The Pulpit Commentary — Colossians — Section 199

the striclest discipline by motives suggested by the purest patriotism and the dignity of their trust.) I. TaE CHRISTIAN'S PRESENT PRIVILEGES. 1. " Ye died." This figurative expression de~cribes the _c~mplet_e change ~h.ich takes pl~ce in th~se who are truly regenerated. It 1s most stnkmgly illustrated m the convers10n of an idolatrous or a profli"ate man. But eve_ry true convert dies to his former self, i.e. is separated from it as by a death and bunal. (Illustrate from Eccles. ix. 5, 6, 10.) As a Christian martyr, worn down by the sickness and pain of a long persecution, obtaias a blessed release and separation froDl this;present evil world by death, so is the Christian, by union with Christ, set free, as by a death aad burial, from two of his most formidable foes--the Law and sin. (1) We died to the Law (Rom. vii. 4, 6; Gal. ii. 19). We renounced all dependence on: works of Law and trusted for justification alone to the work of Christ. (2) W o <lied to sin. We were set free from the love of sin and are being set free from its power. Crucifixion, though fatal, was not immediately so. So our "old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away ("",,."P'Y7l8fi), that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin" (Rom. vi. 6, 14 ). "It wo.s the sight of thy dear cross First weaned my soul from earthly things," etc. 2. " Ye were raised together with Christ." (Eph. ii. 4-6; Gal. i. 4.) In the world, not of it. uWe dwell in the flesh, but do not live in the flesh" (Luther). The trne sphere of our life is "heavenly places." Does this seem mystical when spoken of tradesmen, eagine-drivers, or kitchen-maids? But if they are Christ's they have a life which is "hid with Christ in God." It is a still and secret life, hidden from the world. The Christian has a differep.t spirit (John xiv. 17) and aim (1 Cor. x. 31) and strength (Phil. iv. 13). He is like a palm tree in the desert, verdant and fruitful, because far beneath the sand the fibres of its roots are enjoying a hidden life of moisture which keeps the tree alive in spite of arid sand o.nd cloudless sky. 3. Ye may" seek" and "set your mind on the things that are above." Is not this a privilege as well as a duty? Reflect on the honour of being allowed to fix our best thoughts and our purest affections on persons and objects not at all affected by the change and disappointment aad lran- sitoriness of this world. (Like a sailor amid the hardships of a long winter voyage, whose thoughts and emotions are constantly turning to wife and children in his distant home. He does not need to be told," You ought to think of them; you must lovu them.") Who.t are "the things that are upon the earth"? Find tbe answer in 1 John ii. 16, 17. Thuy belong to a state from which we profess to have been con- clusively delivered. Shall Lazarus take plea.sure in his grave-clothes or the healed demoniac in his fetters? Shall those who profess to b11 living a resurrection-life with Christ "mind earthly things"? Riches? (Ps. !xii. 10; Prov. xxiii. 5; 1 Tim. vi. 7). Worldly power or fame? (Ps. lxxiii. 18-20; Isa. xl. 6-8; Jo.s. i. 10, 11). Shall we cling to a sinking vessel when our home is in sight? If we find it hard to enjoy our privileges, let us take the following hiats. (1) Give more thought to "the things that are above "-to the great themes of God, Christ, heaven, eternity; and in the light of these, look down on the transitory trifles of this worhl. (2) Do more fur Christ, who, "seated on tile right hand of God," is doiag so much for us (Matt. vi. 33). (Illustrate Christ's manifold activities for his people in that heavenly world.) Recognize t.liat you have a citizenship in the heavenly places, and thereforo civic duties among them. (3) Make sacrifices for Christ and eternity. Treasure there as large a propor- tfon as your conscience will justify of money, time, and every talent you possess (Matt. vi. 19-21). II. THE CHRISTIAN'S FUTURE GLORY. (Ver. 4.) This follows from ver. 3. Con- cealment with Christ ensures safety. Our future is wrapped up with his (John xiv. 19). Our lifo is, as it were, deposited with Christ's life in the very sanctuary of the Godhead. God will not forget that trust (2 Tim. i. 12). Christ himself liveth in us and is our life. What is awaitiag Christ? A glorious mnuifestation (Titus ii. 13; cf. Acts iii. 21 and 1 Thess. i. 10). That manifestation will, by reason of tho identity of Christ and his servants, be the manifestation in glory of Christians also," the sons of God" (Rom. viii. 19). (Illustrate from contrasts suggested by lsa. Ix. H; Matt. xjii. 43; John xvii. !24.) Clirist is now conccalcrl, and it is our winlcr; his revelation Hl6 THE EPISTLE TO THE CULOSSIANS. [ou. m. 1-25.