What is the meaning of Colossians 3:8? But now The Holy Spirit draws a clear line between the old life and the new. “But now” signals the present moment for believers—no delay, no excuses. Because we have been “made alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5) and are “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17), yesterday’s habits no longer fit. Peter echoes this shift: “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people” (1 Peter 2:10). The gospel changes the timetable from “someday” to “right now.” You must put aside Paul pictures changing clothes. Like a soiled garment, these attitudes must be taken off and thrown far away. Romans 13:12 urges, “Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Hebrews 12:1 adds, “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles.” This is an intentional, daily choice: • Identify the sin as sin. • Reject it decisively. • Replace it with Christ-like traits (see Colossians 3:12). All such things as these The list that follows is not optional or partial; everything in the bundle goes. Jesus taught that evil actions flow from the heart (Mark 7:20-23), so every root must be pulled. Galatians 5:19-21 catalogs similar “works of the flesh,” and 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds us, “That is what some of you were. But you were washed.” Comprehensive cleansing is in view. Anger Lingering, smoldering hostility contradicts Christ’s peace. James 1:20 warns, “Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” Even “righteous indignation” is risky, because Ephesians 4:26-27 cautions that unresolved anger “gives the devil a foothold.” Quick confession and reconciliation protect the heart. Rage Rage is anger unchained—outbursts that scorch relationships. Proverbs 29:22 observes, “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.” Paul links rage to bitterness and instructs believers to “get rid of” it (Ephesians 4:31). Temper surrendered to Christ becomes patience. Malice Malice schemes to harm. Titus 3:3 recalls pre-conversion days “living in malice and envy.” In Christ we exchange ill-will for goodwill, just as 1 Peter 2:1 urges: “Rid yourselves of all malice.” Practical steps: pray for those we resent, bless instead of curse, and seek their good. Slander Slander assassinates reputations. James 4:11 says, “Do not slander one another, brothers.” Psalm 101:5 shows God’s stance: “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy.” When conversation turns toxic, we can redirect, defend the absent, or politely exit. Filthy language from your lips Coarse, crude, or cutting words clash with a redeemed mouth. Ephesians 4:29 commands, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful.” Paul singles out obscenity, foolish talk, and crude joking in Ephesians 5:4. Instead, tongues trained by grace speak truth, kindness, and praise. summary Colossians 3:8 draws a hard stop between who we were and who we are. Right now, believers are to strip off anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy speech—every expression of the old self. Empowered by the risen Christ, we replace destructive attitudes and words with love, purity, and edifying conversation, shining the difference Jesus makes. |
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