5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:5
In Colossians chapter 3, the scene is set in a small gathering of early Christians in the city of Colossae. The group consists of both Jews and Gentiles who have come together to study and learn from the teachings of the apostle Paul. The room they are in is simple, with wooden benches arranged in a circle, and a small table in the center holding scrolls of scripture.
Among those present are Phoebe, a prominent woman in the church who has been instrumental in organizing the study group, and Onesimus, a former slave who has recently converted to Christianity. They are joined by Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman who has opened her home for the gathering, and Titus, a young man eager to learn more about the faith.
As they sit together, discussing the importance of putting to death earthly desires and focusing on heavenly things, the room is filled with a sense of unity and purpose. The group is eager to grow in their faith and support one another in living out the teachings of Christ in their daily lives.
What is Colossians 3:5 about?
This verse is urging us to let go of our earthly desires that can lead us away from God and towards sinful actions. Temptation by things like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed can be easy in our daily lives. These desires can distract us from living a life of faith and righteousness, and can ultimately lead us astray from God’s will for us.
Think about it this way: when we hold on to these earthly desires, we are essentially prioritizing temporary pleasures over our spiritual well-being and relationship with God. We choose to align our hearts and minds with God’s teachings and values by putting to death these desires. It’s a call to let go of selfish impulses and instead pursue a life of holiness and righteousness.
So, as you reflect on this verse, ask yourself: what earthly desires am I holding onto that are hindering my relationship with God? How can I actively work towards letting go of these desires in order to live a more faithful and purposeful life? Let this verse be a reminder to prioritize your spiritual growth and align your desires with God’s will for you.
Understanding what Colossians 3:5 really means
To fully grasp the depth and implications of Colossians 3:5, we can break down the commentary into several structured parts: Context, Key Phrases, Cross-References, Relevance Today, and Personal Reflection.
Context
Colossians 3:5 is situated in a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae. Paul addresses the practical outworking of a believer’s new life in Christ. Prior to this verse, he emphasizes setting our minds on things above, not earthly things. This sets the stage for an exhortation to rid ourselves of sinful behaviors that are inconsistent with our new identity in Christ.
Key Phrases
The verse starts with a strong directive: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” This phrase underscores the seriousness with which Paul views the transformation process. Paul uses powerful language by saying “put to death” to indicate a complete and decisive break from past behaviors linked to the earthly or sinful nature. He then lists specific sins such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which he identifies as idolatry. Each of these elements represents ways in which our old self was enslaved to worldly desires rather than living in the freedom of Christ.
Cross-References
To enrich our understanding, we can look at other scriptures. Romans 8:13 states, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” This complements Colossians 3:5 by showing that the same principle of mortifying the flesh is a consistent teaching. Additionally, Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” These cross-references highlight the necessity of an active, ongoing process of spiritual discipline. Certain behaviors are still incredibly relevant to “put to death” in today’s world. The same sins mentioned by Paul—sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed—are pervasive in modern society. The media and culture often glorify these behaviors, making it challenging for believers to live distinctively. However, the call remains clear: we are to live differently because of our new identity in Christ.
Personal Reflection
One practical way to understand this is through an anecdote. Imagine a person who overcame a destructive habit, perhaps addiction. The transformation didn’t just involve stopping the behavior but also entailed changing their environment, relationships, and daily routines. Similarly, putting to death our earthly nature involves an all-encompassing change. It’s about making daily decisions that reflect our new life in Christ. Colossians 3:5 calls us to a radical transformation. It challenges us to critically examine our lives and make decisive actions against sinful behaviors. Reflecting on this verse encourages us to live a life that’s truly reflective of our identity in Christ, even in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction. How might you start putting to death aspects of your earthly nature today?
How can we put to death earthly desires?
We can put to death earthly desires by setting our minds on things above and not on earthly things. This means focusing on heavenly things such as righteousness, love, and holiness, rather than being consumed by worldly desires for material possessions, power, or pleasures. We can weaken the hold that earthly desires have on us by constantly directing our thoughts towards things of eternal value.
Additionally, we can put to death earthly desires by crucifying our flesh with its passions and desires. This involves deliberately choosing to deny our selfish desires and instead surrendering to the will of God. Through prayer, fasting, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can strengthen our spirit and weaken the power of our fleshly desires. We can overcome the temptations that lead us towards worldly ways by actively participating in spiritual disciplines and relying on the strength of the Lord. Ultimately, we must make a conscious effort to align our hearts and minds with the teachings of Christ in order to put to death earthly desires. We can train ourselves to discern between what is of God and what is of the world by immersing ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Through the power of Christ working within us, we can gradually diminish the influence of earthly desires in our lives and instead pursue a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
Application
Every day, we face choices that test our values—like deciding whether to follow shortcuts at work or compromise quality time with family. Colossians 3:5 urges us to eliminate greed, impurity, and lust from our lives. It’s a call to push aside these distractions and make room for genuine love and righteousness. Are you ready to clear out the clutter and walk a path that truly reflects your best self?
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.