3:1 If. The sense of “if” here is “since.” Our life in Christ was assured eternally when we were born again through faith in His finished work of redemption for us. When He died for us, we were “dead with Christ” (Colossians 2:20; Romans 6:8), then “buried with Him” (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4), and “quickened together with Him” (Colossians 2:13).

3:1 right hand. The first of twenty-one references to Christ at the right hand of God is found in Psalm 16:11. By faith now, in reality in the ages to come, we also “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).

3:4 in glory. When Christ returns, He will bring the souls of those who died in Christ with Him for the resurrection of their bodies. Those believers who are still living when He returns will be raptured to be with Him in glory, being transformed to be like Him, immortal forever (I Thessalonians 3:13; 4:14-17; I John 3:2; I Corinthians 15:52-54).

3:5 Mortify. “Mortify” means “put to death.” “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24).

3:5 concupiscence. “Concupiscence” (see I Thessalonians 4:5; Romans 7:8) means “desire.”

3:5 idolatry. In God’s sight, covetousness is worship of the god Mammon, and “ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

3:6 children of disobedience. Unbelievers are also called “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). See also Ephesians 2:2; 5:6.