Put to death therefore what is earthly in you. – Colossians 3:5a
Click to read passage
In this passage, Paul gives a very strong command to believers: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (v.5). He goes on to list sins such as sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, greed, anger, slander, and filthy talk.
Paul’s strong language reminds us that sin is not something to be treated lightly. Very often, we try to manage sin, excuse sin, or tolerate “small sins” in our lives. We may think that anger, harsh speech, lustful thoughts, or greed are normal struggles that everyone faces. Yet Paul tells believers to “put them all away” (v.8). As followers of Christ, we are called not to make peace with sin, but to fight against it seriously.
Why? Because in Christ, we are no longer who we once were. Earlier in Colossians 3, Paul reminds believers that they have died and been raised with Christ. The old sinful life no longer defines us. Therefore, Christians are called to put off the old self and live according to the new life Christ has given us.
At the same time, this passage also reminds us that sanctification is an ongoing process. None of us changes overnight. We still struggle with sinful thoughts, desires, attitudes, and speech. But by God’s grace and through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are being renewed day by day to become more like Christ.
Today, let us not ignore areas of sin in our lives. Instead, may we humbly bring them before the Lord, repent sincerely, and ask Him to help us put away the old self and grow in holiness.
Reflection Questions:
Are there any sinful attitudes, desires, or habits that I have been tolerating instead of putting to death? How does remembering my new identity in Christ encourage me to pursue holiness?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You that in Christ I have been made new. Forgive me for the ways I continue to hold on to sinful attitudes and desires. Help me not to tolerate sin, but to put it to death by Your strength. Renew my heart and mind day by day, so that my words, thoughts, and actions may become more like Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
In this passage, Paul gives a very strong command to believers: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (v.5). He goes on to list sins such as sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, greed, anger, slander, and filthy talk.
Paul’s strong language reminds us that sin is not something to be treated lightly. Very often, we try to manage sin, excuse sin, or tolerate “small sins” in our lives. We may think that anger, harsh speech, lustful thoughts, or greed are normal struggles that everyone faces. Yet Paul tells believers to “put them all away” (v.8). As followers of Christ, we are called not to make peace with sin, but to fight against it seriously.
Why? Because in Christ, we are no longer who we once were. Earlier in Colossians 3, Paul reminds believers that they have died and been raised with Christ. The old sinful life no longer defines us. Therefore, Christians are called to put off the old self and live according to the new life Christ has given us.
At the same time, this passage also reminds us that sanctification is an ongoing process. None of us changes overnight. We still struggle with sinful thoughts, desires, attitudes, and speech. But by God’s grace and through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are being renewed day by day to become more like Christ.
Today, let us not ignore areas of sin in our lives. Instead, may we humbly bring them before the Lord, repent sincerely, and ask Him to help us put away the old self and grow in holiness.
Reflection Questions:
Are there any sinful attitudes, desires, or habits that I have been tolerating instead of putting to death? How does remembering my new identity in Christ encourage me to pursue holiness?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You that in Christ I have been made new. Forgive me for the ways I continue to hold on to sinful attitudes and desires. Help me not to tolerate sin, but to put it to death by Your strength. Renew my heart and mind day by day, so that my words, thoughts, and actions may become more like Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.