A) THE BASIC . 3:1-4
The saint’ s holy life. 3:1-17
The saint’ s home and work. 3:18-4:1
The saint’ s spiritual priesthood. 4:2-6
V.1-4 The Saints Position.
V.5-17 The Saints Practice.
Resurrection. v.1
Focus. v.2
Sanctification. v.3
Glorification. v.4
V.1 a) Raised with Christ - The inward Ascending.
The saints are spiritual resurrected in Christ. Therefore their spiritual focus, seeking and life should be
there where they are in the spirit. Col.2:10-13; Eph.2:5-6
b) Seeking Christ - The Outward Attitude.
The saints focus should not be on the basic principle of the world, nor on philosophy, nor on legalism, nor on asceticism,
nor on eastern mysticism: Angels, humility and visions. It should be on the highest and most exalted place in the universe:
The Throne of God where Christ is seated.
V.2 c) Minding Christ - The Inward Aim.
I. Not only should their mind be focused but it should be set there.
Set your mind (Gr. phroneo) means to exercise the mind.
II. They should not only seek heaven; but also think heaven.
V.3 d) Hidden in Christ - The Inward Attachment.
I. The saint’ s old man died to themselves and to the world and they were raised in a new life, a life that is in Christ.
II. The Christ life is hidden to the lost because they cannot understand the mystical identification of the believer in Christ. John 14:30
III. The saint’ s life draws nourishment from secret springs. John 4:14; 7:38
V.4 e) Appearing with Christ - The Outward Appearance.
I. Christ is the life of His saints and at His coming the bodies of the saints will be glorified. 1.Cor.15:35-58; 1.Thes.4:13-18; Rom.8:18
II. Appear is to make visible what is invisible. Now our eternal life is hidden, but then it will be manifest.