In contrast, according to Paul, the believer's wisdom is found in knowing the Lord.

More specifically, this letter mentions how wisdom which was once hidden has now been revealed (Colossians 1:26). But this is not only revealed to a certain special few—it is open to the "saints." In the Bible, "saints" is always used as a general term for all who accept Christ as their Savior. Christ is described as the One "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Christ died for us (Romans 5:6–8). When we put trusting faith in Jesus, we die to sin (Romans 6:2) and are set free from its power (Romans 6:7). Those who die—to the world and to sin—with Christ will also live with Christ for eternity (Romans 6:8).

Verse 4 - "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Paul continues to highlight Christ as the source of true life for all Christian believers. This verse creates an interesting discussion regarding the original text. Some ancient manuscripts have "our life," others have "your life." The latter is considered more likely by textual critics, though the meaning is exactly the same. Paul, as a Christian, is just as much alive in Jesus as the Colossian Christians he is writing to (Colossians 3:1). Christ is not only the giver and sustainer of life (Colossians 1:16); Christ is our life.

Paul also previews the return, or "second coming," of Christ. This theme is important to Paul, but can be controversial among Bible interpreters. There is debate regarding whether there will be one or two future return events of Christ. This really boils down to whether or not a person believes there will be a rapture—a "taking away" of saved believers—separately from Christ's ultimate victorious return (Revelation 19:11). Those who interpret the Bible as speaking of the rapture and second coming as two separate events do so based on details in the account of the end times; these seem to imply two separate and distinct events.

In this specific context, Paul clearly anticipates Christ returning at any moment. This is a theme both consistent and clear through the New Testament. When Christ "appears," believers will be with Him in glory (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 John 3:2).

What does it mean to be "Hidden with Christ"?

(Click to see key aspects)

This year, we wanted to dive deeper into how we value and prioritize Christ in our lives, focusing on the Gospel and its transformative power. Because of the power that sin holds over us, we were spiritually dead. Yet, through Jesus, who died the death we deserved, we have been raised to new life with Him. Once we become believers, we find our lives hidden with Christ, and God no longer counts our sins against us. This profound truth gives us security in our relationship with God, knowing that our lives are in His hands. As His children, we are protected and watched over by our Heavenly Father, and there is no greater joy than being safe in His arms.

Paul's explanation of being "hidden in Christ" in Colossians 3:3 reflects this. Our lives are now united with Christ, no longer subject to the sinful nature or the influences of the world. Being hidden in Christ means that our identity, security, wisdom, and future hope are all found in Him. We are protected from sin and the world, and we await the future glory that will be fully revealed when Christ returns. Our lives are now rooted in Him, and we rest in the eternal security of His love.

Spiritual Protection and Security

Being “hidden” signifies the believer’s life is safe, secure, and protected by Christ. As a Christian, you are no longer exposed to the ultimate consequences of sin because Christ has paid the penalty on your behalf. Your true identity, hope, and destiny are now safely preserved in Him.

2. Union with Christ

It speaks of a deep union with Jesus. When you come to faith in Christ, you become spiritually connected to Him. You share in His death, meaning you are “dead” to sin and the worldly ways, and you are alive in His resurrection life. This union means your spiritual life is inseparable from Christ, and your life is now oriented toward eternity.

3. Invisibility to the World

Being “hidden in Christ” also implies that a believer’s true nature and eternal destiny are often not visible or understood by the world. The world may not grasp the spiritual transformation that takes place, as the believer’s focus shifts to heavenly, eternal things rather than worldly concerns. Your life is now defined by your relationship with Christ, not by earthly circumstances.

4. Source of Wisdom and Life

Paul contrasts the false teachers’ claim of hidden, exclusive wisdom with the truth that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. As someone hidden in Christ, you don’t rely on human philosophies or rules for spiritual fulfillment. Christ becomes the source of your wisdom, life, and spiritual growth.

5. Participation in Christ's Victory and Future Glory

Just as believers share in Christ’s death, they will also share in His glory when He returns. To be hidden in Christ means that your ultimate glory, though unseen now, will be revealed when Christ returns in glory. This gives Christians a hopeful anticipation of being fully revealed with Christ in eternity.