Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Put to death, therefore,Union with Christ in His death and resurrection demands a decisive break with the sins that belonged to the former life. Believers do not make peace with sin or merely restrain it; they are called to treat it as an enemy condemned to die. Jesus likewise commanded radical action against whatever leads a person into sin (Matthew 5:29–30). The command follows Paul’s call to seek the things above, where Christ is seated, because a new life in Christ must produce a new pattern of conduct. Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die;… the components of your earthly nature: Fallen human nature remains a source of temptation in the present world, though it no longer holds rightful dominion over those who belong to Christ. Sin works through desires, habits, thoughts, and bodily actions, requiring continual resistance through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13). The old way of life must be laid aside as believers put on the new self, renewed according to the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:9–10). Rom 7:5 For when we lived according to the flesh, the sinful… sexual immorality, God created sexual union for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6). Sexual conduct outside that covenant violates His design and damages the holiness to which His people are called. In the pagan cities of the Roman Empire, immorality was often woven into public life and religious practice, yet the church was to display a distinctly holy life. 1Co 6:18-20 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin… impurity, Moral uncleanness includes inward corruption as well as outward conduct. Jesus taught that sinful acts arise from the human heart (Mark 7:20–23), making purity of thought, desire, and intention essential. Those redeemed by Christ are called to honor God with their bodies and to pursue holiness in every area of life. Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. lust, Uncontrolled passion turns God-given desires into masters that demand satisfaction apart from His will. Such desires entice the heart, give birth to sinful conduct, and lead toward death when allowed to rule (James 1:14–15). Christ’s people are called to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24). Mat 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman… evil desires, Sinful cravings extend beyond sexual temptation to every desire opposed to God’s character and commands. The Spirit reshapes the believer’s affections so that what is true, honorable, pure, and worthy of praise becomes the object of the mind and heart (Philippians 4:8). Sanctification involves not only refusing evil but learning to love what God loves. Rom 13:14 Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,… and greed, Covetousness seeks security, pleasure, or significance in possessions, wealth, and personal gain rather than in God. Israel’s tenth commandment forbade coveting because disordered desire often becomes the root of theft, dishonesty, oppression, and discontentment (Exodus 20:17). Jesus warned that life does not consist in an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Luk 12:15 And he said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves… which is idolatry. Greed gives created things the devotion, trust, and obedience that belong to God alone. It therefore competes with wholehearted worship and reveals a heart seeking another master. The death of sinful desire frees believers to serve the Lord Christ, whose kingdom and inheritance surpass every earthly treasure. Eph 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. Colossae An ancient city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where the recipients of this letter resided. The church in Colossae was a young Christian community facing various doctrinal challenges. 3. The Colossian Church The group of believers in Colossae to whom Paul addressed this letter, providing guidance and correction in their spiritual journey. Teaching Points Understanding Put to DeathThe Greek word used here, (nekrosate), implies a decisive and active effort to eradicate sinful behaviors. It is not a passive suggestion but a command to take serious action against sin. Identifying Idolatry Greed is equated with idolatry in this verse. This teaches us that anything we prioritize over God, including material desires, can become an idol in our lives. The Call to Holiness As believers, we are called to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ. This involves a conscious effort to reject our earthly nature and embrace spiritual virtues. The Role of the Holy Spirit While we are commanded to put to death sinful behaviors, it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can truly overcome these tendencies. Community Accountability Engaging with a community of believers can provide support and accountability as we strive to live according to God's standards. Bible Study Questions 1. What does it mean to "put to death" the components of your earthly nature, and how can you actively apply this in your daily life?2. How does understanding greed as idolatry change your perspective on material possessions and desires? 3. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome the sinful behaviors listed in Colossians 3:5? 4. How can the teachings in Romans 8:13 and Galatians 5:19-21 further illuminate the message of Colossians 3:5? 5. What practical steps can you take within your church community to encourage one another in living out the call to holiness described in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Romans 8:13This verse also speaks about putting to death the deeds of the body through the Spirit, emphasizing the need for spiritual transformation. Galatians 5:19-21 Lists the works of the flesh, similar to those mentioned in Colossians 3:5, and contrasts them with the fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:3-5 Warns against immorality, impurity, and greed, highlighting that such behaviors are not fitting for God's holy people. People Christians, Colossians, Paul, TimothyPlaces ColossaeTopics Affection, Amounts, Belongs, Bodies, Body, Concupiscence, Consider, Covetousness, Dead, Death, Depraved, Desire, Desires, Earthly, Earthward, Envy, Evil, Flesh, Form, Fornication, Gods, Greed, Idolatry, Immorality, Impurity, Inclinations, Inordinate, Lewdness, Lust, Members, Mortify, Nature, Passion, Passions, Sensual, Sexual, Strange, Unbridled, Unclean, Uncleanness, Unholy, Vile, Whatever, Whoredom, Worship, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes Colossians 3:5 2414 cross, centrality 5790 anger, divine 4030 world, behaviour in Library The Peace of GodBaltimore, U.S., 1874. Westminster Abbey. November 8, 1874. Colossians. iii 15. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." The peace of God. That is what the priest will invoke for you all, when you leave this abbey. Do you know what it is? Whether you do or not, let me tell you in a few words, what I seem to myself to have learned concerning that peace. What it is? how we can obtain it? and why so many do not obtain it, and are, therefore, not at peace? It is worth while to do so. For … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons May 5. "If Ye Then be Risen" (Col. Iii. 1). February 17. "Your Life is Hid" (Col. Iii. 3). May 18. "For Ye are Dead" (Col. Iii. 3). Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday. Risen with Christ The Christian Training of Children. Unity and Peace. Christ is All Christ is All Some General Uses. Cups Running Over What have I to do with Idols? Christ Our Life. Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ. Christ all and in All. But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils... "But Now do Ye Also," Saith He, "Put Down All... Epistle xxxiii. To Dominicus. How Servants and Masters are to be Admonished. How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished. Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of Man. Faith and Love Towards Christ. Links Colossians 3:5 NIVColossians 3:5 NLT Colossians 3:5 ESV Colossians 3:5 NASB Colossians 3:5 KJV Colossians 3:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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