2. Let’s Start at the Beginning

3. “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
What Does This Mean?
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
Colossians 3:3

4. Christians Are In Christ Because
We put our faith/trust in Him. 1:4
We put our trust in Him because we believed the truth of the gospel. 1:5
Also, because the gospel gave us a hope of heaven. 1:5

5. Paul is writing to Christians who are In Christ
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2

6. We’re In Christ We Must Have Died With Christ
We were buried with Him through baptism. 2:12
Further, we have been risen with Christ. 2:12, 3:1
Thus, we (should) have died to the basic principles of the world. 2:20ff

7. Now, Back To Colossians 3:3

8. “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God”
Colossians 3:3

9. The Reality of Being Hidden With Christ
The idea of being hidden: “to cause to be safe or protected by hiding.” Louw-Nida
SUMMARY: Our (eternal) lives are kept safely “with Christ in God” while we live here on earth. Cp. Eph. 2:6; Phil. 3:20
So, what does this mean… practically?

10. Practically, It Means... Because our lives are Hidden in Christ…
Our minds must be set on things above. 3:2
We must put to death our members which are on the earth. 3:5 (cp. Rom. 7:23ff)
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Rom. 8:13-14