“Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”– Colossians 3:5
Colossians 3:5 Meaning
In this verse, Paul gives us a strong command to take action regarding our earthly desires. When he speaks about putting to death, it is a call to actively reject and remove those parts of us that do not reflect God’s character. It is essential for us to understand what is meant by “that which is earthly in you.” Paul lists several types of behaviors, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness, all of which can lead us away from a true relationship with God. To put it simply, these actions can harm not just ourselves but also our relationships with others and our ultimate connection with God.
This idea isn’t just about physical actions; it’s about our inner desires and motivations. We are called to take seriously the internal struggles that might lead us down the wrong path. By identifying these issues, we create room in our hearts for God’s Spirit to work and transform us into His likeness. Paul is urging us to recognize that when we allow these earthly traits to govern our lives, we create a barrier between ourselves and God’s infinite grace and blessings. This verse challenges us to examine what we value and prioritize in our lives.
Colossians 3:5 Commentary and Explanation
In the book of Colossians, Paul addresses a community dealing with misleading philosophies and teachings. The Christians in Colossae were becoming confused by contrasting beliefs that were creeping into their faith. Paul emphasizes the significance of focusing on Christ rather than the distractions of the world. In this specific verse, he summons us to intentionally eliminate the influences of sin in our lives. It is an act of mortifying our earthly urges, rather than letting them dictate our thoughts and behaviors. We need to evaluate what truly motivates us and examine the thoughts we entertain.
When we look at the list Paul gives—sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness—we see a pattern that points toward putting ourselves above God’s will. Each of us has faced moments where our impulses can guide our choices, leading to a distance from our faith. This is where accountability and community come into play. We are not isolated beings; we share our journeys with others who can encourage us and remind us of our commitment to live for Christ.
This command is not about deprecation or negative self-talk but rather about empowerment; we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to put away sin and pursue lives that reflect the light of Christ. It is essential to daily bring those desires before Jesus and allow Him to change our hearts. The act of putting to death the earthly is an ongoing process—one that requires active participation from us.
As we confront these internal struggles, we are also reminded that we are not alone. Christ already conquered sin. In Romans 6:6, Paul writes, “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with…” We carry the identity as children of God, which helps to fortify our resolve. It is important for us to remain in prayer and scripture, asking God to strengthen our resolve and to heal those parts of our hearts that are prone to earthly desires.
Context of Colossians 3:5
Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians while imprisoned; his words reflect a sense of urgency and importance. He sought to solidify their faith amid challenging circumstances. The church at Colossae was not the only community grappling with confusing teachings; this letter served as an encouragement to many early Christians facing similar trials. By addressing issues with definitive language, Paul equips the church with the tools they need to identify what was pulling them away from their faith.
In chapters preceding this verse, Paul encourages the believers by reminding them of their new identity in Christ. He instructs them to seek things above and to set their minds on heavenly rather than earthly matters (Colossians 3:1-2). His advice in 3:5 is a continuation of this theme, emphasizing that what we focus on determines how we live. The nature of the earthly Paul speaks of is intended to contrast sharply with the holiness and righteousness associated with our new life in Christ.
Recognizing the danger of idolatry, which often stems from a yearning for earthly desires, becomes imperative. These desires create a disordered longing for things other than God. In the context of a culture that valued materialism and permissiveness, Paul’s words offered a radical alternative—one that called for a new way of living rooted in Christ. We need to ask ourselves: What areas in our hearts are still clinging to earthly things? How do we practice our faith daily in ways that challenge worldly influences?
Paul’s warning is relevant today, guiding us to reflect on how our environment shapes our actions and beliefs. This context urges us to assess our actions continually and align them with our identity in Christ. We are called to walk in light, submitting our earthly desires in exchange for heavenly aspirations.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 3:5
As we explore this verse further, we can dissect its key components. The instruction to “put to death” suggests complete removal. It’s not enough to merely hide or ignore these earthly desires; we must actively eliminate them. This represents a significant spiritual discipline that requires our commitment. By shedding these traits, we rid ourselves of attachments that hinder our growth in faith.
Next, the behaviors listed provide clarity on what Paul considers to be detrimental. Sexual immorality encompasses not just physical acts but also the thoughts and temptations that lead to them. This serves as a reminder that purity starts in the mind. Paul’s call to avoid impurity extends beyond actions; it includes our exposure to media, conversations, and influences we engage with regularly.
Passion and evil desire refer to unchecked, intense emotions that can lead us astray. Harnessing our passions involves distinguishing between healthy desires that drive us to grow and those that solicit indulgence. Covetousness, which is equated to idolatry, signifies wanting what does not belong to us. This craving may lead to discontentment with what God has graciously provided.
Understanding these parts reminds us of the importance of being mindful about our desires. As we recognize our tendencies towards these behaviors, we learn to redirect our focus diligently. With every conscious decision to let go of what is earthly, we create space for God to fill our hearts with His goodness. This is a beautiful process of transformation where we learn that true joy arises from our relationship with God, not the pursuit of earthly things.
Lessons From Colossians 3:5
Each lesson we draw from Colossians 3:5 leads us to a higher understanding of our walk with Christ. Firstly, it emphasizes the necessity of being purposeful about our spiritual lives. We are not passive in our faith; we actively cultivate a relationship with God and eliminate what can take away from it. It invites us to reflect on our daily habits, decisions, and the influences we allow in our lives. Are we surrounding ourselves with positivity, or are we indulging in behaviors that draw us away from our faith?
Next, this verse challenges us to be aware of our inner desires. By scrutinizing our thoughts and values, we gracefully identify distractions that lead us astray. These moments of introspection allow us to grow closer to God and ensure that we align our hearts with His will. It is an ongoing journey, one where grace abounds despite our flaws and missteps. When we fall short, we can invoke God’s Spirit for help, knowing that our identity is secured in Christ.
The concept of idolatry, as highlighted by Paul, teaches us that anything we prioritize above God can become an idol. This serves as a wake-up call for us to reevaluate what we are truly worshiping. Are we investing time in worldly pursuits or allowing ourselves to grow devoted to God? Replacing earthly desires with the truth of God’s Word leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Lastly, we learn the importance of community and accountability. Engaging with others who share the same values encourages growth. We are accountable to one another, helping us remain firm in our commitment to living for Christ. Finding a supportive community enables us to share our struggles and victories as we intentionally put to death what does not honor God in our hearts.
Final Thoughts
Colossians 3:5 profoundly inspires us to take action regarding our inner struggles and desires. It is a call to reflect on our lives and make choices that align with our identity as children of God. As we examine the behaviors outlined in this verse, we should strive to rid ourselves of everything that pulls us away from Him. By putting to death those earthly aspects, we create room for our lives to be filled with His joy, purpose, and light.
As we grow through this transformation, we allow God to renew our minds and hearts. By inviting Him into our struggles, we open ourselves up to experience an incomparable change. We encourage one another in our quest to live authentically, impacting our world positively. Let this verse serve as a guide—a reminder to set our minds on things above and to lift each other in unity as we walk this journey of faith together. If you’re interested in more insights on related Bible verses, feel free to check out the discussion on Colossians 3:1 or explore bible verses about approaching God.