How can we avoid behaviors that bring "wrath" according to Colossians 3:6? Context of Colossians 3:6 “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.” “Because of these” points directly back to verse 5’s list: “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.” Recognizing Wrath-Inducing Behaviors • Sexual immorality—any sexual activity outside God-ordained marriage • Impurity—moral uncleanness in thought or deed • Passion—unbridled, flesh-driven craving • Evil desire—longing for what God forbids • Greed/idolatry—placing possessions or pleasure above God Why These Behaviors Provoke Wrath • They defy God’s holiness (Leviticus 19:2). • They mirror the world’s rebellion instead of Christ’s lordship (Ephesians 2:1–3). • They damage our witness, hindering others from seeing the gospel’s power (Matthew 5:16). Cultivating Their Opposites • Purity of body and mind—1 Thess 4:3-5 • Contentment—Heb 13:5 • Holy desire for God—Ps 42:1 • Self-control—Gal 5:22-23 • True worship—John 4:23-24 Practical Steps to “Put to Death” the Old Self 1. Identify triggers – Media, environments, conversations that awaken sinful desire 2. Renew the mind daily with Scripture 3. Replace, don’t merely remove – Flee youthful lusts; pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace (2 Timothy 2:22) 4. Invite accountability – “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) 5. Walk in the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Strengthening the New Self • Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience (Colossians 3:12). • Let Christ’s peace rule your heart (Colossians 3:15). • Let Christ’s word dwell richly, expressed in worship and gratitude (Colossians 3:16-17). • Practice moment-by-moment dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Encouragement from Related Passages • Ephesians 5:6—similar warning; emphasizes deceitful words. • 1 Thessalonians 1:10—Christ “rescues us from the coming wrath.” • James 1:19-20—human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. • Romans 13:14—“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.” Living in Wrath-Free Freedom By deliberately putting to death the old nature and walking in the new life Christ provides, we avoid the behaviors that invite wrath and instead experience the joy of pleasing the One who has already borne wrath for us on the cross. |
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