Colossians 3:5-10 is about the need to put to death earthly desires and behaviors such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, and instead to clothe oneself with virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, reflecting the renewal in knowledge according to the image of the Creator.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:5-10
In Colossians chapter 3, the scene is set in a bustling marketplace in the ancient city of Colossae. The apostle Paul is addressing a group of early Christian believers who have gathered in a large open square surrounded by merchants selling their wares. The air is filled with the sounds of bargaining, the smell of spices, and the colorful sights of fabrics and pottery on display.
Among the crowd are men and women from various backgrounds, including Jews, Greeks, and Romans, who have come together to hear Paul’s teachings on living a life that is pleasing to God. As Paul speaks, he urges them to put to death their earthly desires and to rid themselves of anger, malice, and slander. He encourages them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, reminding them that they are now part of a new community where there is no distinction between Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.
The scene is a powerful reminder to the believers that their identity is now found in Christ, and they are called to live in a way that reflects this new reality. As they listen intently to Paul’s words, the message of love, unity, and transformation begins to take root in their hearts, inspiring them to live out their faith in a world that is often filled with division and discord.
What is Colossians 3:5-10 about?
This verse is encouraging us to let go of our worldly desires and behaviors, and instead, to embrace a new way of living in alignment with Christ. It calls for a transformation of the self, shedding old habits and attitudes that are driven by selfish desires, materialism, and worldly pursuits. We symbolically die to our old selves and are reborn in Christ by putting these things to death. This is a call to inner renewal and a transformation of the heart, mind, and spirit.
Imagine shedding off the heavy burdens of greed, envy, and selfishness, and instead, clothing yourself with qualities such as love, compassion, and humility. This transformation is not just superficial, but a deep, inner change that impacts how we think, act, and relate to others. We are invited to live a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God by letting go of earthly desires and embracing a new self in Christ – a life marked by selflessness, service, and love. It is a call to let go of what holds us back and to step into a new way of being grounded in our faith and relationship with Christ.
Understanding what Colossians 3:5-10 really means
In the letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul addresses the church in Colossae, aiming to combat false teachings and encourage believers to embody their faith in Christ. One striking directive in Colossians 3:5-10 is the call to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” This command urges believers to actively and decisively eliminate sinful behaviors and tendencies from their lives. Paul lists specific sins such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, equating greed with idolatry, emphasizing the severity of these transgressions.
Moreover, Paul reminds the Colossian believers of their past life before knowing Christ, highlighting the transformation that should occur after accepting Him. He expands the list of behaviors to be abandoned, focusing on interpersonal sins like anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language, which can harm relationships. The importance of honesty and integrity is underscored, reflecting the believers’ new identity in Christ. This transformation process is described as being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator, emphasizing ongoing spiritual growth and conformity to God’s likeness.
The relevance of this passage transcends time, as human nature’s inclination towards sin remains constant. In a society marked by moral relativism, these verses provide a clear standard for Christian conduct, guiding believers in navigating ethical dilemmas. The emphasis on transformation and renewal offers hope to those struggling with habitual sins, pointing to the possibility of change through Christ’s redemptive work.
Consider John, a man grappling with anger and dishonesty in his workplace. Upon embracing faith in Christ, he felt convicted by Colossians 3:5-10 and embarked on a journey to address these areas. Seeking accountability, diving into prayer and scripture, John’s intentional efforts led to a noticeable transformation in his behavior. His colleagues witnessed this change, sparking inquiries about his faith. John’s life became a living testimony to the renewing power of Christ, illustrating the impact of aligning with the teachings of Colossians.
In conclusion, Colossians 3:5-10 challenges believers to uphold a higher standard of living, showcasing the transformative influence of Christ in their lives. It prompts introspection, urging individuals to identify and eliminate sinful behaviors. By embracing this call to spiritual renewal, believers not only deepen their faith but also embody a compelling witness to others of the Gospel’s transformative power.
What thoughts and behaviors must we put to death?
We are called to put to death earthly things such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which are characteristic of a life separated from God. These behaviors are harmful to ourselves and others and only serve to keep us away from His presence. We are able to live a life that is pleasing to God and in alignment with His will for us by putting these behaviors to death. We are also called to put to death sinful thoughts and attitudes, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language, in addition to behaviors. These thoughts and attitudes are destructive and have no place in the life of a believer. We cultivate a heart that is filled with love, compassion, and kindness, reflecting the character of Christ to those around us by putting them to death.
Putting to death these sinful thoughts and behaviors is not a one-time event but a continual process that requires daily surrender to the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, repentance, and reliance on God’s strength, we can have victory over the sinful nature and walk in the new life that Christ has called us to live.
Application
Think of your life as a garden that needs constant tending. Are you allowing weeds of greed and idolatry to choke out the good plants? It’s time to uproot these distractions that pull you away from God’s love. Cultivate the fruits of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience instead. Transform your work, home, and relationships with these virtues. Are you ready to trim away what’s harmful and nurture what truly matters?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.