January 8, 2025
Praying Friends,
In Colossians 3, Paul gives effective, down-to-earth instruction for victorious Christian living, which means living under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Many positive traits should mark believers in Jesus. Some are highlighted in this chapter, but as Paul progresses through his teaching, he first deals with a more solemn consideration. The opposite side of the coin, as it were.
Colossians 3:5-9 (NIV):
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.
Firstly, he tells us that certain negative, sinful behaviors need to be put to death.
We have already learned that in the eyes of God we have died. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). It is now our responsibility, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to live in that reality.
“To put to death” is a euphemism for eliminating what is evil inside us. When we literally think of putting someone to death, we think of murder, of killing, or of executing. It is a strong image, and this is why God uses it. He wants us to know how serious sin is and what we must do to control it.
The story of 66-year-old Norman Buwalda serves as a good illustration. He was the chairman of the Canadian Exotic Animal Owners Association. He also owned a number of wild animals, including a 660-pound Siberian tiger.
Buwalda fought with neighbors over the right to own wild animals and won, but the day he went into the cage with his Siberian tiger, he didn’t win. It was feeding time for the tiger, and I guess Buwalda looked more tasty to the tiger than the food he had brought. Buwalda thought that feeding the 660-pound tiger was like feeding a little kitty cat.
NOT SO! The animal was wild and strong with instincts to kill.
The fact is you can’t expect to be in the same space with a tiger and survive. It is more powerful than you and will end up tearing you to shreds, as Norman Buwalda found out.
Sin is like a ferocious tiger. You can’t just eliminate part of it.
The raging beast of sin must be put to death or else it will dominate your life. You must control it, or it will control you!
The list that Paul provides is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the inward sinful passions that could very easily derail you. He starts with sexual passions, lusts, evil desires, and greed.
For some, it was the way they lived before salvation. A self-centered, selfish type of lifestyle that displaces Christ in one’s heart. It is so serious, that he says the wrath of God is coming because of these sins.
Secondly, he tells us that certain sins, like anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language, must be removed or put away. The imagery is that of removing a dirty, non-washable garment and throwing it in the garbage. He closes by telling us not to lie to each other.
How can we accomplish this? How do we put to death these sinful behaviors that mark a life of sin? How do we throw away these sinful tendencies that crop up so easily in our lives?
The admonitions earlier in the chapter are helpful to remember. Our hearts must be filled with Christ’s things and love for Him, and our minds must be focused on things that will advance His kingdom.
While this article has focused on the negative side of things, a life lived in love with Jesus and a mind focused on kingdom realities is very positive. This fills a good part of the remaining instructions.
Understanding our identity in Christ and our association with Christ will greatly increase our ability to say no to sin and yes to righteousness.
The enemy constantly whispers lies into our ear, and as we dig into the Word of God, we learn the truth. As we replace lies with truth, our faith will grow.
Each day is a new challenge to live for the honor of our God and Savior. We cannot do this alone. We need fresh help to continually lean upon His strength and live in the power of our God.
Thank you for praying for our prodigals and for revival.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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