Introduction
We are continuing with part five in our seven-part study of the Greek word φρονέω (phroneō, Strong’s 5426).
Definition
The Greek word φρονέω (phroneō, Strong’s 5426) is used in the New Testament to describe a person’s mindset or frame of mind. It has to do with the mental attitude a person has toward the things of this world.
Review
As we covered in previous articles, Paul used φρονέω (phroneō) multiple times in Philippians:
Part One ~ Philippians 2:3, 5-8
… to impress upon believers the necessity of submitting to the Lord’s transformation of their mindset into one like His own. Paul reminds the Philippians that when the Lord came in the flesh, while being God, He humbled Himself to become the servant of all. He voluntarily laid down His life for the sins of the world; a world that did not want Him nor His provision for their sins.
Part Two ~ Philippians 3:13-20
… to present himself as the pattern of the attitude toward life that a believer must have. Paul explains that he places no value on personal achievement and religious status so that he may gain Christ.
Part Four ~ Philippians 4:2-7
… to encourage two women in the Philippian church. Paul applies the command given in Philippians 2:5 and his example given in Philippians 3:13-16 to Euodia and Syntyche, telling them “to have the same frame of mind (φρονέω, phroneō) in the Lord.” He is emphasizing the need for believers to have the same approach to earthly things – one of putting aside personal opinion and wanting what the Lord wants. If a believer places too much value on what he wants in this life, unity in pursuit of the Lord’s will cannot be accomplished.
Meaning Part Five ~ Colossians 3:1-4
This week we are going to study what Paul has to say to the Colossian church regarding φρονέω (phroneō). Our study is taken from Colossians 3:1-4:
1) If therefore you were raised with Christ, be seeking the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right of God;
2) Be setting your frame of mind (φρονέω, phroneō) on things above, not things upon the earth.
3) For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.
4) Whenever Christ should appear, who is our life, then you yourselves will also appear with Him in glory.
Risen
In verse 1 Paul describes the believer as one who has been raised with Christ. This resurrection description of salvation once part of the mystery of Christ hidden in times past is now revealed by the Holy Spirit. When a person experiences the saving graces of the Lord, he is literally raised from the spiritual dead. He is made alive together with Christ.
In response to this spiritual birth and new life, Paul gives two commands (in the present tense designating continuous action):
First Command
Those who have experienced salvation are to continually seek the things above where Christ is. They are not to be seeking temporary, earthly things.
Second Command
The believer is to be continuously setting his frame of mind on the things above, not on the things of earth.
Through these commands Paul is expressing the absolute necessity for every believer to have his frame of mind (φρονέω, phroneō) focusing and meditating on the spiritual things of Christ and not on the physical things of earth.
Reason
Paul uses the word γάρ (gar, Strong’s 1063) to introduce his statement in verse 3. Γάρ (gar) is a word used to express the reason for a writer’s preceding comments; hence, Paul uses it here to link his preceding commands with his reason for giving them as stated in this verse. Two factual statements comprise Paul’s reason for giving the preceding commands:
1) “you died”
(He doesn’t say that you must die, but that you have already died);
and
2) “your life has been hidden with Christ in God.”
The perfect tense has been hidden is used to convey the concept that a believer’s life stands hidden in Christ now based upon a past action.
Response
The moment a person receives Christ, he dies to himself. From that point on, the believer’s life is and always will be hidden with Christ in God. Therefore, based on the fact that we have died and that our lives have already been hidden in Christ, Paul teaches that we should not be seeking the things of the old, dead life, things that are temporary and perishable. Instead, we are to set our minds on the things of Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform our minds. This, in turn, changes the way we think about and approach this earthly life.
In Glory
Paul then presents the future glory of the saints in verse 4. Whenever Christ returns we will also appear with Him in glory. And we will be with the Lord forever.
Conclusion
It is extremely important that we heed these teachings of Scripture. They repeatedly emphasize that we Christians are to focus on submitting to the Lord so that our attitudes are transformed into the mindset (φρονέω, phroneō) of the Lord. This is important because the New Testament is very clear in stating that the believer will enter into heaven as a new creation with a mind that has been transformed during his time here on the earth (see I Corinthians 3:5-15 and II Peter 1:3-11). Thus it is essential the believer seek the ministry of the Holy Spirit for His life through the Word of God; thereby gaining a mindset (φρονέω, phroneō) able to perceive and function under the influence of Christ.
Notes
– phroneō is the English font spelling of the Greek word φρονέω.
– All Biblical quotes contained herein are a Literal English Translation of the Bible produced by BTE Ministries – The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America.
