Greek: Ei oun sunegerqete (2PAPI) to Christo, ta ano zeteite, (2PPAM) ou o Christos estin (3SPAI) en dexia tou Theou kathemenos; (PMPMSN) 
Amplified: IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
BBE: If then you have a new life with Christ, give your attention to the things of heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
KJV: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Lightfoot: If this be so, if you were raised with Christ, if you were translated into heaven, what follows? Why, you must realize the change. All your aims must center in heaven, where reigns the Christ who has thus exalted you, enthroned on God’s right hand.
NET: Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (NET Bible)
NIV: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (NIV - IBS)
NLT: Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Phillips: If you are then "risen" with Christ, reach out for the highest gifts of Heaven, where your master reigns in power. (Phillips: Touchstone)
TEV: You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God
TLB: Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power.
Wuest: In view of the fact, therefore, that you were raised with Christ, the things above be constantly seeking, where Christ is, on the right hand of God, seated. (Eerdmans) 
Young's Literal: If, then, ye were raised with the Christ, the things above seek ye, where the Christ is, on the right hand of God seated,

IF (since) THEN (therefore): ei oun:

If this be so, if you were raised with Christ, if you were translated into heaven, what follows? Why, you must realize the change (Lightfoot)

If 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 (cf Col 2:20-note). One can often 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, here Paul unveils in clear language the true way to "be all that you can be", God's plan for the "human potential movement".

Spurgeon adds

The if is used logically, not theologically: by way of argument, and not by way of doubt. All who believe in Christ are risen with Christ. Let us meditate on this truth.

Thus Paul is reaffirming that our co-resurrection with Christ is a fact & is not in doubt. True spiritual life is nurtured in the "womb" of true doctrine. If you are going to live a holy life in an unholy world, your doctrine has got to be "pure milk" (1Pe 2:2, 3 - note).

For 2 chapters Paul has told the Colossians about doctrine (mystery of Christ in them, circumcision of their old flesh nature, dead, buried & raised with Him, etc). In the last 2 chapters he moves into the practical application of the doctrines he has just expounded. After all, it does little good if Christians declare and defend the truth, but fail to demonstrate it in their lives. The way you live is determined by what you believe and the purer the doctrine the purer the life. Our position (co-resurrected with Christ) needs to be put into practice in these last 2 chapters. How you live is determined by how you think for as a man "thinks within himself, so he is" (Pr 23:7).

While the first part of Colossians is doctrinal (Col 1:1-3:4), the second part (Col 3:5-4:18) is practical, emphasizing the importance of walking in the power of the truth of the new man and our relationship to Christ as Head. In the second part, the first passage—Colossians 3:5-17—deals with practical holiness in relation to ourselves (Col 3:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11-see notes Col 3:5; 3:6; 3:7; 3:8; 3:9; 3:10; 3:11) and in relation to others (Col 3:12-note). Colossians  3:5-11 challenge the individual to “put off” the old ways; then Col 3:12-17 present the claims of Christian fellowship. The sequence is significant, for we must be right in our own inner lives if we want to be right in our relationships with our brothers in Christ.

What I am when I am alone in the presence of God, is what I really am. What I am when I am with other people, should be the same; otherwise my public life is largely a sham. (Hypocrite). 

Recognizing our union with Christ, we are called on to show forth His life.  You can know Colossians 1-2 by memory and everyone knows you know it but if you don't work out your salvation in Colossians 3-4 you all talk with no walk.

Reputation is what other people think about you.

Character is what God knows to be true about you.

What does this supernatural but real union with Christ result in?

We are no longer enslaved to...flesh (see old self = old man) (Ro 6:6-note, Col 3:9-note), to the World (Gal 6:14) or to the Devil (Col 1:13-note, He 2:14, 15-notes) (See chart contrasting in the flesh vs in the Spirit)

Moule on therefore...

The thought goes back to all the previous statements of the Christian's glorious position and privilege in Christ. In view of these Divine facts, the poor expedients of a mechanical religious routine are seen to be as needless as they are futile. The secret of moral victory is opened, and it consists in using the powers conveyed to the believer through federal and vital oneness with his Head...

In  Christ the Crucified they had "died to" the guilt, and so to the despotic claim of sin. In Christ the Risen they had "risen to" a life of full acceptance, and also to life-power, and life-endowments, derived from His "indissoluble life" (He 7;16); in fact, to the possession of the indwelling Spirit which He, as Risen, "shed forth" (Acts 2:33), and which gives to the limb the strength and holiness of the Head, to be used and realized. (Colossians Commentary Online)

Barnes explains it this way

The argument is, that there was such an union between Christ and His people, that in virtue of his death they become dead to sin; that in virtue of His resurrection they rise to spiritual life, and that, therefore, as Christ now lives in heaven, they should live for heaven, and fix their affections there.

 Eadie in his unique style explains that

If the Colossian believers should act in accordance with their privileges—if they understood how the charge preferred against them by the law had been met with a discharge on the cross of Calvary— if the process of sanctification beginning in their hearts should work outward, and hallow and adorn their lives—if they felt that whatever blessings they enjoyed in part, or anticipated in fulness, sprang from union with Christ, then should they be fortified against every effort to induce them to sever themselves from the Head, and against every attempt to substitute reveries for truth, or human inventions for Divine enactments. Then, too, should they learn that worship does not consist of superstitious invocations, and that sanctification is not identical with fanatical austerities. Let them move in a spiritual region lifted far above those earthly vanities, and let them look down on them as the offspring of a morbid and self- deceived imagination, or the craving and the nutriment of a self-satisfied pride....Union with Christ enjoys a peculiar and merited prominence—“risen with Christ.” Their new position laid them under a special obligation, and they are thus enjoined—“seek those things which are above” (Eadie, John: Commentary on Paul's Epistle to the Colossians - Go to Page 207- 1884)

Ray Stedman commenting on this section notes that

being a Christian means we have an extra dimension to life. There is a hidden resource, an invisible reality, which the world does not have and cannot see. This is not referring to Christ being "up in heaven," lost in space somewhere! Rather, this refers to what Paul has talked about earlier in this letter, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This extra dimension is not far removed in the reaches of space; it is right within the heart, an untouchable, invisible dimension within us. This is the glory of the Christian life and the secret of its power, joy and courage. If you have not discovered this yet as a Christian you have not yet begun to live as you can and should. This is what puts a smile on a Christian's face, even though he or she is in trouble. "Set your hearts" on this hidden resource, is Paul's exhortation. He means our affections. Think with affectionate gratitude of what the Lord Jesus has already done for you and what he is to you now. This is not a form of escapism. It is not something you try to keep your mind on all day long, to the exclusion of business, family or home. It is rather something that when your mind is occupied with your family, work problems, or whatever, you also bring into it this extra dimension. Christ is part of that situation. That is what Paul means when he says, "your life is hid with Christ in God." Christ is involved with your activities. Remind yourself that whatever you are involved in includes also the person of the Lord himself. His wisdom, power and knowledge are all available to you. That is what Paul means. It ought to awaken our loving gratitude. But not only our affections, but we are to "set our minds on things above." "Things within" would be a better translation. Paul is talking about our wills, our choices. Decide to do what you know from your knowledge of the word of the Lord he wants you to do. That is the secret of a life that has discovered how to really live. Your life, your daily activity, your thoughts are now tied to Christ. You do wrong if you separate yourself from him. You belong to him. The old godless, self-directed life is over, if you have become a Christian. (Col 3:1-11 True Human Potential )

John MacArthur has some interesting and practical thoughts on this great section of Colossians...

I really believe with all my heart and I thought a lot about this, that before we can reach the world we have to leave it. And maybe that sounds paradoxical, but it really isn't. Before we reach the world we are going to have to leave the world. In John 8...Jesus said, "Ye are from beneath, I am from above. Ye are of this world, I am not of this world." (Jn 8:23) Jesus, even though he came into the world, reached the world from the vantage point above the world. The only way to really reach the world is to leave the world or to be from without the world, and to bring to the world a divine dimension. (Bolding added)

In John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world, if my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now is my kingdom not from here." Again Jesus emphasized that the vantage point from which he reached the world was not the world, but above the world. ...Ro 12:1, 2 (12:1 note; 12:2 note)..."I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God which is your spiritual worship and be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Jesus reached the world from a vantage point beyond the world and The apostle Paul says that we are going to reach the world also when we are no longer of the world. (cp Jn 17:5, Titus 2:12, 1Jn 4:17)...

When John says, be Christ in the world, how can these two be brought together? It's very simple really? It isn't complicated. You know it already. It's simply this. Your inside lives in heaven and your outside lives here. That's all. And I really am convinced, I know you are, you who know and love Christ, and know His word. I know you are equally convinced that until a Christian in his heart and his soul and his mind has learned to live his spiritual life in the heavenlies he will never be able to touch the earth with the truth of God. It won't happen.

I was reading about Robert Murray McCheyne as he was evaluated by some of the people who knew him and this is one man's comment, he said this of him: "The man of whom I speak seems to have got up to the full height and to have entered into the secret places of the holiness of God." Here was a man who knew Robert Murray McCheyne the great preacher. He seemed to have dwelt in the secret places of the holiness of God. The man went on, "when he prea­ched the gospel you could see strong men, hard and stern, melt like wax before the fire. Their breasts would swell and heave as if they would burst and the whole place became a place of weepers." Now there is a man who touched the world. There is a man who reached the world, and the comment of a man who observed was, the reason he reached the world was because he lived in the presence of God  (Living the Risen Life)

Note that Paul begins this section on "practical Christianity" by emphasizing the believer's relationship with Christ. He does not begin immediately with a list of commands & prohibitions but with a command to maintain a heavenly Christ centered mindset. Then you will be motivated and empowered to live a life which means death to your passions, your desires, your way. Paul calls us to first focus on Christ has done for believers. Then live out this great heritage in the power of His Spirit.

And so Colossians 3:1 first points back (cf "Therefore") to the "sound doctrine" which is now the present possession of all believers -- "Christ in (us) the hope of glory" (see note Colossians 1:27)  an intimate union with the risen Christ [cf Col 2:11, 12, 19-notes Col 2:11-12,19], dynamic truths which make it possible for believers now to live the new life Paul describes in Colossians 3:5-4:6.

I like how Lewis Johnson describes the juncture between the first 2 doctrinal chapters and the last 2 "duty" chapters:

The CROSS, the focus of history, redemption and the godly life, has two sides: it involves a death, and it was followed by a resurrection. Both of these aspects are related to the believer. The one serves his connection with the past life, the other introduces him to a new life in union with Christ. Not only are we, by God’s grace, to abandon the pre-death life, but we are to aspire to the post-resurrection life...The age to which believers belong by virtue of the CROSS is really the coming age, and that age is to be the center of their life. The Forerunner, who has accomplished the work which guarantees the coming of the new age, now sits to dispense the blessings of it.

Wiersbe makes an excellent point

We must keep in mind that the pagan religions of Paul’s day said little or nothing about personal morality. A worshiper could bow before an idol, put his offering on the altar, and go back to live the same old life of sin. What a person believed had no direct relationship with how he behaved, and no one would condemn a person for his behavior. But the Christian faith brought a whole new concept into pagan society: what we believe has a very definite connection with how we behave! After all, faith in Christ means being united to Christ; and if we share His life, we must follow His example. He cannot live in us by His Spirit and permit us to live in sin. Paul connected doctrine with duty in this section by giving his readers three instruction. (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor or Logos)

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Paul Apple introduces Colossians 3:1-11 which he entitles "Focus on Follow Through"...

BIG IDEA: THE KEY TO SPIRITUALITY IS LIVING OUT OUR UNION WITH CHRIST

Today we come to a very exciting section of the Book of Colossians and yet a very humbling section. It is exciting because Paul is ready to unfold for us the True Key to Spirituality. He is making the transition from the more doctrinal section of Colossians 1-2 where he had been teaching the Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ and warning against false approaches to spirituality to the more practical section of Colossians 3-4. It is humbling because we are brought face to face with the simplicity of the Christian life and feel exposed by the large gap between our positional sanctification and our practical sanctification … between how God views us in
Christ and how consistently we are actually living.

You see it is very easy for us to marvel at the Supremacy of Christ …

He is head over all of creation

He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him

He is head over His new creation … the church

He is also head of the body, the church and

He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything

- We are not insignificant; we are in a personal relationship with the Head of the Universe
- But does He really have first place in everything in our lives?

You see it is very easy for us to accept in theory that Christ is Sufficient and that we are Complete in Christ

- We have no grounds for fear or anxiety or worry or feeling inadequate
- But do we really live in the confidence of that realization and tap into those incredible resources?

It is very easy for us to expose the errors in man’s futile attempts at spirituality:

- whether through Ritualism … or through Mysticism … or through Legalism
- or through Asceticism which runs through them all …

We can study with a certain smugness the false religious systems:

Of Gnosticism – and see how it impacts Christianity today
Of present day Judaism – and see where they missed the mark in terms of recognizing the Messiah
Of the current hot topic of the day: Islam – and certainly appreciate how the decadence
of our Western culture must be confusing if they associate that with Christianity

But when we come face to face with the simplicity of True Spirituality in terms of living out our Union with Christ in His death and His resurrection we are exposed and humbled . . . and yet excited at the same time

- We are already positionally sanctified
- We are destined for glory – no doubt about it
- We have the opportunity today to live out the life of Christ within us

But we are in the midst of a constant Struggle that Requires Focus and Follow Through
It requires a Putting off of the old man and a Putting on of the New

(Read the first half of Text 3:1-4)

Kids: Sports analogies: the need to Focus and Follow Through; cf. kicking a soccer ball

Golf/Basketball/Soccer/Pitching and Batting in Baseball/Tennis
Even true in Business – Establishing our Strategic Business Plan for next 3 years so we

Can focus on critical success factors and follow through (Colossians)

RAISED UP WITH CHRIST: sunegerthete (2PAPI) to Christoi:  (Col 2:12;13,20 Ro 6:4- note, Ro 6:5, Ro 6:9, 10, 11 Gal 2:19, Gal 2:20, Gal 5:24, 2Cor 5:14 Eph 1:19, 20, Ep 2:5,6)

IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead] (Amp)

If then you have a new life with Christ" (BBE) "Since you were brought back to life with Christ (GWT)

CO-RESURRECTED:
BELIEVERS WITH CHRIST

The indicative mood precedes the imperative mood - the former speaks of reality for believers which enables/motivates the keeping of the command. Correct belief is always foundational for right (righteous) behavior. An understanding and appropriation of a believer's death, burial and resurrection with Christ is crucial to living out the Christ life (cp Gal 2:20-note). It is not just "Let go and let God". Believers have a "holy debt" if you will, a solemn responsibility (Php 2:12-note) because of what Christ has accomplished on our behalf on the Old Rugged Cross. And so Paul repeats what he had explained earlier to the Colossian believers...

having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead. And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross...you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world... (see notes Colossians 2:12; 2:13; 2:20)

Writing to the Roman saints Paul declared...

Therefore (because you have been "baptized into Christ Jesus [and] have been baptized into His death" Ro 6:3) we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Ro 6:4-note)

In his letter to the Ephesian saints he explained...

even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus (see notes Ephesians 2:5; 2:6)

Raised up  with  (4891) is a single Greek verb sunegeiro (from sun = together, + egeiro = to raise) which means to raise together (used also in Col 2:12-note; Eph 2:6-note).

Aorist tense indicates our co-resurrection with Christ is a past completed action, which was reckoned as true in our life the moment we by faith received Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord (Col 2:12-note). We were raised spiritually when Christ was raised physically and this identification (because we are now in an everlasting, unbreakable covenant with our Lord) is the foundation truth for our new spiritual position and power to walk in newness of life.

Note that sunegeiro has the prefix sun not meta, a seemingly small point but actually very profound because sun (Click for in depth discussion of this important preposition) in contrast with meta conveys the idea of an intimate and irrevocable association with another, in this case with the risen and exalted Christ.

Emphasizing our new life in Christ Paul explained to the Galatians that...

through the Law I died to the Law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ (perfect tense = past completed act with present continuing effect/result. Also connotes permanence of our co-crucifixion. We cannot be "un" crucified! Another strong evidence against the false teaching that you can lose your salvation!); and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. (Gal 2:19,20) (Gal 2:20 - note)

Spurgeon compares our co-resurrection to the metaphor of a seed

"The buried seed rises from the ground, but not as a seed, for it puts forth green leaf, and bud, and stem, and gradually develops expanding flower and fruit, and even so we wear a new form (2Cor 5:17), for we are renewed after the image of him that created us in righteousness and holiness...There was corruption in our mind and it was working irresistibly towards every evil and offensive thing. In many the corruption did not appear upon the surface, but it worked within; in others it was conspicuous and fearful to look upon. How great the change! For now the power of corruption within us is broken, the new life has overcome it, for it is a living and incorruptible seed which liveth and abideth for ever (1Pe 1:23-note). Corruption is upon the old nature, but it cannot touch the new, which is our true and real self. Is it not a great thing to be purged of the filthiness which would have ultimately brought us down to Tophet (SBD) where the fire unquenchable burns, and the worm undying feeds upon the corrupt?...Let us think of this (our spiritual resurrection with Christ), for our Lord did not have his head quickened while his feet remained in the sepulcher; but he rose a perfect and entire man, alive throughout. Even so have we been renewed in every part. We have received, though it be but in its infancy, a perfect spiritual life: we are perfect in Christ Jesus. In our inner man our eye is opened, our ear is awakened, our hand is active, our foot is nimble: our every faculty is there, though as yet immature, and needing development, and having the old dead nature to contend with....On the day of our quickening we bid farewell to spiritual death, and to the sepulcher wherein we slept under sin’s dominion. Farewell, thou deadly love of sin; we have done with thee! Farewell, dead world, corrupt world; we have done with thee! Christ has raised us. Christ has given us eternal life. We forsake for ever the dreary abodes of death, and seek the heavenly places. Our Jesus lives, and because he lives we shall live also, world without end."  (References added) (Excerpt from "" on Col 3:1,Following the Risen Christ)

In his devotional entitled RISEN WITH CHRIST from Our Daily Walk F B Meyer writes...

IF! SOME one will say, "He, there's the rub! I'm afraid that is not true of me; my life is sinful and sorrowful; there are no Easter chimes in my soul, no glad fellowship with the Risen Lord; no victory over dark and hostile powers." But if you are Christ's disciple, you may affirm that you are risen in Him! With Christ you lay in the grave, and with Christ you have gone forth, according to the thought and purpose of God, if not in your feelings and experience. This is distinctly taught in Eph 2:1-10 and Romans 6:1-10. The whole Church (including all who believe in our Lord Jesus) has passed into the light of the Easter dawn (Ed: raised to walk in a brand new way of life they had heretofore never been able to experience!); and the one thing for you and me, and all of us, is to begin from this moment to act as if it were a conscious experience, and as we dare to do so we shall have the experience.

Notice how the Apostle insists on this: "You died, you were raised with Christ, your life is hid with Christ. Give yourself time to think about it and realize it."

The Cross of Jesus stands between you and the constant appeal of the world, as when the neighbours of Christian tried to induce him to return to the City of Destruction. This does not mean that we are to be indifferent to all that is fair and lovely in the life which God has given us, but that the Cross is to separate us from all that is selfish, sensual, and savouring of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1John 2:15, 16, 17- see notes 1John 2:15  2:16  2:17).

Set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2).

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

How many of us even try to guard our thoughts. The door of our heart stands wide open to the world, the flesh and the devil, with no control of what comes into our mind. Have we ever considered asking God by His Holy Spirit to help us control our thoughts, so that we might think upon holy things, the things that are true and honorable and of good report, a wonderful change would pass over our life (Php 4:7, 8 -see notes Php 4:7; 8).

Realize that Christ is your life--He is in you! See to it that nothing hinders the output of His glorious indwelling. Never mind if the world of men misunderstand you. Some day your motives and reasons Hill be manifested (Col 3:4-note).

PRAYER - Grant, most gracious God, that we may love and seek Thee always and everywhere, and may at length find Thee and for ever hold Thee fast in the life to come. AMEN.

As W. H. Griffith Thomas nicely summarizes

The apostle first calls attention to his readers having been "raised together with Christ" (ASV). The English word "if" is employed here in its sense of "since"--"in view of," and the verb is in the indicative mood, so that Paul is clearly assuming this resurrection as a fact, admissive of no doubt. That is to say, these Christians were raised spiritually when Christ was raised physically; and this identification was the foundation of their spiritual position. The resurrection is variously presented in the New Testament as at once a proof, a pattern, a power, a promise, and a pledge. It is the proof of our acceptance of Christ's death and of our acceptance with Him (Ro 4:24, 25-notes): it is to be the pattern of our holy life (see notes Romans 6:4); it is also the power for Christian character and service (Eph 1:18, 19, 20- see notes Ep 1:18; 19; 20); it contains the promise of our own physical resurrection (1Th 4:14-note); and it is the pledge of our life hereafter (Jn 14:19). In the present passage our resurrection is associated with Christ's because we are united with Him in such a way that, whatever He did, we are regarded by God the Father as having done also (Col 2:12-note; Ro 6:8-note).

DIE
DAILY!

Death to self occurred in Romans 6 (Ro 6:6-note) yet the call is to daily death to self as a lifestyle. Death to self is emphasized by the Lord Jesus often (Mt 16:25; Mk 8:35; Lk 9:24;17:33; Jn 12:25). The same truth is also stressed by Paul (Ro 12:1-note, Ro 12:2-note; Ga 2:20-note; 2Ti 2:11, 12-note; Php 2:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12- see notes Php 2:5; 2:6; 2:7; 2:8; 2:9; 10; 11; 2Co 5:14).

Dying to self and living unto God is the very essence of a truly blessed and fulfilling life in this world and that to come. Paul is teaching that death with Christ involves also participation in His resurrection life which releases into the believer’s life a power that is more than adequate as a check against the appetites and attitudes of the lower nature (contrast notes Colossians 2:23).

C. H. Spurgeon in a sermon on Colossians 3:1 entitled "Following the Risen Christ" emphasizes the critical importance of the resurrection of Christ

"THE resurrection of our divine Lord from the dead is the corner-stone of Christian doctrine. Perhaps I might more accurately call it the key-stone of the arch of Christianity, for if that fact could be disproved the whole fabric of the gospel would fall to the ground. If Jesus Christ be not risen then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain; ye are yet in your sins. If Christ be not risen, then they which have fallen asleep in Christ have perished, and we ourselves, in missing so glorious a hope as that of resurrection, are of all men the most miserable...Never let us forget that all who are in him rose from the dead in his rising. Next in importance to the fact of the resurrection is the doctrine of the federal headship of Christ, and the unity of all his people with him. It is because we are in Christ that we become partakers of everything that Christ did,-we are circumcised with him, dead with him, buried with him, risen with him, because we cannot be separated from him. We are members of his body, and not a bone of him can be broken. Because that union is most intimate, continuous, and indissoluble, therefore all that concerns him concerns us, and as he rose so all his people have arisen in him...our spiritual resurrection (Col 2:12, 13-note, Ro 6:4,5-note)...is ours as soon as we are led by faith to believe in Jesus Christ...The resurrection blessing is to be perfected by-and-by at the appearing of our Lord and Savior (1Jn 3:2, 3), for then our bodies shall rise again (1Co 15:50ff Torrey's topic "Resurrection"), if we fall asleep before his coming. He redeemed our manhood in its entirety, spirit, soul, and body, and he will not be content until the resurrection which has passed upon our spirit shall pass upon our body too. These dry bones shall live; together with his dead body they shall rise...The buried seed rises from the ground, but not as a seed, for it puts forth green leaf, and bud, and stem, and gradually develops expanding flower and fruit, and even so we wear a new form, for we are renewed after the image of him that created us in righteousness and holiness." (References added)  (References added) (CLICK HERE for complete text)

KEEP SEEKING THE THINGS ABOVE: ta ano zeteite (2PPAM):  (John 8:23, Gal 4:26, Php 3:14, Mt 6:20, Ro 12:1,2 Mt 6:33, Mt 7:7 Mt 13:45,Ps 16:11; 17:14,15; 25:14, 73:25,26; Pr 15:24; Lk 12:33; Ro 8:6; 2Co 4:18; Php 3:20,21-note Heb 11:13,14, 15,16)

aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above (Amp)

All your aims must center in heaven, where reigns the Christ who has thus exalted you, enthroned on God’s right hand (Lightfoot)

give your attention to the things of heaven (BBE)

focus on the things that are above (GWT)

THE UPWARD
GAZE

Spurgeon exclaims...

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus has become a familiar hymn, that has been widely used in Christian circles to challenge believers musically, with the necessity of making Christ the paramount priority in their lives, and then living each day with eternity's values in view.

Helen H. Lemmel the writer of the great hymn Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus wrote that one day in 1918 a missionary friend gave her a tract entitled "Focused." The pamphlet contained these words:

"So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness"

These words so deeply impacted Helen Lemmel that she was unable to dismiss them from her mind. She goes on to explain...

Suddenly, as if commanded to stop and listen, I stood still, and singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody. The verses (play the hymn below) were written the same week, after the usual manner of composition, but none the less dictated by the Holy Spirit.

It is easy for those who profess to be faithful followers of Christ to get caught up in the "things of earth" so that our heavenly vision and values become dim and dull. This even when we are active in our Christian activities, because we become so involved in "doing" for God rather than "being" with Him. Perhaps you need to take a moment, to reread these opening verses of Colossians 3 and then as an act of worship sing the hymn below to your Lord...

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Related Resource: See Anne Ortlund's 40+ topics in her devotional Fix Your Eyes on Jesus Ann Ortlund's wonderful devotional

The things above (the upward things, the treasure in heaven) is placed first for emphasis so that the Greek is more literally rendered "the things above, keep on seeking".  What are the things above? In short, they are the spiritual things of life, those things that last for eternity and which alone can bring genuine joy and satisfaction in this present life.

As one old Puritan said “Treasures are laid up in heaven only as treasures on earth are laid down.”

The things above (ta anô) is "the upward things" (cf Php 3:14-note the treasure in heaven see Mt 6:20-note). Paul gives this ideal and goal in place of merely ascetic rules, reminding the Colossians that they have risen with Christ. This is the path to holiness, not self-denial, angelic experiences, or ritual keeping. They should no longer be living the old life they lived before their salvation, but now they should lay hold of he eternal life of Christ since they have been raised to live on another plane & another kingdom. They should not be ignorant or forgetful of who they are in Christ and how they are to live. All sinful passion is controlled and conquered by the power of the indwelling Christ (Christ in you the hope of glory) and our union with Him. Obviously, the thoughts of heaven that are to fill the believer’s mind must derive from Scripture. The Bible is the only reliable source of knowledge about the character of God and the values of heaven. When heavenly values dominate the mind godly behavior is the natural outflow. Sin that so easily entangle us will be conquered and humility, a sacrificial spirit, and assurance will result. All from keeping a proper eternal perspective.

Doud: "Seek" means to pursue, search for, endeavor to obtain, desire to possess. If a legalist were writing this he would write "Don't ...." but Paul writes "Seek . . .Talk about a true Seeker Service: not a bunch of lost, dead, sinners separated from God with no inclination towards God unless in His grace and mercy He sovereignly draws them to Himself …No we believers are here today in the true Seeker Service: those with the life of Christ within us seeking to lay hands in our experience on those precious spiritual truths and relationships that we have full rights to by virtue of our resurrection with Christ

Lucas counters the contemporary idea of "seeking": “It has been customary to speak of the concerned unbeliever as a ‘seeker’. But the normal biblical perspective is to see unbelievers, in relation to the things of God as characteristically seeking after either ‘wisdom’, or ‘signs’, as means of establishing their own righteousness before God. These searches are not likely to succeed! In biblical teaching there is no human ‘search for God’; the story is, from the beginning, that of a divine search for those who hide from their Maker. When men and women begin their search for God and his forgiveness, it is evidence of a prior work of God.”

The symbol of a Christian's life ought to be "thumbs up". Not only does this symbol mean "all is well," but it also, by it's very direction (up), is a reminder to us all of where our true resource is to be found.

O the things of this world are a will-o'-the-wisp,
Having values that tarnish and fade;
But true treasures of joy with abundant reward,
Are the ones which in Heaven are laid!
—G.W.

He weighs things well, and makes decisions wise,
Who keeps eternity before his eyes!
—Bosch

Keep seeking (2212) (zeteo) means to seek after and strive for earnestly, to strive to find something, to devote serious effort to realize one’s desire or objective, to aim at, to try to obtain some state or condition (cf Re 9:6-note)  

Keep seeking is present tense calling for continual action or a lifestyle of seeking the things above. Active voice indicates that this seeking is a choice of our will and God will not force us to take this action. Imperative mood indicates we are commanded to exhibit this attitude of seeking, remembering that God never commands us to do that He does not also enable us to perform. The road to the heavenly realm is through Christ, not through asceticism or mysticism. It is only because we have been actually raised with Christ that we can now seek those things which are above.  In sum, preoccupation with the eternal realities that are ours in Christ is to be the pattern of the believer’s life & implies it will not be "easy" but requires diligence & persevering effort. Practically to seek the things above involves giving your attention to Jesus, giving Him first place in everything, giving Him priority, desiring Him above anything on earth, continually making a deliberate choice to follow Him, to obey Him, to think about Him, to meditate on His life giving Word, in order to find Him. (Proverbs 8:17)

Wayne House: This continual, ongoing process of seeking, suggested by the present imperative, is to be the consequence of having "been raised up with Christ." For Paul there was no reason for anyone to be "seeking the things above" if he had not been raised with Christ. The road to the heavenly realm was through Christ, not through asceticism or mysticism.  (House-Colossians)

Barnes says that

The argument here is, that since Christ is there, and since He is the object of our supreme attachment, we should fix our affections on heavenly things, and seek to be prepared to dwell with him.

F B Hole writes that

The counterpart to our identification with Christ in His death is our identification with Him in His resurrection. The effect of the first is to disconnect us from man’s world, man’s religion, man’s wisdom. The effect of the other is to put us into touch with God’s world and with all that is there. The first four verses of chapter III unfold the blessedness into which we are introduced. (Hole, F B, Colossians)

The question we each need to ask ourselves is "What are we seeking?" If for example you say you are too busy to do any regular Bible Study, then you are too busy! Something is wrong with your priorities. Parenthetically Paul is not referring to seeking the way the classic Greeks sought...their search was for ''knowledge'' and involved a philosophical investigation. The Gnostics would teach yes we are to pursue "gnosis" but it doesn't necessarily make any difference how one conducts their life.

What are you seeking?

Here's a three part test that will give a succinct summary of what you are really seeking.  The three part test involves your checkbook, your calendar and your home.

The Checkbook Test - This shows what you do with your money, and therefore shows what you truly value.

The Calendar Test - What do you do with time? Your "day timer", outlook express or calendar will very likely demonstrate that no matter how "busy" you are, there are certain people or things for which you are still able to find time.

The Home Test - Look at the items you have accumulated over the years. What are the things you have displayed?

The point is that the things that we devote time and money to have captured our minds and our hearts. Thinking about and being involved in those things results in habit trails developing in our souls. We keep returning to those thoughts.  Do those thoughts take you to the divine things, the things above? Obviously it is easier and more natural to think about and love earthly things because we can see them, hold them, collect them, etc. Yet that is exactly what we are to do with the things of God... to prioritize the thoughts about the things above.  We must discipline ourselves for godliness (1Ti 4:7, 8-note), so that  cultivate a mindset which loves and thinks about what God Word, about which the psalmist writes "Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven." (Ps 119:89-note). As we let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly (Col 3:16-note) we do we will find the Spirit renews our thinking focusing it more and more on eternal things, not on the things on this earth which is passing away (1Jn 2:17-note).

Moule on "seek those things which are above"...

As the exile seeks home (He 11:14), or as a thing gravitating seeks its centre. The precept bears full on the problem last in view, how to meet "the indulgence of the flesh." It is best met by the looking-away of the soul, heavenward, Christ-ward, in the recollection of its new and eternal life in Him. The "things above" are thus "sought" both as the goal of hope and the antidote to temptation...Grace only can fix the "affection" heavenward; but the Christian, none the less, is to use thought and will in the matter. (Online)

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“Seek those things which are above” - from sermon by C H Spurgeon

Oh seek to know on earth the peace of heaven, the rest of heaven, the victory of heaven, the service of heaven, the communion of heaven, the holiness of heaven: you may have foretastes of all these; seek after them. Seek, in a word, to be preparing for the heaven which Christ is preparing for you. You are soon to dwell above; robe yourselves for the great festival. Your treasure is above, let your hearts be with it. All that you are to possess in eternity is above, where Christ is; rise, then, and enjoy it. Let hope anticipate the joys which are reserved, and so let us begin our heaven here below. If ye then be risen with Christ, live according to your risen nature, for your life is hid with Christ in God.  (CLICK  FOR SERMON)

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The submarine is made to travel under the water. Yet, every submarine is equipped with a periscope by which it seeks those things that are above. It travels in the water, but the well-being of those in it depends on a knowledge of what is above. We live in the world, but we must set our minds (affections) on things above, for we are citizens of a heavenly country. Look upon Christ and He will draw you upward.

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J C Philpot Devotional - How many there are even of those who desire to fear God who are kept down by the world, and to whom it has not lost its attractive power; who are held fast, at least for a time, by worldly business, or entangled by worldly people or worldly engagements. Their partners in business or their partners in life; their carnal relatives or their worldly children; their numerous connections or their social habits; their strong passions or their deep-rooted prejudices, all bind and fetter them down to earth. There they grovel and lie amid, what Milton terms, "The smoke and stir of this dim spot which men call earth;" and so bound are they with the cords of their sins that they scarcely seek deliverance from them, or ever desire to rise beyond the mists and fogs of this dim spot into a purer air, so as to breathe a heavenly atmosphere, and rise up with Jesus from the grave of their corruptions. But if, as members of his mystical body, they are already risen with Christ, as it was not possible for the Head to be held by death when God loosed the pains thereof (Acts 2:24), so neither shall they ever be buried in the grave of carnality and worldliness. They must rise spiritually if they rose mystically. If interested in the reality of Christ's resurrection, they must know the power of Christ's resurrection.

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Looking Down -  An article in a San Francisco newspaper reported that a young man who once found a $5 bill on the street resolved that from that time on he would never lift his eyes while walking. The paper went on to say that over the years he accumulated, among other things, 29,516 buttons, 54,172 pins, 12 cents, a bent back, and a miserly disposition. But he also lost something—the glory of sunlight, the radiance of the stars, the smiles of friends, and the freshness of blue skies. I’m afraid that some Christians are like that man. While they may not walk around staring at the sidewalk, they are so engrossed with the things of this life that they give little attention to spiritual and eternal values. Perhaps they’ve gotten a taste of some fleeting pleasure offered by the world and they’ve been spending all their time pursuing it. But that is dangerous. When God’s children, who are “seated with Christ in the heavenlies,” [Ep 2:6-note] give their affection and attention to a world that is passing away [1Jn 2:17-note ], they lose the upward look. Their perspective becomes distorted, and they fail to bask in heaven’s sunlight. Taken up with the baubles of this world, they become beaten down by the lusts of this world & end up as defeated, delinquent Christians. Some like Demas who loved this present world (2Ti 4:10-note, cp Jas 4:4-note) proved by their love of this world where their true love lay! Our temporal affections give a definite clue to our eternal destiny. Do not be deceived! Buttons, pins, and pennies, but no treasures laid up in heaven (Mt 6:24-note). The apostle Paul said, “If ye, then, be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above” (Col. 3:1-note). To live for the things of this world is to miss life’s best. Let’s set our sights on the heights! (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

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Barclay writes...

He is certainly not pleading for an other worldliness in which the Christian withdraws himself from all the work and activities of this world and does nothing but contemplate eternity. Immediately after this Paul goes on to lay down a series of ethical principles which make it quite clear that he expects the Christian to go on with the work of this world and to maintain all its normal relationships. But there will be this difference-from now on the Christian will view everything against the background of eternity and no longer live as if this world was all that mattered. This will obviously give him a new set of values. Things which the world thought important, he will no longer worry about. Ambitions which dominated the world, will be powerless to touch him. He will go on using the things of the world but he will use them in a new way. He will, for instance, set giving above getting, serving above ruling, forgiving above avenging. The Christian's standard of values will be God's not men's.

Look …
Look around & be distressed.
Look inside & be depressed.
Look at Jesus & be at rest.
                   ---Corrie Ten Boom

Torrey's Topic
Seeking God

Commanded -Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 7:7

INCLUDES SEEKING
His Name -Psalms 83:16
His word -Isaiah 34:16
His face -Psalms 27:8; 105:4
His strength -1 Chronicles 16:11; Psalms 105:4
His commandments -1 Chronicles 28:8; Malachi 2:7
His precepts -Psalms 119:45,94
His kingdom -Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31
His righteousness -Matthew 6:33
Christ -Malachi 3:1; Luke 2:15,16
Honour which comes from him -John 5:44
Justification by Christ -Galatians 2:16,17
The city which God has prepared -Hebrews 11:10,16; 13:14

By prayer -Job 8:5; Daniel 9:3

In his house -Deuteronomy 12:5; Psalms 27:4

SHOULD BE
Immediate -Hosea 10:12
Evermore -Psalms 105:4
While he may be found -Isaiah 55:6
With diligence -Hebrews 11:6
With the heart -Deuteronomy 4:29; 1Chr 22:19
In the day of trouble -Psalms 77:2

Ensures
His being found -Dt 4:29; 1Chr 28:9; Pr 8:17; Je 29:13
His favour -Lamentations 3:25
His protection -Ezra 8:22
His not forsaking us -Psalms 9:10
Life -Psalms 69:32; Amos 5:4,6
Prosperity -Job 8:5,6; Psalms 34:10
Being heard of him -Psalms 34:4
Understanding all things -Proverbs 28:5
Gifts of righteousness -Hosea 10:12

Imperative upon all -Isaiah 8:19

Afflictions designed to lead to -Psalms 78:33,34; Hosea 5:15

None, by nature, are found to be engaged in -Ps 14:2; Ro 3:11; Lk 12:23,30

SAINTS
Specially exhorted to -Zephaniah 2:3
Desirous of -Job 5:8
Purpose, in heart -Psalms 27:8
Prepare their hearts for -2 Chronicles 30:19
Set their hearts to -2 Chronicles 11:16
Engage in, with the whole heart -2 Chronicles 15:12; Psalms 119:10
Early in -Job 8:5; Psalms 63:1; Isaiah 26:9
Earnest in -Solomon 3:2,4
Characterised by -Psalms 24:6

Is never in vain -Isaiah 45:19

Blessedness of -Psalms 119:2

Leads to joy -Psalms 70:4; 105:3

Ends in praise -Psalms 22:26

Promise connected with -Psalms 69:32

Shall be rewarded -Hebrews 11:6

THE WICKED
Are gone out of the way of -Psalms 14:2,3; Romans 3:11,12
Prepare not their hearts for -2 Chronicles 12:14
Refuse, through pride -Psalms 10:4
Not led to, by affliction Isaiah 9:13
Sometimes pretend to -Ezra 4:2; Isaiah 58:2
Rejected, when too late in -Proverbs 1:28

They who neglect denounced -Isaiah 31:1

Punishment of those who neglect -Zephaniah 1:4-6

Exemplified
Asa -2 Chronicles 14:7
Jehoshaphat -2 Chronicles 17:3,4
Uzziah -2 Chronicles 26:5
Hezekiah -2 Chronicles 31:21
Josiah -2 Chronicles 34:3
Ezra -Ezra 7:10
David -Psalms 34:4
Daniel -Daniel 9:3,4

WHERE CHRIST IS SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD: hou o Christos estin (3SPAI) en dexia tou theou kathemenos (PMPMSN): (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:44; 26:64; Mk 16:19; Lk 22:69; Ac 7:55; Ro 8:34; Ep 1:20; 4:10; He 1:3,13;1:13, 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet 3:22)

where the Christ is, on the right hand of God seated (Literal)

where Christ holds the highest position (GWT)

WHERE IS CHRIST
TODAY?

Christ is seated, - Both verbs "is" and "seated" are present tense, indicating that this is Christ's continual . He is ever dwelling, abiding at the right hand of His Father, where He is ever ready to intercede for us (Ro 8:34-note; Heb 7:25-note). And since we are seated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ep 2:6-note), in some inexplicably "mystical" way we too are seated at the right hand of God the Father -- above all rule and authority and power and dominion in this age and the one to come (Ep 1:21 - note)

Eadie adds that

The region of spiritual death is a nether-world, that of life is an elevated realm—the living not only rise, but they sit with Christ “in the heavenly places....The image seems to be—the region of the dead is beneath; they are let down to their final resting-place. Should, then, a man rise from this dark and deep receptacle, and ascend to the living world, would he set his desires on the gloom, and chill, and rottenness, he had left behind him? Would he place the objects of his search among the coffins, and the mean and creeping things that live on putrefaction? Would he still seek for things below? At the very idea and memory of that locality would not his spirit shudder? (Eadie, John: Commentary on Paul's Epistle to the Colossians - Download 377 page Pdf - 1884)

Spurgeon comments on Christ seated at the right hand of God:

What a magnet to draw us towards heaven should this fact be, -that Christ sitteth at God’s right hand. Where should the wife’s thoughts be when her husband is away but with the absent and beloved one? You know, brethren, it is not otherwise with us: the objects of our affection are always followed by our thoughts. Let Jesus, then, be as a Great Loadstone (Ed note: lodestone: a naturally occurring rock consisting of nearly pure magnetite & thus naturally magnetic) drawing our meditations and affections towards Himself. Let us rise and rest with Him. He is sitting on a throne. Observe His majesty, delight in His power, and trust in His dominion. He is sitting at the right hand of God in the place of honor and favor. This is a proof that we are beloved and favored of God, for our Representative has the choicest place, at God’s right hand. Let your hearts ascend and enjoy that love and favor with Him. Take wing, my thoughts, and fly away to Jesus. My soul, hast thou not often said, “Woe’s me that I dwell in Meshach, and tabernacle in the tents of Kedar: Oh that I had wings like a dove, that I might flee away and be at rest” (Ps 55:6 - Spurgeon's note)? Now, then, my soul, here are wings for thee. Jesus draws thee upward. Thou hast a right to be where Jesus is, for thou art married to Him; therefore let thy thoughts abide with Him, rest in Him, delight in Him, rejoice in Him, and yet again rejoice. The sacred ladder is before us; let us climb it until by faith we sit in the heavenlies with Him. (Eph 2:6-NOTE) May the Spirit of God bless these words to you.." (Read Spurgeon's entire sermon)

The right hand of - See the following passages...
 

Matthew 26:64 Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."

Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, "I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."

Mark 16:19 So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

Luke 22:69 "But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."

Acts 2:33 "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.

Acts 7:55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; (This is an incredible passage - surely it implies Jesus rising from His seated position to welcome His bondservant into glory!)

Acts 7:56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

Romans 8:34 - note who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Hebrews 1:3 - note And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hebrews 8:1 - note Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

Hebrews 10:12 - note but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,

Hebrews 12:2 - note fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1Peter 3:22 - note who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Christ is at God's right hand, the place of honor. The OT high priest could never sit in the Holy Place or the Holy of holies because there was no chair. His work was never done because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (He 10:4-note).

Larry Richards has an interesting thought on the possible practical implications of the fact that Christ is at the right hand of God and believers are seated with Christ in the heavenlies (right now) stating that

This is the traditional symbol of royal power. In being raised with Christ we have been given vast power for godly living.

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Heavenly People - Christians are a "heavenly" people. That's what Paul meant when he told the Ephesians that God has "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6-note). We live on earth, but "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20-note). We should therefore "seek those things which are above," and store up treasures in heaven. We see a graphic difference between an earthly minded person and a heavenly minded person when we look at two Middle Eastern tombs. The first is the burial place of King Tut in Egypt. Inside, precious metal and blue porcelain cover the walls. The mummy of the king is en-closed in a beautifully inscribed, gold-covered sarcophagus. Although King Tut apparently believed in an afterlife, he thought of it in terms of this world's possessions, which he wanted to take with him.

The other tomb, in Palestine, is a simple rock-hewn cave believed by many to be Jesus' burial site. Inside, there is no gold, no earthly treasure, and no body. Jesus had no reason to store up this world's trea­sures. His goal was to fulfill all righteousness by doing His Father's will. His was a spiritual kingdom of truth and love. The treasures we store up on earth will all stay behind when this life ends. But the treasures we store up in heaven we'll have for eternity. When we seek to be Christ-like in thought, word, and deed, we will live like "heavenly" people. —P R Van Gorder (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Wise are those who gear their goals to heavenly gains.

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Celebrating the Resurrection - One Monday morning, following an Easter Sunday, I picked up a newspaper and saw this headline: Entire World Celebrates the Risen Christ. On the same page a number of smaller head-lines appeared, and some of them read as follows: "Trouble in Vietnam." "Blacks and Whites Clash in Chicago." "Egypt Issues Ultimatum to Israel." There were also others equally dis­couraging. As I saw this, I thought, how ironic! The major head-line declares: Entire World Celebrates the Risen Christ, and then the balance of the page tells how men and nations go on dis­regarding the blessings and grace which Christ by His death and resurrection provides. What a way to "celebrate the risen Christ!" Of course, the headline meant by "celebrate" the fact that millions had flocked to churches all over the world in a ritualistic and traditional manner; yet, that's just what is wrong with the world today. There are great numbers who go through the motions of religion, claiming to honor the risen Christ, and yet they don't really believe in Him, either in the significance of His death or in the literalness of His resurrection. It all becomes a mockery. As a result, the world is slipping even farther on its way to judgment.

But let's make this even more practical. Do you really believe that Christ arose from the dead? It will make a difference in how you act, what you say, and where you go. That's why Paul says in Colossians 3:1, 2, "If ye, then, be risen with Christ, set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

The best way for true believers to "celebrate" the resurrection is to realize that we not only have died with Christ, but also have risen with Him, and that therefore — now that we are living with Him— it is only natural that we should live for Him. (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Yes, I'm saved, but do I know Him
In His resurrection power?
Does some brightness of His glory
Fill me every day and hour? — I. G. Hallan

So let the resurrected Christ live in you
that your life will be a rebuke to sin wherever you go!

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THE VALUE OF SEEKING "HIGHER GROUND" - A pilot was flying over the Arabian Desert and landed at an oasis to refuel his plane. After taking to the air again, he was soon over a mountainous area when he heard a scratching noise behind him. It sounded as if some animal had gotten into the fuselage of the plane. He became quite alarmed, for he knew if an animal gnawed away at the electrical wiring it could cause a serious malfunction. But there was no place to land in that rugged territory. Then the pilot had an idea. He accelerated the plane and nosed it upward. Higher and higher into the sky he took it until the gnawing and scratching ceased. Later, when he landed at an airport, he found a huge desert rat that had crawled in unnoticed when he had refueled at the oasis. But the unwanted stowaway was dead! Accustomed as it was to the desert, it could not live when the plane climbed to the higher altitude.

So it is in our spiritual life. As we "draw near to God" (Jas. 4:8), we put to death our mean, selfish, and sinful ways (Col 3:5). The old patterns of living cannot survive. "Seek those things which are above" (Col 3:1). The closer you draw in your relationship to the Lord, the more you will leave the world behind!  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

We live in the world,
but we must not let the world live in us.

Torrey's Topic
Self Denial

Christ set an example of -Mt 4:8, 9, 10; 8:20; John 6:38; Romans 15:3; Philippians 2:6, 7, 8

A test of devotedness to Christ -Matthew 10:37,38; Luke 9:23,24

NECESSARY
In following Christ -Luke 14:27-33
In the warfare of saints -2 Timothy 2:4
To the triumph of saints -1 Corinthians 9:25, 26, 27

Ministers especially called to exercise -2 Corinthians 6:4,5

SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN
Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts -Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12
Controlling the appetite -Proverbs 23:2
Abstaining from fleshly lusts -1Peter 2:11
No longer living to lusts of men -1Peter 4:2
Mortifying sinful lusts -Mark 9:43; Colossians 3:5
Mortifying deeds of the body -Romans 8:13
Not pleasing ourselves -Romans 15:1-3
Not seeking out own profit -1Corinthians 10:24,33; 13:5; Philippians 2:4
Preferring the profit of others -Romans 14:20,21; 1 Corinthians 10:24,33
Assisting others -Luke 3:11
Even lawful things -1 Corinthians 10:23
Forsaking all -Luke 14:33
Taking up the cross and following Christ -Matthew 10:38; 16:24
Crucifying the flesh -Galatians 5:24
Being crucified with Christ -Romans 6:6
Being crucified to the world -Galatians 6:14
Putting off the old man which is corrupt -Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9
Preferring Christ to all earthly relations -Matthew 8:21,22; Luke 14:26

Becomes strangers and pilgrims -Hebrews 11:13, 14, 15; 1 Peter 2:11

Danger of neglecting -Matthew 16:25,26; 1 Corinthians 9:27

Reward of -Matthew 19:28,29; Romans 8:13

Happy result -2 Peter 1:4

Exemplified
Abraham -Genesis 13:9; Hebrews 11:8,9
Widow of Zarephath -1 Kings 17:12, 13, 14, 15
Esther -Esther 4:16
Rechabites -Jeremiah 35:6,7
Daniel -Daniel 1:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Apostles -Matthew 19:27
Simon, Andrew, James, and John -Mark 1:16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Poor Widow -Luke 21:4
The Christians -Acts 2:45; 4:34
Barnabas -Acts 4:36,37
Paul -Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:19,27
Moses -Hebrews 11:24,25

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Home Improvement - We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. --Ephesians 2:10

If you've ever wanted to live in a castle, this is your chance. The state of Saxony in eastern Germany has a dozen castles for sale, each priced at one German mark (which is just over half a US dollar). There is a catch, however. According to a New York Times article, the historic structures are in advanced stages of disrepair, and buyers must restore each property "consistent with its historical architecture." Estimates for restoration run from $7 million to $60 million per castle.

It has occurred to me that buying a fixer-upper's nightmare gives us a picture of what God has done for each of us in Jesus. Ephesians 2:1 bluntly states our condition without Christ--"dead in trespasses and sins." But the hopelessness of the human condition never deters God's love. The renovation and renewal the Father carries out in all who receive His Son begins with new life. "But God, . . . even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (Ep 2:4, 5). And what God purchased at the great cost of His only Son, He gives to us freely (Ep 2:5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

Like derelict castles restored far beyond their former glory, our transformed lives point others to God, who is rich in mercy, grace, and love. --D C McCasland

Putting It Into Practice - Colossians 3:1 tells us we were "raised with Christ." Because of that, what are some of the practical instructions we are given on how to live? (Col 3:5-17).

When we receive Christ, God's work isn't over--it has just begun.

Guy King  agrees with the preceding devotional noting that...

IT IS very evident that life for the Christian is intended to be very different from that of the worldling (Ed: Is my life really different? I'm not speaking of "weird" but different? How? If not, why not?) - different in nature, different in outlook, different in interests, different in aim. His (the Christian's) rightful ambition is indicated in our present passage. It is described here as a resurrection life - "If ye then be risen with Christ," Col 3:1; and in Philippians 3:10 it is perfected in "the power of His resurrection".

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Guy King titles his notes on this Col 3:1-4 as "His Encouragement of Ambition".

IT IS very evident that life for the Christian is intended to be very different from that of the worldling - different in nature, different in outlook, different in interests, different in aim. His rightful ambition is indicated in our present passage. It is described here as a resurrection life - "If ye then be risen with Christ," 1; and in Philippians 3:10 it is perfected in "the power of His resurrection". See first -

THE CERTAINTY OF IT - "If ye then be risen with CHRIST," just as truly, "Since, then, you have been raised with CHRIST". There is no doubt about it. The apostle is writing to these people as Christians; and of all such it is indubitably true that these two basic certitudes abide. in view of their union with CHRIST, thank GOD, they are dead men; and, praise GOD, they are risen men. There is no "if" about either case, in the sense that it is in question, but the consequential "as," and "since".

But what is this "union with CHRIST" that we speak of? It results from an exercise of Identification by Faith. We go, for elucidation, away back to Leviticus 1:4, "He shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him". The same transaction is in Lev 4:24. Under the Old Covenant to which we have already referred in these Studies, GOD made special arrangements for the temporary dealing with men's sins until the time came when it would be possible to deal with them permanently and eternally. "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins," Hebrews 10:4 - those sacrifices were ordained to cover sins, hence, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered," Psalm 32:1. That is as far as the Psalmist could go, until "now once in the end of the age hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself," Hebrews 9:26. Those oft-repeated offerings of the Old Testament pointed on to, and drew their significance from, the once-for-all Sacrifice of CHRIST in the New Testament. We shall meet those Old Testament believers on exactly the same ground. We believers will be there - the Cross of Calvary. "That by means of [His] death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament," as Hebrews 9:15 has it. Or, as in Romans 3:25, "Whom GOD hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His Blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God".

Well now, to come back to Leviticus. By Divine appointment the transgressor brought his animal victim as his offering for sin. The priest will have most carefully scrutinised the beast, to make sure that there was no spot or blemish. The offerer would now stand, and, placing his hand upon its head, confess his sin. In that moment the Great Transference would take place. GOD reckoned as if the sin of the man were laid on the beast, and the spotlessness of the animal accounted to him. The victim is then put to death as bearing the man's sin, and suffering in his stead. He left the scene a forgiven man. It was all a GOD-given, GOD-ordained, prophetic picture of what was afterwards to be; and old Isaac Watts has captured its significance for us in his great hymn -

"My faith would lay her hand
On that dear head of Thine,
While like a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin."

Thus, by this heavenly Identification by Faith, we are joined to Him as ourselves dead to sin, and, moreover, as being alive in resurrection to "newness of life," Romans 6:4, 11. This, be it ever remembered, not for any merit of ours, and quite independently of our understanding. Christian, as a matter of complete certainty, you are risen with CHRIST. The only question - for you and me - is whether we are living up to our high privilege, whether walking after "the power of His resurrection". Let us go on to another aspect of this truth.

THE CENTRE OF IT - Notice these phrases in our brief verses. "With Christ," (1); "where Christ," (1); "with
Christ," (3); "when Christ," (4).
It is pretty evident, isn't it, where the centre of the resurrection life lies. When all our life revolves around Him as our Living Centre, then we know resurrection life in happy truth. This indeed is Full Salvation. Mark here three statements that have an intimate bearing upon our relationship with Him.
"Christ sits at the right hand of God," (1).
The Epistle to the Hebrews shews us that three things are implied in this posture of the Master.
(1) Rest - "when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the
Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:3. In amazing grace, He undertook the plan of our salvation, till,
on its completion, He was able to say, "It is finished," John 19:30.
He undertook to pay in full the enormous debt of our sin, till, on its complete cancellation, He
was free to say, "It is finished". The Cross was the payment in full; the Resurrection was GOD's
receipt. He undertook, at the Father's will, to drink our cup of woe, till, on His drinking to the
last bitter dregs, He handed back the cup to the Father, and said "It is finished".
The plan that He came to earth to accomplish is now fully carried out, and He has gone back to
Heaven to take His seat of rest at GOD's right hand.
(2) Intercession - "seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them," Hebrews 7:25. Can
we ever assess what we owe to our Saviour's prayers? Why, after his base denial, did not Peter
fall away entirely? Listen: "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not [utterly]," Luke
22:32. If anyone be so ill and weak that they cannot pray for themselves; or, if anyone be so
lonely that there is no one they can ask to pray for them, what a deep comfort, in each case, to
know that JESUS is there to pray for them. We say again that down here we shall never be able
to estimate what we owe to His prayers for us.
On one occasion, He iooked into a house, and said of a man there, "Behold, he prayeth," Acts
9:11. When we are in need of comfort and strength, may we not look into Heaven, and say,
"Behold, He prayeth"?
(3) Sovereignty - "we see JESUS. . . crowned," Hebrews 2:9. One day He is going to return to
this earth to assume the Kingdom, which, on His present rejection, is in abeyance, when "the
kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He
shall reign for ever and ever," Revelation 11:15. But even now He reigns on high; and by
reason of our union with Him, we, too, are entitled to reign with Him - in that one day of His
millennial glory, "they shall reign with Him a thousand years". Revelation 20:6.
"We shall reign on the earth," Revelation 5:10, yes; but even now He "hath made us kings
and priests," Revelation 1:6, in our degree to share in His present Sovereignty. and in His
present Intercession. If only we would put into practical daily use our exalted position in Him!
"Your life is hid with Christ in God," (3). Who, then, will say that our life, once hid, can ever
be lost? The Son and the Father are pledged to its security - "I give unto them eternal life, and
they shall never perish, neither shall anyone pluck them out of My hand. My Father which
gave them Me is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck them out of My Father's
hand" John 10:28-9.
"With Christ, in God" - what blessed safety: hidden as treasure deposited in a bank, the
impregnable vaults of the Bank of Heaven, Matthew 6:20; hidden as a root planted in a fertile
soil to bring forth the rich fruit of good seed, Matthew 13:38a.
Incidentally, how important it is that we should cultivate the hidden life. The harvest of the fruit
depends so much on the health of the root. Earlier in these Studies, I have told the story of the
pear tree from which I got practically nothing for fifteen years - "nothing but leaves," Mark
11:13. The very first year of his occupancy. and ever after my successor had an abundant crop -
the simple secret was that he treated the roots of the tree.
Even the old prophet knew that way to the spiritual welfare of a nation, let alone to the life of an
individual - "the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root
downward, and bear fruit upward" Isaiah 37:31. So, to be hidden in Him is to be fruitful for
Him. as well as to be safe, in His keeping power.

Now consider -:THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF IT This resurrection life, centered in Him, not being self-centered, has a magnificent wide sweep. The risen life will never forget that while "He is the propitiation for our sins," it is "not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world," 1John 2:2. Do you know that story of a great Salvation Army conference that met in America a number of years ago, attended by delegates from all over the world? All were thrilled when they knew that the Old General himself was to be there. Near the date, however, his doctors forbade him to travel; but he promised to send a cable to open the conference. When the time came, there was anxiety in the assembly, for the message hadn't arrived; but then, just in the nick of time, it was brought. It consisted of one word - "Others". What a start, what a theme, for any Christian conference. How like the Saviour, of whom even His enemies had to acknowledge that "He saved others, not Himself," Matthew 27:42. So it is that if He be our Centre, others will be our Circumference - "the whole world" of others, whom we may be able, by our prayers, our example, our testimony, to reach, to touch, and to fetch for Him.

And now, to conclude, look at -:

THE CIRCLE OF IT - "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." So the fact of our union with CHRIST, through the Identification by Faith, has now come round full circle:

- we died in Him,
- we were buried with Him,
- we have been raised with Him,
- we are ascended with Him,
- we are seated with Him,
- we now anticipate the time when we shall return and reign with Him.

Such is the glorious teaching of all these Pauline Letters - Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians.
Thus we observe the Resurrection Life - from the root, in the Cross, to the Fruit, in the Coming. This is Full Salvation.