What does "putting off the body of the flesh" mean for believers? The Text in View “In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, not performed by human hands.” (Colossians 2:11) Circumcision of Christ—What Happened at Conversion • A spiritual surgery, performed “not by human hands,” cut away the controlling power of the old, sin–ruled self. • This act happened “in Him,” meaning our union with Christ is the setting of the operation. • The result: a decisive break from the mastery of the flesh. Defining “Body of the Flesh” • “Body” points to the whole life–system we expressed before salvation. • “Flesh” refers to the fallen, self–centered nature inherited from Adam. • Together the phrase captures every thought, habit, outlook, and appetite that opposed God. What “Putting Off” Means—Key Ideas • Removal: the sinful nature was stripped away like a filthy garment. • Finality: the verb tense shows a completed past act with ongoing effect. • Liberation: believers are no longer obligated to obey the flesh (Romans 6:6). • Identity shift: the old self is no longer the truest description of who we are (Colossians 3:9-10). Supporting Passages That Echo the Truth • Romans 6:6 – “our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” • Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” • Ephesians 4:22-24 – “put off your old self… be renewed… put on the new self.” • Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature…” Daily Implications—Living Out the Reality • Reckon: consciously count the flesh dead and Christ’s life as the new power source. • Reject: say no to desires, words, or attitudes that belong to the old order. • Replace: fill the vacuum with Spirit-produced virtues (love, purity, truth). • Rely: lean on the Holy Spirit, who makes practical what Christ accomplished. Encouragement for the Journey • The flesh may shout, but its rule is broken; believers can walk in freedom. • Progress is not self-improvement but outworking a finished act of God. • Every step of obedience confirms the glorious truth: the body of the flesh has been put off in Christ. |
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