In Colossians 3:5-10, we are called to put to death the earthly aspects of our nature, such as sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. These are the things that once defined our lives, but now, as followers of Christ, we are to put them all away. This passage challenges us to examine the connection between these sins and others like anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk. The shift from one list to another highlights a deeper issue: the cravings and desires that, when unmet, lead to negative emotional responses.
The Apostle Paul urges us to put away these behaviors, not just by putting them to death but by removing them like an old garment. This imagery of taking off the old self and putting on the new self is powerful. It suggests a transformation that goes beyond mere behavior modification; it is about a change in identity. The old self, marked by anger and malice, must be stripped away, and the new self, characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, must be embraced.
The connection between the two lists of sins is profound. When our desires are not fulfilled, we often respond with anger and wrath, which can escalate into malice and slander. This progression reveals a heart that is more focused on what it lacks than on what it has. Paul contrasts this with a spirit of thankfulness, urging us to be grateful for what we have rather than bitter about what we don't.
Ultimately, this passage calls us to a radical transformation. It is not enough to simply stop doing wrong; we must actively put on the virtues of the new self. This transformation is a work of God in us, a miracle that we must continually seek through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
- 1. The call to put to death earthly desires is a call to transformation, not just behavior modification. It requires a change in identity, where the old self is stripped away, and the new self is embraced. [01:19]
- 2. The connection between unmet desires and negative emotional responses highlights the importance of gratitude. When we focus on what we lack, we become angry and bitter, but when we focus on what we have, we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. [06:28]
- 3. The imagery of taking off the old self and putting on the new self is a powerful reminder of the transformation that God desires in us. It is a call to actively pursue the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. [07:56]
- 4. The progression from anger to wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk reveals the destructive power of unchecked desires. It challenges us to examine our hearts and to seek God's help in transforming our desires. [11:29]
- 5. The transformation that Paul describes is a work of God in us, a miracle that we must continually seek through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. [12:47]
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Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction to Colossians 3:5-10
- [00:33] - The Call to Put to Death Earthly Desires
- [01:07] - Connection Between Sinful Lists
- [01:56] - Walking and Living in Sin
- [02:46] - The Shift from Past to Present
- [03:08] - Understanding the New List
- [04:51] - Cravings and Emotional Responses
- [05:57] - The Role of Thankfulness
- [07:06] - Imagery of Putting Away
- [08:26] - Patterns in Paul's Lists
- [09:44] - Differences Between Anger and Wrath
- [11:08] - Progression of Negative Emotions
- [12:28] - Putting Off the Old Self
- [12:47] - Conclusion and Next Steps