Colossians 3:5-6 is about the importance of putting to death earthly desires, such as sexual immorality and greed, which are considered idolatry in the eyes of God and can lead to his righteous judgment.
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.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:5-6
In Colossians chapter 3, we find a scene set in a small, dimly lit room in the city of Colossae. The room is filled with a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life. Among them are new believers who have recently accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, as well as seasoned followers of the faith who have been instrumental in guiding and teaching the younger members.
The group has gathered for a bible study session led by the apostle Paul, who is visiting Colossae to provide further instruction and encouragement to the growing community of believers. As they sit on simple wooden benches and cushions scattered across the floor, the flickering light of oil lamps casts a warm glow on their faces, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and reverence.
Paul, with his weathered face and kind eyes, begins to speak passionately about the importance of putting to death earthly desires and sinful behaviors, urging the group to set their minds on things above. As he expounds on the transformative power of Christ’s love and the need to live in obedience to God’s will, the room is filled with a sense of awe and conviction, as each individual contemplates their own journey of faith and commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly.
What is Colossians 3:5-6 about?
The message in this verse, “Put to death earthly desires,” is clear and powerful. It urges us to let go of our materialistic and superficial desires that often distract us from our spiritual growth and connection with God. We may lose sight of our ultimate purpose and forget to focus on what truly matters in the eyes of God by prioritizing our earthly desires. It calls for introspection and self-discipline to overcome the temptations and distractions that can lead us astray from living a life in alignment with our faith.
Furthermore, the mention of “God’s wrath comes to those who disobey” serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over obedience to God’s commands. It emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and virtuous life, following God’s teachings, and obeying His will to avoid facing the righteous anger of God. It prompts us to reflect on our actions and decisions, leading us to strive for a life guided by faith, righteousness, and obedience to God’s will. We can experience His grace and blessings in our lives by putting to death our earthly desires and focusing on pleasing God.
Understanding what Colossians 3:5-6 really means
Colossians 3:5-6, part of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, serves as a poignant reminder for believers to actively combat sinful tendencies that stem from their earthly nature. The call to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” is a stark directive, urging a complete abandonment of behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God’s standards. This language of decisiveness underscores the seriousness with which Paul addresses the issue of sin in the lives of believers, emphasizing the need for a radical departure from worldly temptations.
Paul’s specific enumeration of sins like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed as manifestations of the earthly nature serves to highlight the gravity of these transgressions. By pinpointing these vices, Paul draws attention to the insidious ways in which sinful inclinations can manifest in our lives, often masquerading as harmless indulgences or societal norms. The mention of greed as idolatry underscores the danger of allowing any desire to supplant God’s rightful place in our hearts, revealing the deceptive nature of sin and its ability to distort our priorities.
The warning that “because of these, the wrath of God is coming” serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin. In a culture that often downplays the reality of divine judgment, these words compel believers to confront the eternal ramifications of their choices. The urgency of this message lies in its call to action, prompting individuals to reevaluate their lifestyles and realign them with God’s will before it is too late.
In a contemporary context marked by moral relativism and shifting ethical standards, the timeless wisdom of Colossians 3:5-6 resonates with renewed relevance. These verses challenge us to resist the tide of cultural compromise and uphold the absolute truths delineated in Scripture. They invite introspection and a deliberate commitment to living lives that reflect the holiness and righteousness of God, even in the face of societal pressures or personal desires that run counter to His commands.
Consider the practical implications of these verses in your own life. Are there areas where earthly desires have taken precedence over spiritual growth and obedience to God’s Word? Reflect on the steps you can take to actively “put to death” these sinful inclinations, whether through accountability relationships, fervent prayer, or saturating your mind with the truths of Scripture. Remember that this transformation is not a one-time event but a continual process, facilitated by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit and sustained by daily surrender to God’s transformative work in your life.
By embracing the teachings of Colossians 3:5-6 with humility and resolve, we position ourselves to experience the abundant life that God desires for us. As we heed Paul’s exhortation to forsake the ways of the flesh and pursue holiness, we embark on a journey of spiritual growth and renewal that leads to a deeper intimacy with our Creator. May these verses serve as a beacon of truth and a catalyst for personal transformation in our ongoing pursuit of God’s perfect will.
How can we put to death earthly desires?
One way to put to death earthly desires is by seeking things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We can shift our priorities away from the temporary pleasures and temptations of this world by setting our minds on heavenly things and focusing on eternal rewards. Through prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers, we can cultivate a mindset that values spiritual growth and righteousness over sinful desires.
Additionally, we can actively choose to crucify our flesh and its sinful passions by daily surrendering our will to God’s will. This involves consistently repenting of our sins, seeking forgiveness, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us resist temptation and walk in obedience. We can experience transformation and freedom from the bondage of earthly desires by intentionally putting off our old self and putting on the new self created to be like God. Through faith in Christ and reliance on His power, we can overcome the pull of the flesh and live a life that honors and glorifies God.
Application
Think of your life as a house. If you don’t clear out the clutter, there’s no room for what’s truly valuable. Colossians 3:5-6 calls you to toss out the things that drag you down—immorality, greed, and other worldly cravings. Step up and clean house—make space for a life aligned with higher values. Isn’t it time to make room for what really matters?
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.