“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”– Colossians 3:5 (KJV)
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”– Colossians 3:5 (NLT)
“And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it—and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That’s a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God.”– Colossians 3:5 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 3:5 Mean?
Colossians 3:5 carries a powerful message that speaks about the importance of our actions and choices as believers. When we read this verse, we discover a call to spiritual discipline that is quite significant. It urges us to put to death the sinful behaviors and desires that can dwell within us. The Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter to the Colossians, emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we must actively choose to turn away from the things that separate us from God.
This call to action begins with a challenge—a challenge to “mortify” our members, meaning that we are to take drastic action against our sinful nature. The term “members” here refers to our earthly nature, including our bodies and the desires that can lead us astray. Paul lists several specific sins. These not only include sexual immorality and lust but also covetousness and greed, pointing out that these attitudes and actions are akin to idolatry. When we focus on earthly desires, we place those desires above our relationship with God. Hence, the act of putting these things to death is not just about abstaining from certain actions, but also about prioritizing our bond with God above all else.
Colossians 3:5 Explanation and Commentary
As we dig deeper into Colossians 3:5, it’s important to recognize the broader context in which Paul is writing. The entire third chapter of Colossians is about putting on the new self in Christ. Here, we are not merely being told what to avoid; we are also being invited into a transformative journey. This puts a significant emphasis on our identity in Christ. By reminding ourselves of who we are in God—children of the King—we can gain the strength needed to resist temptation.
When Paul instructs us to “put to death” our earthly nature, he isn’t suggesting that we can achieve this through our own might. Instead, he points us to our reliance on Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. This means spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and surrounding ourselves with a community of faith that supports our spiritual growth. We can think of it as a plant that requires sunlight, water, and nourishment to grow. Likewise, our spiritual lives likewise need this nurture to thrive and resist the destructive choices that can lead us away from God’s grace.
The passage expresses that we do not have to be defined by our mistakes or our past. We are invited to experience newness through Jesus Christ. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey where we learn to recognize and fight off the temptations presented to us by the world. Each time we resist these temptations, we exercise our faith and grow stronger in our walk with God.
As Paul indicates, being covetous is akin to idolatry, showcasing a tendency that reflects longing for earthly things rather than heavenly rewards. This distinction holds immense importance in our Christian journey. We should assess our values and priorities. Are they aligned with what glorifies God? Or do they passively draw us toward the mundane, less meaningful aspects of life? We are encouraged to reflect on what truly satisfies our souls, which ultimately can only be found in Christ.
Context of Colossians 3:5
Understanding the context of this passage is crucial for grasping its full meaning. Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians to address specific heresies that were threatening the church. These included false teachings that undervalued Christ’s supremacy and elevated human traditions or philosophies. In light of such challenges, Paul positions the new life believers have in Christ above all these distractions.
Colossians 3 emphasizes the distinction between living according to worldly values and living a life that reflects Christ’s character. Besides the focus on personal transformation, Paul also emphasizes the importance of community, mutual encouragement, and accountability in our spiritual journey. The call to “put to death” our old ways is both personal and communal, suggesting that we are part of a body of believers who are all striving for the same goal.
This call is still relevant in today’s context. It’s easy for us to become entangled in what the world offers, whether it’s through media, peers, or materialism. However, as we engage with this passage, we understand that our commitment to holiness and righteousness matters. It is a collective aspiration of the church body—helping each other stay focused on Christ and encouraging one another when we stumble.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 3:5
Let’s take a closer look at the key phrases within Colossians 3:5 that draw out the richness in understanding this verse. The first instruction to “mortify” suggests an intense action. This is not merely a suggestion; it is a command that underscores urgency in dealing with our sinful inclinations.
When we reflect on the specific sins Paul mentions— fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness—we start to see a broader template of things that can lead us astray. These behaviors reflect a focus on self-centered desires over our commitment to God. Through this lens, we can ask ourselves questions: Are there areas in our lives where we are allowing earthly desires to overshadow our relationship with God? This self-examination is essential for personal growth.
While it is not easy to confront these issues, it is necessary. This task can be likened to cleaning out a cluttered space. It takes effort and sometimes the decision to let go of things that seem comfortable but are ultimately harmful. Keeping a heart open to God’s prompting through the Holy Spirit enables us to cleanse ourselves of these distractions.
Paul also addresses the idea of idolatry. In modern terms, we might think of idolatry as something ancient, but it remains a significant issue today. Jesus mentioned in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve both God and wealth. If we allow materialism to take precedence, we start to idolize these things. Imposing this truth upon our hearts can be challenging, yet it’s essential to evaluate where we might be placing our trust, reliance, and hope.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 3:5
This passage teaches us essential lessons about our spiritual journey. The first lesson is about awareness of our choices. We should evaluate how they line up with God’s word and character. This self-awareness positions us to make choices that are more aligned with our identity as children of God. Each moment of temptation offers us a chance for growth and deeper reliance on Jesus.
Another lesson is the importance of community. We often need friends within the church to help us in accountability and encouragement. Having people around us who understand our spiritual commitment can inspire us to seek holiness and to support us when we feel weak. We should be open about our struggles, knowing that we’re all on this journey together.
In addition, there’s a call for continual effort. This is not a one-time act but an ongoing journey of transformation. Each day presents opportunities and decisions that either bring us closer to God or lead us astray. As we immerse ourselves in prayer and study, we equip ourselves to recognize and resist temptation.
Lastly, one of the biggest takeaways from Colossians 3:5 is the reminder of the hope that is found in transformation. While the task ahead may appear daunting, we can rest in the assurance that God walks alongside us every step of the way. He is faithful to finish the work He has started in us, transforming us into His image. Through Christ, we can overcome the chains of sin and live a victorious life.
Final Thoughts
Colossians 3:5 serves as a powerful reminder of the proactive stance we must take as believers. We are called to live out our faith authentically, turning away from behaviors that do not honor God. By recognizing the call to address our earthly urges, we engage in a significant work of transformation within ourselves.
As we embark on this journey together, let us commit to supporting one another in our quest to devote our lives fully to Christ. The power lies in our intentional choice to align our lives with God’s will. Let’s encourage each other to seek the things above and embrace the abundant life that God desires for each of us.
If you’re interested in learning more about overcoming personal challenges in your faith journey, check out 1 Corinthians 13:13. Let’s keep the conversations going and grow together in faith!