Bible Study from August 17, 2020 - Colossians 3:5-7

This portion of our Colossians study focuses on the battle we are in, in living our new life in Christ. Victory has already been won for us by Christ. As we heard last week in Colossians 3:1-4, we have been raised with Christ to a new life with Him. Our minds are now on things above, on Jesus and His love and His will for us and not on sinful things of this sinful world. We looked briefly at Romans 6:6,11,13-14. We are no longer slaves to sin, and sin does not have to control us and reign in us and have dominion over us. It is still a struggle, but we are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ.

Many Scriptures speak of this struggle, and the contrast between the old life and the new, in Christ. You can look at some in these in Romans 7:15-25, 8:12-13, Ephesians 4:17-19, Ephesians 5:1-12, Galatians 5:16-21, and Romans 13:12-14.

Many people in the ancient Greek/Roman world had very low morality and few moral standards. What we call child abuse was readily accepted. Homosexuality and breaking of marriage vows was common. The highest levels of society and the leaders were very wicked. Those who came from this culture into Christianity had struggles with following Christ in His high standards and morals. There were still the temptations from the devil, a very sinful world, and one’s own sinful nature, all still trying to pull people back to their old life.

There is hope and blessing in the new life with the Lord and His great strength for us; and Paul is encouraging people to stay in the struggle. Paul says in Colossians 3:5: Put to death what is earthly in you, part of the old sinful life. He gives lists of some things to battle against, with the Lord’s help. The first list focuses mostly on sexual immorality (a general term for any kind of sexual behavior that goes against the will of God) and the impure thoughts and evil desires that can lead one to immorality. Paul also mentions covetousness, a desire for things that are not ours, which can get out of control and become a kind of idolatry. Other passages referred to in our discussion include 1 Thessalonians 4:2-8, and especially verse 5; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Peter 4:2-3.

Paul also gives a warning about the wrath, the anger and judgment of God, coming for “sons of disobedience” and of unbelief. See also passages like Romans 1:18, John 3:17,18,36, and Ephesians 5:6.  Next week, we will look at more things to battle and try to get rid of from our life, and positive qualities that God can give us to help with our lives.

Remember that Christ has already won the ultimate victory for us, as we stay close to Him. We can ask Him for help with anything that is especially a weakness for us and a temptation to sin. We can try to avoid situations where we might be weak and more easily tempted. We can ask for forgiveness when we fail, as we sometimes will, as imperfect people. And we will find that trying to follow Him and His will is always better for us and for the people around us. These passages also help us to identify evil things that we need to watch out for even today, as we move into what some call a post-Christian culture and morality, very similar to much of pre-Christian culture we have been hearing about. The Lord’s blessings and strength to all.