Colossians 3:4
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When Christ, who is our life - When Christ comes to judge the world, ye shall appear with him in his glory, and in an eternal state of blessedness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "When Christ shall be manifested who is our life (Joh 11:25; Joh 14:6, Joh 14:19), then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory" (Pe1 4:13). The spiritual life our souls have now in Him shall be extended to our bodies (Rom 8:11). then--and not till then. Those err who think to find a perfect Church before then. The true Church is now militant. Rome errs in trying to set up a Church now regnant and triumphant. The true Church shall be visible as a perfect and reigning Church, when Christ shall be visibly manifested as her reigning Head. Rome having ceased to look for Him in patient faith, has set up a visible mockhead, a false anticipation of the millennial kingdom. The Papacy took to itself by robbery that glory which is an object of hope, and can only be reached by bearing the cross now. When the Church became a harlot, she ceased to be a bride who goes to meet her Bridegroom. Hence the millennial kingdom ceased to be looked for [AUBERLEN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,.... The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies, read, "your life". Christ is the author of spiritual life, the fountain from whence it springs, the object on which the saints live, yea, their very life itself; it is not so much they that live, as Christ that lives in them: and he is their eternal life; it is in him, and given forth by him; to know him now is the beginning of it; and its perfection hereafter will lie in the vision of him, communion with him, and conformity to him. The Jews have a saying (y), "that lives depend upon the son of Jesse,'' all sorts of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal. At present, Christ, the life of his people, is, as it were, hid; when he had done the work he came into this world about, and which he was manifest in the flesh, he departed out of it, ascended up into heaven, and went to his God and Father, where he is, and will be retained, until the time of the restitution of all things; and though he appears in the presence of God, and on the behalf of his redeemed ones, yet he is now out of sight, and not to be seen with their bodily eyes; but, ere long, he will be revealed from heaven, and come in the clouds of it, and be seen by all, to the terror and confusion of some, and to the joy and salvation of others; when his appearance will be exceeding glorious, not only in his glorified body, or exalted human nature, and as the Judge of the whole earth, clothed with majesty, authority, and power, but as the Son of God, God equal with the Father, in all the perfections and glory of deity, which will be manifest and apparent to everyone: then shall ye also appear with him in glory: the dead bodies of the saints will then be raised and united to their souls, which he will bring with him, when he appears; and living saints shall be changed, and be caught up together with the raised ones, into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so they all shall be with him together, wherever he is, whether in the air, or on earth, or in heaven, and while he is in either; and shall be for ever with him, enjoy communion with him, be made like unto him, and behold his glory: yea, they shall "appear in glory" too; with a glory on their bodies, which will be raised in glory like unto the glorious body of Christ; and on their souls, being in perfect holiness, having on the wedding garment, or robe of Christ's righteousness, being clothed upon with their house from heaven, and appearing in the shining robes of immortality, incorruption, and glory; having the glory of God upon them in soul and body, and such a glory revealed in them, as the sufferings of this present life, and all the enjoyments of it, are not to be compared with. All which furnish out strong arguments and reasons, enforcing the above exhortations to seek for, and set the affections on things in heaven, and not on earth. (y) Zohar in Gen. fol. 2. 3.
Colossians 3:4
Put On the New Self
3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Heavenly Life) Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen2.8K56:38MAT 6:31MAT 6:33GAL 3:29EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 6:12COL 3:2COL 3:4HEB 11:13HEB 12:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of being heavenly-minded in a world filled with changes and uncertainties. It highlights the need to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions, urging believers to seek God's kingdom first and live in a way that reflects heavenly principles. The speaker encourages a shift in mindset towards heavenly things, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew thoughts and actions to align with God's will.
The Inadequacy of Ethics
By Art Katz2.1K53:02EthicsMAT 16:23MAT 17:17MRK 4:40LUK 24:25JHN 1:47ROM 3:23COL 3:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own inadequacies and failures in preaching the word of God. He shares a personal experience of a Jewish woman who came to him seeking answers and guidance. Despite his doubts and insecurities, he allowed her to come and engage in conversation. Through their interaction, the woman and several others were saved and brought into the kingdom of God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not striving to be sharp or cryptic in our approach, but rather to rely on God's wisdom and guidance.
The Consummation of the Ages
By Albert Leckie1.4K56:16ConsummationISA 66:8ACT 1:9EPH 3:21COL 3:4TIT 2:13HEB 1:6HEB 6:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the millennial reign of Christ as God's final test to humanity. He explains that during this time, there will be no false religions and all people will have knowledge of God. However, despite this, there will still be those who do not believe. The preacher also highlights that the millennial reign will serve as God's conclusive proof that He has not lost anything due to the entry of sin, thanks to the sacrifice of Calvary. The sermon concludes by discussing the future manifestation of Christ and how believers will be glorified with Him, bringing an end to the reproach they face in the world.
When Christ Appears in Glory
By Albert Leckie1.4K40:51ChristMAT 24:6JHN 14:21CO 15:51COL 3:4TIT 2:11HEB 7:26REV 1:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the future manifestation of Jesus Christ in both judgment and salvation. He emphasizes that despite man's arrogance and disregard for the gospel, when Jesus appears, he will come in judgment. Those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel will face everlasting destruction. The preacher also highlights the importance of looking forward to the future manifestation of Jesus in glory and encourages believers to rejoice in their participation in Christ's sufferings. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Hebrews 9, Revelation 1 and 19, Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 1, and 1 Peter 4.
The Exchanged Life
By John Van Gelderen1.3K52:32Exchanged LifeGAL 5:16COL 2:6COL 3:4COL 3:7COL 3:12The video is a sermon about surrendering to the Holy Spirit and following God's will. The speaker shares a story about a young convert who threw away a video game as a point of surrender. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit can work in obvious ways or in areas that good men debate about. The speaker also mentions the importance of surrendering pride, worldly desires, and relationships that are not of God. The sermon encourages listeners to give up anything that hinders their relationship with God and to walk in the Spirit by following the steps outlined in Colossians 2:6.
Christ Our Life
By Philip Powell90812:04JHN 5:39JHN 14:3JHN 14:62CO 5:17COL 3:4TIT 2:13In this sermon on John chapter 10, the preacher discusses Jesus' teachings about his sheep and the sheepfold. He emphasizes that the life Jesus offers is not just an average life, but a life that reaches higher and delves deeper than superficial human experience. The preacher highlights the promise of the blessed hope of the church, which is a sharing in the glory of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Christ is our life and that this eternal life is found only in him, not in religion or culture. The preacher also mentions a trend in Western society where people are saying no to the church but yes to Christ.
Believers Are in Christ
By Tim Conway6891:06:17JHN 17:21ROM 5:17ROM 8:381CO 6:152CO 5:21EPH 1:1COL 3:4This sermon delves into the profound truths of being a saint, a believer, and being in Christ as highlighted in Ephesians 1. It emphasizes the positional reality, the surrounding nature, the spiritual union, and the representation union with Christ. The sermon encourages believers to grasp the depth of their union with Christ, the life, representation, and dynamic growth that comes from being in Him.
He Is
By Michael Koulianos3320:48Identity of ChristJesusRelationship with JesusMAT 3:17JHN 10:9JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 15:1ACT 5:302CO 9:15COL 3:4HEB 10:5REV 1:8Michael Koulianos passionately proclaims the multifaceted identity of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His roles as the suffering Savior, the great evangelist, and the living Word. He reflects on the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, urging the church to return to its first love and recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of life and truth. Koulianos highlights that Jesus is not only our mediator and offering but also the embodiment of God's love and the fulfillment of Scripture. He calls believers to embrace the reality of Christ's presence within them, encouraging a deeper relationship with the Lord who is both the way and the truth. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that Jesus is the answer to every need and the foundation of their faith.
The Seven Longings of the Human Heart
By Mike Bickle161:02:39Intimacy With GodLongings of the HeartPSA 27:4ISA 33:17MAT 10:42MAT 20:26JHN 17:26ROM 5:5EPH 5:27COL 3:4HEB 6:10REV 3:21Mike Bickle discusses 'The Seven Longings of the Human Heart,' emphasizing that these longings are divinely designed cravings within us that reflect God's personality. He explains that while these longings can lead us to seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways, they ultimately point us back to God, who can satisfy them. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding these longings to deepen our intimacy with God and live fully alive in our spirits. He encourages believers to pursue these longings through prayer, worship, and a revelation of God's beauty, assuring that they will be fully satisfied in the resurrection.
Who Am I?
By Ernest O'Neill0JHN 10:10ROM 8:112CO 4:7EPH 2:10COL 3:4Ernest O'Neill preaches about the superhuman life or energy available to us, explaining that it is different from our mental, emotional, and physical life as it is the actual life-power of the Creator Himself. This uncreated life is manifested in those who acknowledge Him, lifting and extending our mental and physical powers as we live in conscious friendship and obedience to His plans. O'Neill emphasizes that our created life is temporary and meant to lead us to recognize and live off the uncreated life, expressing the visible power of the Creator through outstanding individuals and gradual movements by many 'little' people.
The Beatific Vision
By C.H. Spurgeon0Eternal HopeThe Beatific VisionPSA 17:15MAT 5:8JHN 14:3ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 3:20COL 3:4HEB 12:21JN 3:2REV 22:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the deep human desire to see Jesus Christ, the ultimate benefactor and source of hope for believers. He reflects on the longing to behold Christ not as he was in his earthly suffering, but as he is now in glory, exalted and radiant. Spurgeon reassures that this vision will be a personal encounter, where believers will recognize Christ by his wounds and experience joy without sorrow, awe without fear, and love without pity. He encourages the congregation to strive for this vision, reminding them that it is a promise for those who believe. Ultimately, he concludes with the hope that all who have faith will see Him as He is, united with loved ones in eternal glory.
Spiritual Convictions & Heavenly Affections
By J.C. Philpot0LAM 1:12LUK 24:26JHN 10:10JHN 11:25ACT 2:24ROM 7:9ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 6:14EPH 2:8EPH 5:30COL 3:1COL 3:42TI 1:9HEB 6:20JAS 1:27J.C. Philpot preaches about the vital importance of experiencing death to self, resurrection in Christ, ascension to heavenly affections, and setting our hearts on things above. He emphasizes that true religion is not about external rituals or earthly pursuits, but about a spiritual union with Christ in His death, resurrection, and ascension. Philpot urges believers to seek a hidden life with Christ in God, to be weaned from earthly idols, and to set their affections on heavenly realities, drawing strength and grace from the risen Savior at the right hand of God.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 10:38MAT 12:36MAT 16:18JHN 15:15ACT 3:24ROM 11:11CO 2:6EPH 5:4COL 3:4John Chrysostom preaches about the divine wisdom of God's teachings, contrasting it with the wisdom of the world that leads to folly. He emphasizes the power of God's wisdom in revealing mysteries hidden from the rulers of this world, showing the superiority of spiritual wisdom over human understanding. Chrysostom highlights the challenges faced by the Apostles in preaching the Gospel, overcoming deep-rooted customs, dangers, and attracting believers with promises of eternal rewards. He marvels at the divine grace that enabled the Apostles to persuade diverse individuals, including slaves and women, to embrace a life of virtue and faith in the crucified Christ, despite facing persecution and hardships.
A Heaven Unto Me!
By Thomas Brooks0Heart KnowledgeLove for ChristPSA 73:25SNG 2:5MAT 22:37JHN 17:3ROM 8:381CO 16:22EPH 3:19PHP 3:8COL 3:41JN 4:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true knowledge accompanying salvation is deeply heart-affecting, drawing the soul closer to Christ and igniting a passionate love for Him. He illustrates how the more one knows Christ—His nature, names, and beauty—the more one’s heart is captivated and desires Him above all else. Brooks warns against mere intellectual knowledge that lacks affection for Christ, which ultimately leads to a lifeless faith. He passionately expresses that Christ is everything to him—his life, love, joy, and crown—making Him a heaven unto his soul. The sermon concludes with a stark reminder that a lack of love for the Lord results in a curse.
Bringing Us to Glory
By A.W. Tozer0SalvationSpiritual GrowthJHN 3:16ROM 8:302CO 5:17EPH 2:8PHP 1:6COL 3:4HEB 2:101PE 1:31JN 5:11REV 21:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ, which assures believers of eternal life and prevents religion from becoming a burdensome legalistic system. He warns that without the understanding of salvation by faith, Christianity can devolve into mere bondage. Tozer encourages believers to recognize God's ongoing work in their lives, preparing them for glory in heaven. He reminds us that God's ultimate purpose is to bring many sons and daughters to glory, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and readiness for eternal life.
Law and Christianity Ryde Meeting
By John Nelson Darby0GraceThe Role of the Holy SpiritJHN 3:16JHN 14:17ACT 2:4ROM 3:232CO 5:5GAL 2:20EPH 1:13COL 3:4HEB 1:31PE 2:24John Nelson Darby emphasizes that humanity cannot stand before God based on their own righteousness, as all are guilty and lost due to sin. He explains that the law revealed man's inability to achieve salvation, but through Christ's crucifixion, God's love and perfect righteousness were demonstrated. The mystery of the cross highlights the contrast between man's sinfulness and God's goodness, establishing a new foundation for Christianity. With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, believers are empowered to live out their faith, reflecting Christ's life and glory in the world. Ultimately, Darby calls for Christians to manifest the life of Jesus, as He intercedes for them in the presence of God.
Life, the Criterion
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual vs. Natural LifeEternal LifeGEN 2:9JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:23GAL 2:20EPH 2:1COL 3:41JN 5:11REV 2:7REV 22:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that life is the central theme of the Bible, beginning with the Tree of Life in Genesis and culminating in the New Testament's revelation of eternal life through Jesus Christ. He contrasts two kinds of life: the natural life common to all creatures and the superior, eternal life that is only found in Christ. Sparks argues that the natural world symbolizes deeper spiritual truths, and that the choice between life and death was established early in human history through the symbolic trees in the Garden of Eden. Ultimately, he asserts that possessing eternal life through Christ is essential for fulfilling God's divine intention for humanity.
The Joy of Being With Christ
By John Bramhall0PSA 16:11JHN 1:12JHN 3:16ROM 3:232CO 5:8EPH 1:7PHP 1:23COL 3:4HEB 10:37REV 7:15John Bramhall preaches about the eternal blessedness of being with Christ for departed saints, highlighting the joy and glory of His presence as described in the Scriptures. The sermon explores where the departed are, what it's like to be with Christ, how they feel 'at home' in His presence, and how they are joyfully serving Him in eternity, emphasizing the hope of reuniting with loved ones in the eternal presence of the Lord.
The Godhead-Forever One
By A.W. Tozer0ROM 8:292CO 3:18PHP 3:21COL 3:41JN 3:2The preacher discusses the concept of conformity with the image of Christ, emphasizing the transformation of believers' physical bodies to be like His glorified body, enabling perfect fellowship with God for eternity. This process of transformation is ongoing, with believers being continually changed to reflect Christ's character and nature, ultimately leading to glorification. The preacher highlights the assurance of believers receiving new, glorified bodies at Christ's return, contrasting it with temporary solutions like cryonic suspension, and emphasizes the power of God to accomplish this transformation.
Part 20: Premillennialism and the Church as a Mystery
By John F. Walvoord0EPH 3:3COL 1:26COL 2:9COL 3:4COL 3:11John F. Walvoord delves into the concept of the church as a mystery in the New Testament, emphasizing its distinct character from Old Testament saints and its revelation as a purpose of God separate from Israel. The mysteries revealed in the New Testament regarding the church, particularly the mystery of the one body in Ephesians, highlight the equality of Gentiles and Jews in the body of Christ, a truth hidden in the Old Testament but now made known. The revelation of the church as an organism in Colossians further emphasizes the indwelling of Christ in believers, contrasting the present age church with the future promises to Israel in the millennial kingdom.
Eternal Life
By Charles Finney0Faith and UnbeliefEternal LifeMAT 1:21JHN 1:29JHN 3:16JHN 6:33JHN 11:25EPH 2:1EPH 3:17COL 3:4HEB 2:91JN 5:10Charles Finney emphasizes that eternal life is not merely existence or happiness, but a profound state of holiness and salvation from sin, which is found in Jesus Christ. He explains that this gift of eternal life is offered to all humanity, regardless of their belief, and can be accepted through faith or rejected through unbelief. Finney asserts that those who believe in the Son of God possess an inner witness of their eternal life, which is a conscious experience of holiness and love. He urges listeners to recognize their dependence on Christ for spiritual life and to accept the gift of eternal life without delay. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace this divine inheritance and the serious consequences of rejecting it.
Major Ian Thomas' Testimony
By Major Ian Thomas0Living in ChristSurrender to GodMAT 11:28JHN 14:6JHN 15:5ROM 5:102CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 1:21COL 3:41JN 4:4Major Ian Thomas shares his testimony of spiritual exhaustion and despair at the age of nineteen, where he realized that despite his sincere efforts to serve God, he was failing because he was trying to live for Christ instead of allowing Christ to live through him. In a moment of surrender, he understood that Christ is his life and strength, leading to a transformative experience where he began to see God work through him in ways he had never imagined. This shift from self-reliance to reliance on Christ resulted in a fruitful ministry, where he witnessed many conversions and a newfound joy in his Christian life. Thomas emphasizes that true Christian living comes from recognizing and accepting Christ as the source of life and strength, rather than attempting to fulfill God's work through one's own efforts.
Winning Christ.
By Andrew Bonar0Pursuit of ChristSpiritual GrowthPSA 1:2ISA 40:31MAT 13:44JHN 5:39ROM 5:192CO 5:21GAL 3:13PHP 3:8COL 3:4REV 2:28Andrew Bonar preaches on the profound pursuit of 'Winning Christ,' emphasizing that it is not merely about finding Christ or being found in Him, but about continually seeking to gain the riches and glory that come from a deep relationship with Him. He reflects on the Apostle Paul's journey, illustrating how Paul, after thirty years in Christ, remained focused on winning Christ and discovering His unsearchable riches. Bonar encourages believers to explore the depths of Christ's person, obedience, and suffering, and to engage in daily pursuit to avoid spiritual stagnation. He urges both believers and the unsaved to recognize the urgency of this pursuit, as it leads to true joy, growth, and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Identification - Holiness
By Charles William Butler0PSA 16:11MAT 7:20MAT 25:40LUK 19:10JHN 15:5JHN 17:17GAL 5:22COL 3:41TH 4:71PE 1:15Charles William Butler emphasizes the importance of identification with Christ in various aspects, such as material interests, life, and mission. He highlights the need for believers to be fully consecrated and aligned with the great objective of Christ in seeking and saving the lost. Butler stresses the significance of maintaining a strong identification with holiness, urging believers to uphold this truth and experience without compromise. He calls for a revival of true holiness preaching and the propagation of holiness through witnesses and special meetings.
God Is Love, Light, and Life. These Are the Most Profound Words in the Scriptures. the Writings of John Are the Writings of a Man Who Is Spiritually Mature. He Has Found a Way to Express the Inexpressible, a Method of Summing Up All That God Is. You Will
By Chip Brogden0JHN 8:12JHN 14:6ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20COL 3:41JN 4:8Chip Brogden preaches about the profound words in the Scriptures that describe God as Love, Light, and Life, emphasizing the writings of John as a spiritually mature expression of God's essence. He challenges believers to tap into the Life of God within them, which overcomes sin, death, and hell, transforming and molding them into the image of Christ. Brogden urges listeners to stop settling for mediocrity and to fully yield to the Life of God, allowing it to bring victory, peace, and transformation in every aspect of their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When Christ, who is our life - When Christ comes to judge the world, ye shall appear with him in his glory, and in an eternal state of blessedness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "When Christ shall be manifested who is our life (Joh 11:25; Joh 14:6, Joh 14:19), then shall ye also with Him be manifested in glory" (Pe1 4:13). The spiritual life our souls have now in Him shall be extended to our bodies (Rom 8:11). then--and not till then. Those err who think to find a perfect Church before then. The true Church is now militant. Rome errs in trying to set up a Church now regnant and triumphant. The true Church shall be visible as a perfect and reigning Church, when Christ shall be visibly manifested as her reigning Head. Rome having ceased to look for Him in patient faith, has set up a visible mockhead, a false anticipation of the millennial kingdom. The Papacy took to itself by robbery that glory which is an object of hope, and can only be reached by bearing the cross now. When the Church became a harlot, she ceased to be a bride who goes to meet her Bridegroom. Hence the millennial kingdom ceased to be looked for [AUBERLEN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear,.... The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies, read, "your life". Christ is the author of spiritual life, the fountain from whence it springs, the object on which the saints live, yea, their very life itself; it is not so much they that live, as Christ that lives in them: and he is their eternal life; it is in him, and given forth by him; to know him now is the beginning of it; and its perfection hereafter will lie in the vision of him, communion with him, and conformity to him. The Jews have a saying (y), "that lives depend upon the son of Jesse,'' all sorts of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal. At present, Christ, the life of his people, is, as it were, hid; when he had done the work he came into this world about, and which he was manifest in the flesh, he departed out of it, ascended up into heaven, and went to his God and Father, where he is, and will be retained, until the time of the restitution of all things; and though he appears in the presence of God, and on the behalf of his redeemed ones, yet he is now out of sight, and not to be seen with their bodily eyes; but, ere long, he will be revealed from heaven, and come in the clouds of it, and be seen by all, to the terror and confusion of some, and to the joy and salvation of others; when his appearance will be exceeding glorious, not only in his glorified body, or exalted human nature, and as the Judge of the whole earth, clothed with majesty, authority, and power, but as the Son of God, God equal with the Father, in all the perfections and glory of deity, which will be manifest and apparent to everyone: then shall ye also appear with him in glory: the dead bodies of the saints will then be raised and united to their souls, which he will bring with him, when he appears; and living saints shall be changed, and be caught up together with the raised ones, into the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so they all shall be with him together, wherever he is, whether in the air, or on earth, or in heaven, and while he is in either; and shall be for ever with him, enjoy communion with him, be made like unto him, and behold his glory: yea, they shall "appear in glory" too; with a glory on their bodies, which will be raised in glory like unto the glorious body of Christ; and on their souls, being in perfect holiness, having on the wedding garment, or robe of Christ's righteousness, being clothed upon with their house from heaven, and appearing in the shining robes of immortality, incorruption, and glory; having the glory of God upon them in soul and body, and such a glory revealed in them, as the sufferings of this present life, and all the enjoyments of it, are not to be compared with. All which furnish out strong arguments and reasons, enforcing the above exhortations to seek for, and set the affections on things in heaven, and not on earth. (y) Zohar in Gen. fol. 2. 3.