In my prior blog I talked about putting on Christ or being endued with the character of Christ. You can read that blog by clicking on the link below.
Let’s take a look at Colossians chapter three where we can learn more about walking in the Spirit.
Paul the author of this text tells us that if we are raised with Christ or made alive in Christ, then we should seek things above not on the earth. (to find out more on this topic click on the link below.)
This ‘seeking things above’ concept refers to seeking King Jesus and his heavenly Kingdom.
In other words our attention should be centered on spiritual things not on worldly things.
For our lives are hidden in Christ if we are dead to worldly desires and raised with Christ.
The next verse in this chapter says,
‘When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.’
While this verse refers to our eternal destiny it also has another meaning.
Paul says that we (those born of God) are being changed or transformed from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Going back to verse 1 in Colossians chapter 3, Paul says that we are ‘raised with Christ’.
This means that we are resurrected to new life (the born again experience) and are seated with Christ in heavenly places positionally.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6, 7
This scripture refers to ‘when Christ appears’ in his second coming but it also refers to our ‘seeking things above’.
Remember that the premise of this chapter is ‘seeking things above’. Paul is not going off topic.
Christ is our life. When Christ appears or is revealed to us then we will also appear or be revealed with him in glory.
Yes, we will be raised bodily and resurrected with Christ in glory but also if we seek Christ who is above, he will be revealed to us and through us. We will be transformed by the glory of God.
Glory in the Greek is the word doxa. It means God’s dignity, glory, honor, and praise.
The transformation of the born again Christian by the Holy Spirit is from one degree of his glory into another.
Humans are made in the image of God. Sin has corrupted us. Jesus saved us. God’s Holy Spirit transforms us into his image: the likeness or character of Christ.
That is why idolatry is considered a grave sin.
Idolatry puts the focus on something or someone other than God. If our focus is primarily on any thing other than God, this is idolatry.
Paul tells us to seek those things that are above where Christ is seated in the heavenlies at the right hand of God the Father.
That is if we put ‘seeking Christ and his kingdom’ first then everything we need will be added to us. This includes the transforming of our character into the image or likeness of Christ. (Matthew 6:33)
Colossians verse 5 to 7 talks about all the ‘worldly things’ we are to put to death or have nothing to do with.
Fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Notice that these things are not heavenly pursuits. They are in fact in opposition to heavenly pursuits. The focus of those thing is on worldly desires not on Christ.
In verses 8 and 9 we find another list. This list is sins which result from having those worldly desires;
Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of our mouth, and lies.
Paul tells us that positionally we have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.
The new man (born again person or spirit of man) is renewed, made new, or made alive in Christ. This is the born again experience.
To find out more about this topic refer to the link below.
We are exhorted in this chapter to be renewed in the knowledge or revelation of Christ according to the image of God.
In other words the born again person has been made alive unto God and is being renewed or transformed by the Holy Spirit to become like Christ.
That is we are being transformed by his glory for his glory.
In Colossians 3:11 Paul makes it clear that this born again transformation process is not dependent on class, race, or gender.
There is no special elite class of Christians.
Therefore since we are made alive unto God, in Christ, seated with him in heavenly places we are being transformed from glory to glory. We ‘put on’ or are endued with the characteristics of Christ.
Mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, thankfulness and God’s peace which rules in our hearts. Colossians 3: 12-15
Walking in the Spirit requires yielding to the Holy Spirit. By focusing on heavenly things our minds become renewed by the word of God.
If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ephesians 4:21,24
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
The Bible says that we are transformed by the word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Walking in the Spirit requires submission to the admonition to “seek first his kingdom” or seek things above.
Let’s be more specific.
The Greek word for “seek” is zeteo.
It means to look for, desire, possess, strive for.
The Greek word for first is protos.
This means the principle, original, source, chief rule, govern, first in rank or order.
Walking in the Spirit requires seeking first the kingdom of God or Christ in heavenly places.
That is the domain of God. Heavenly places. The spiritual reign or authority of God.
Now that we know what we must do we need to know how to do it.
Paul tells us that study of the word of God is essential for transformation into the image of Christ but Paul adds a few more things.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3: 16,17
Worship and thanksgiving are a part of the ‘seeking first’ admonition.
Worshiping the Lord with spiritual songs.
O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. Psalm 22 3
O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You,
I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things;
Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24.
Let my mouth be filled with Your praise. And with Your glory all the day. Psalms 71: 8
Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds,
By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him. Psalms 68:4
In conclusion, when we seek things that are ‘above’ rather than on worldly things of the earth or natural realm, our focus is put on Christ who by his Holy Spirit transforms us into his image. Then ‘whatever we do whether in word or in deed we will do all for the glory of God through the power of the Holy Spirit’. (Colossians 3:17)
By seeking first God’s Kingdom all the things we need to reign in this life will be added to us. Romans 5:17
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