For ye are dead; the apostle adds another reason why the believing Colossians should not be earthly-minded, because they were dead, not absolutely, but in a certain respect, viz. of sin, and the world.
1. In regard of that carnal, corrupted, sin-infected life, received from our first parents by carnal generation, the life of the old man, altogether depraved, the real members of Christ are dead: see Colossians 2:11,12,20 Ro 6:2,4,6-8,11 7:9 2 Corinthians 5:14,17 Ga 5:24.
2. In regard of the world, by communion with Christ their Head, Psalms 22:15 Isaiah 26:19 Galatians 6:14 2 Timothy 2:11 1 Peter 4:1,2. And your life is hid with Christ in God; and their spiritual life, (opposed to the life of sin), which is received by their receiving of Christ, the life they now live by faith, quickened together with Christ, Colossians 2:13 1 Thessalonians 11:25,26 1 Thessalonians 14:6 Galatians 2:20 Hebrews 10:38 1 John 5:11,12; this is hid with Christ by virtue of their union with him, as Christ is in God by union with the Father; Christ in God, and our life in Christ, 1 Thessalonians 17:21, because in him the the springs of our spiritual life, which in and by our regeneration, renovation, and sanctification is communicated to us; and its progress in fruitfulness till it arrive to perfection, Philippians 3:10,14.