Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Seek Things Above – Episode 713

Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Seek Things Above – Episode 713

Colossians 3:1
לָכֵן אִם הַוּקַמְתֶּם עִם הַמָּשִׁיחַ, שַׁאֲפוּ לַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר לְמַעְלָה, אֲשֶׁר שָׁם הַמָּשִׁיחַ יוֹשֵב לִימִין אֱלֹהִים.

#torah #torahwisdom #torahtruth #torahforlife #torah4you #torahtruth

Colossians 3:1
3:1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (NASB)

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Paul’s command in Colossians 3:1 “Seek the things above, where Christ is” is not a new spiritual category. The Torah repeatedly calls Israel to set their focus, desires, and pursuits on God’s realm, not the earthly one.

– Torah Parallels to “Seek Things Above” (Col. 3:1) –

1. Deuteronomy 10:12–13 Seek God’s Ways Above Human Ways.
2. Deuteronomy 6:4–5 Set Your Heart on God Above All.
3. Deuteronomy 30:19–20 Choose Life, Not Earthly Death.
4. Exodus 19:5–6 Israel Called to a Heavenly Identity.
5. Leviticus 19:2 Be Holy as God Is Holy.
6. Numbers 15:37–41 Tzitzit as visual Reminder to Seek God’s ways.
7. Deuteronomy 4:39 Set Your Heart on God’s Heavenly Rule.
8. Exodus 33:18–23 Moses Seeks God’s Glory Above Earthly Concerns.

– Context Synthesis –

• Set your mind on God’s realm Deut. 4:39 “Take to heart that YHWH is God in heaven above.”
• Pursue God’s ways, not earthly ways Deut. 10:12–13 “Walk in His ways… keep His commandments.”
• Orient your heart upward Deut. 6:4–5 “Love YHWH with all your heart.”
• Choose heavenly life over earthly death Deut. 30:19–20 “Choose life… cling to Him.”
• Live out a heavenly identity Ex. 19:5–6 “A kingdom of priests… a holy nation.”
• Seek holiness Lev. 19:2 “Be holy, for I am holy.”
• Keep your desires aligned with God Num. 15:37–41 “Remember… do not follow your own heart.”
• Seek God’s glory Ex. 33:18–23 Moses’ upward pursuit of God’s presence.

– Core Insight –

The Torah Logic Behind Colossians 3:1, Paul’s command is built on a Torah foundation:

1. Set your heart on God’s realm (Deut. 4:39).
2. Pursue God’s ways above earthly desires (Deut. 10:12–13).
3. Live out your heavenly identity (Ex. 19:5–6).
4. Seek holiness and God’s presence (Lev. 19:2; Ex. 33).

Paul is not introducing a new spirituality, he is calling believers to the Torah’s upward orientation, now centered on the risen Messiah. This is how Paul taught Torah in the NT, the Torah has not passed away!

Visual Summary of Concepts the Torah in the NT