2. Read the passage Read it again Read it out loud Read it in 3-4 translations Get a “feel” for the passage Identify repeated words/phrases Define words Identify verbs (tense, voice, mood) Identify nouns (gender, #, case) Identify pronouns Identify prepositions Identify conditions Identify connectives Identify conjunctions Identify adverbs Identify time-markers Note grammatical relationships Note word order Note comparisons Note contrasts Note words/phrases used in unusual way Note how words/phrases are used elsewhere in Scripture Note the overall Biblical context, the remote context, the immediate context Note applications for today (for mankind, for the church, for “me”) Always review and reflect

3. Read Repeatedly Colossians 3:1-4 (get a “feel” for it) Repeated Words/Phrases – “Christ” + “Him” = 5 times in 4 verses 57 times in 95 verses (entire book of Colossians) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

4. Relationships – Relationship to Christ in the PAST – Relationship to Christ in the PRESENT – Relationship to Christ in the FUTURE 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. were buried (2:20) (2:12) Greek perfect tense (action in past with results still present) Greek perfect tense (action in past with results still present) “Hidden” suggests security, status, sustenance, satisfaction “Hidden” suggests security, status, sustenance, satisfaction (cf. Rom. 6:3-4) (cf. John 10:27-29) (cf. 1 Jn. 3:2; 1 Thes. 4:17)

5. Responsibilities – Seek Greek present imperative (call to long-term, continual action) Emp: Steadfast priority, aim, goal, endeavor – Set your mind Greek present imperative (call to long-term, continual action) Emp: Steadfast mindedness & engaged attention 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

6. Review & Reflect – – Christ = Our Life! – Christ = All and in All (3:11)! 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. died with (2:20) buried with (2:12) ChristWithLife