How can Colossians 3:7 guide repentance and spiritual growth? A Snapshot of the Old Life “When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.” (Colossians 3:7) • Paul is talking about real, tangible behaviors—immorality, impurity, greed (v. 5). • He assumes those sins were a normal “walk” before Christ entered the picture. • The verse is placed firmly in the past tense. It draws a bright line: you once walked there, but you do not have to stay there. Why Remember the Past? • Not to wallow in shame, but to spark humble gratitude: “Such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:11). • To keep us honest; we carry fleshly tendencies that must be crucified daily (Galatians 5:24). • To highlight the miracle of new birth. We were “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1-3); now we are alive together with Christ (v. 5). Steps Toward Repentance Rooted in Colossians 3:7 1. Recognize the contrast – Admit, “I used to walk that way.” Naming sin specifically removes its camouflage. 2. Call sin what God calls it – Paul lists it plainly in v. 5. Repentance starts where excuses stop. 3. Turn—don’t just feel – Repentance means new direction. “You used to walk… now put them all aside” (v. 8). 4. Trust the finished work of Christ – The old record is nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Confidence in that truth fuels real change. 5. Replace, don’t merely remove – Verses 12-14: clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, love. God never leaves a vacuum. Fuel for Ongoing Spiritual Growth • Identity shift: “You have put on the new self” (v. 10). Growth flows from who you already are in Christ, not from self-rehabilitation. • Daily renewal: The new self “is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” The gospel keeps re-shaping thoughts, desires, habits. • Corporate encouragement: We “lived among them” in sin, but now we live in the body of Christ. Community discipleship strengthens perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). Other Scriptures that Echo the Call • Romans 6:4 – “We too walk in newness of life.” • 1 Peter 4:3-4 – “For you have spent enough time… doing what pagans choose to do.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Ephesians 4:22-24 – “Put off your former way of life… put on the new self.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Keep a short account with God. Regular confession aligns your walk with your standing. • Memorize verses that describe both the old life and the new; let Scripture re-train reflexes. • Celebrate testimonies—your own and others’. They remind you how far grace has brought you. • Serve where sin used to dominate. Former greed can become generosity; past impurity can blossom into self-giving love. • Expect the Spirit’s power. The same Lord who drew the line between “used to” and “now” supplies everything needed for continued growth (Philippians 2:13). |
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