Colossians 3:5-11 is about the importance of putting to death sinful desires and behaviors, and embracing a new way of living in Christ characterized by unity, love, and renewal of the image of God in believers.
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.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:5-11
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 together in a large open area surrounded by merchants selling their goods. The air is filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, the chatter of people bartering, and the occasional bleating of livestock.
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 in accordance with the teachings of Christ. The diverse group is a reflection of the multicultural nature of the city, with people of different social statuses and occupations mingling together.
As Paul speaks, he emphasizes the importance of putting to death earthly desires and sinful behaviors, urging the listeners to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He reminds them that in Christ, 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 of the transformative power of the gospel in bringing people from all walks of life together in unity and love.
What is Colossians 3:5-11 about?
This verse reminds us to let go of our earthly desires that can lead us astray from righteousness and instead embrace virtues that reflect the love and compassion of Christ. We make space in our hearts for virtues that nurture the soul and benefit others by putting to death our worldly cravings for material possessions, power, and selfish ambitions.
When we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love, we embody the essence of Christ’s teachings and strive to live in harmony with His will. These virtues not only guide our interactions with others but also transform our inner being, shaping us into instruments of God’s love and peace in the world. Let us reflect on this verse and ponder how we can let go of earthly desires and embrace virtues that mirror the grace of God. How can we cultivate more compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love in our daily lives? How can embodying these virtues bring us closer to living out God’s purpose for us and spreading His light to those around us? Let us strive to put our earthly desires to death and clothe ourselves with the virtues that lead us on the path to righteousness and fulfillment in Christ.
Understanding what Colossians 3:5-11 really means
Colossians 3:5-11, penned by the Apostle Paul, serves as a poignant call to believers to shed their former sinful nature and embrace the new life found in Christ. This passage is a vital component of Paul’s teachings on living a life centered on Christ, emphasizing the profound change that occurs when one is united with Him. The phrase “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” demands a resolute and radical rejection of sinful behaviors and mindsets, signifying a complete departure from a life characterized by sin. It urges believers to take decisive action in breaking away from their past patterns of sinfulness.
Paul’s reminder that believers once walked in ways of the old life underscores the stark contrast between their former manner of living and the transformative power of their newfound identity in Christ. The absence of distinctions such as Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free in Christ highlights the unity and equality shared by all who believe, transcending societal and cultural barriers. This unity in Christ emphasizes the universal brotherhood and oneness that believers experience, irrespective of their backgrounds or social status.
Drawing parallels with other biblical passages such as Romans 6:6 and Ephesians 4:22-24 reinforces the theme of crucifying the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. These passages echo the call to shed the former self, corrupted by sin, and to be renewed in the likeness of God, embodying true righteousness and holiness. The relevance of putting to death our earthly nature remains as crucial today as it was in Paul’s time, serving as a reminder for believers to align their lives with their identity in Christ amidst a world fraught with temptations and distractions.
In today’s diverse and often divided society, the message of unity and equality in Christ challenges believers to view one another through the lens of brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ, fostering harmony and understanding across societal divides. Consider the story of John, who grappled with anger and bitterness until his encounter with Christ led to a profound transformation. Through prayer, Scripture, and community support, John experienced a metamorphosis, letting go of his old ways and embracing a life marked by forgiveness, peace, and love. His personal journey exemplifies the power of Christ to bring about radical change and reconciliation in individual lives and relationships.
In conclusion, Colossians 3:5-11 stands as a compelling testament to the life-altering impact of the Gospel. It beckons believers to relinquish their former ways and embrace the new identity found in Christ, fostering unity, love, and transformation. By internalizing these truths and applying them to our lives, we can partake in the abundant life that God intends for each of us, embodying the unity and love that characterize the body of Christ.
How can we constantly put to death our earthly desires?
To constantly put to death our earthly desires means to actively choose to deny and reject our sinful thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes that are rooted in our human nature. This process involves a continual awareness of our tendencies towards greed, lust, anger, and other worldly passions, and making a deliberate effort to resist and overcome them. We can gradually grow in spiritual maturity and become more like Him by seeking to align our hearts and minds with the teachings of Christ.
Putting to death our earthly desires also involves a transformation of our inner selves through the power of the Holy Spirit. This process requires a daily surrender of our will to God and a consistent pursuit of His wisdom and guidance. We can cultivate a mindset that is focused on eternal values rather than temporary pleasures as we immerse ourselves in prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. We can experience true freedom from the grip of sin and find fulfillment in living according to His righteous ways by walking in obedience to God and allowing His grace to work in us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus and embracing His sacrificial love and grace is ultimately the key to putting to death our earthly desires. His example of humility, service, and selflessness inspires us to let go of our selfish ambitions and seek to honor God in all aspects of our lives as we meditate. We can experience a profound inner transformation that enables us to live abundantly and victoriously in Him by allowing the Spirit to renew our minds and conform us to the image of Christ.
Application
Life can feel like a demanding boss or a busy home, but consider the blueprint laid out by Colossians 3:5-11. Toss out the toxic habits like you would outdated office memos and instead, wear virtues like your favorite outfit—kindness, humility, and patience. Shed the bitterness and gossip as you would unwanted junk mail. Step into forgiveness and love as though you’re joining a tight-knit team. Are you ready to rewire your life according to this timeless guide?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.