How does understanding Colossians 3:5 impact our pursuit of holiness? The Call to Radical Holiness “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) Putting to Death the Earthly Nature • “Put to death” is uncompromising. Sin is not managed or negotiated; it is executed. • Each listed sin strikes at God-given gifts—sexuality, desires, possessions—twisting them into idolatry. • The verb is present imperative: an ongoing, conscious choice. Why Mortification Matters • Hebrews 12:14—“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” Mortification keeps that pursuit alive. • Romans 8:13—“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Life and death hinge on this battle. • 1 Peter 1:15-16—“Be holy, for I am holy.” God’s character becomes the believer’s standard, not cultural norms. Practical Steps toward Holiness 1. Identify the earthly components. Name the sin as Scripture names it. 2. Starve what feeds it. • Pornography, flirtatious media, covetous scrolling—cut them off (Matthew 5:29-30). 3. Replace, don’t merely remove. • Fill the mind with things above (Colossians 3:2). • Cultivate generosity to dethrone greed (Acts 20:35). 4. Seek accountable fellowship. • “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). Isolation breeds defeat. 5. Keep short accounts with God. • Immediate confession (1 John 1:9) prevents calloused hearts. Power for the Fight • Union with Christ—“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). You fight from victory, not for it. • Indwelling Spirit—Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Word saturation—Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” The Eternal Perspective • Colossians 3:4 promises appearing with Christ in glory. Every act of mortification now is investment in everlasting joy then. • 2 Corinthians 5:9—“So we make it our goal to please Him.” Holiness today aligns us with the pleasure of our coming King. |
    |