The Death of Proper Things
5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them.
Colossians 3:5-7 (CSB)
Paul encourages believers to put their sinful, fleshly nature to death and to undergo transformation through the Lord. He recognizes that this journey involves ongoing struggle with sin, referencing his own experience of doing what he doesn’t want to do and failing to do what he desires. Despite this, Paul urges believers to continuously fight to eliminate this sinful nature and fully accept the new identity found in Jesus. The passage serves as a reminder that we are called to actively abandon our old ways and embrace the new life empowered by the Lord.
Abandon Fleshly Desires. The apostle Paul lists activities that exemplify the ways of the flesh. Although not exhaustive, these examples highlight actions and intentions that stem from a sin-driven self. Paul shares this list to help believers recognize these tendencies within themselves. The goal is to identify and forsake them, putting them to death. This removal is grounded in the believer's new life in Christ and the desire to live for Jesus.
Turn Away From God’s Wrath. Paul urges believers to recognize and eradicate sin from their lives, as a life dominated by sin invites God's wrath. He describes sinners as living in disobedience, with God's wrath serving as their divine punishment. For those who do not know the Lord, this punishment is eternal separation in Hell, a place of torment and ongoing divine wrath. Paul aims for people to understand the reality of God’s wrath so they will forsake it and seek a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
Leave the Old Self. Paul reminds the Colossians that before their relationship with Christ, their lives were defined by fleshly actions. He emphasizes the importance for believers to shed their old self and embrace their new, full self in Christ. Paul urges us to remember our life without Christ, as this awareness strengthens our love for our life in Him.
QUESTIONS
What actions and attitudes in your life reflect the old self instead of the new self? What action should you take to deal with these issues and seek to become identified by Christ and the new self?
Why must we not ignore the truth of God’s wrath?
