Colossians 3:1-4 (CB)

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Paul develops the ethical implications of being “raised with Christ,” which complements “since you died with Christ” (2:20). Being “raised with Christ” is the source of power for living the new life (Rom 6:1–14). God’s irresistible power overcomes the irresistible compulsion to sin. Christ’s exaltation “above” means that believers, who are joined to Christ, should set their hearts and minds “on things above.” 3:3 you died. A reminder of what Paul said in 2:20; they died to the elemental spirits, so those forces have no power over them (cf. Rom 6:2; 7:5–6; Gal 2:19–20). Hidden with Christ. A believer’s true status remains concealed to others who do not have Christian insight. Believers already belong to the higher world where Christ reigns, nor to seek safety from the powers of this world. Hidden. Their security; they are hidden in a safe place (Pss 27:5; 31:20; Isa 49:2). 3:4 God is gradually transforming believers into the image of Christ now (2 Cor 4:16–18) and will fully transform them at the end (1 John 3:2; cf. Rom 8:29). Safe, secure and being transformed! God’s power is changing you into the image of Christ!