How does Colossians 3:6 connect with Ephesians 5:6 on God's wrath? The Context of Colossians 3:6 “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.” • “These” points back to the sins in verse 5—sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which Paul labels idolatry. • The verb “is coming” is present; God’s wrath is already on its way, not merely a distant threat. • “Sons of disobedience” identifies people whose settled identity is rebellion against God, not merely an occasional lapse. Parallel Warning in Ephesians 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.” • Same phrase, same subject: God’s wrath, same target: sons of disobedience. • Paul prefaces the line with a caution against deception, underscoring how society minimizes sin. • Both letters confront sexual sin and covetousness (Ephesians 5:3-5), showing Paul’s consistent burden for moral purity. Shared Meaning: One Message, Two Churches • Colossae and Ephesus were about 100 miles apart; the cultural pressures were similar—pagan immorality, religious pluralism, social acceptance of vice. • By repeating the identical wording, Paul anchors each congregation to the same unchanging truth about God’s character: He will judge sin. • The parallel teaches that God’s standards do not shift with geography or culture. What Provokes God’s Wrath? Texts Paul alludes to: – Romans 1:18 — “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.” – Romans 2:5 — “you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath.” – John 3:36 — “whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” Together they show: • Wrath is righteous, not impulsive. • Wrath is measured, stored up until the appointed day. • Wrath abides on those who refuse Christ. Certainty and Imminence • Present-tense “is coming” (Colossians 3:6) and “comes” (Ephesians 5:6) stress certainty. • Just as rainclouds on the horizon guarantee a storm, God’s wrath is moving toward its climax (Revelation 19:15). • Delay is mercy (2 Peter 3:9), not cancellation. Encouragement for Believers Colossians 3:7 reminds the church, “You also once walked in these ways.” • Past tense: sin no longer defines them. • Motivation: put to death what belongs to the earthly nature (3:5). Ephesians 5:8-10 echoes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Practical steps: – Guard against deception (Ephesians 5:6). – Expose unfruitful works (Ephesians 5:11). – Let the peace of Christ rule your hearts (Colossians 3:15). – Let the word of Christ dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). Hope in Christ Amid Wrath • 1 Thessalonians 1:10 — “Jesus… rescues us from the coming wrath.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:9 — “God has not appointed us to suffer wrath but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • The cross satisfied God’s righteous anger (Romans 3:25-26), so everyone who repents and believes is sheltered. Therefore, the sobering twin warnings of Colossians 3:6 and Ephesians 5:6 drive us to gratitude for grace and to holy living that reflects it. |
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