Meaning of Colossians 3:5

Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3:5 commands believers to actively and decisively put to death the sinful inclinations of their "earthly nature," which are deeply rooted in their pre-conversion identity and desires. This is not a passive wish but an active, ongoing process of mortification, akin to killing something to prevent it from reviving and exerting its influence. The list provided—sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed—represents a spectrum of sins stemming from an unrenewed mind and body, all of which are fundamentally opposed to the new life in Christ. The explicit connection of greed to idolatry is particularly striking, highlighting that any inordinate desire for earthly possessions or pleasures, when it supplants God as the ultimate object of devotion, becomes a form of worship directed towards the created rather than the Creator. This passage is part of a larger argument in Colossians where Paul contrasts the vain philosophies and elemental spirits of the world with the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ, urging believers to live in accordance with their new identity in Him, which has been resurrected with Christ.

Context and Background

Colossians 3:1-17 forms a cohesive section of the epistle, following Paul's theological exposition of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency in the preceding chapters. Having established that believers have died with Christ and been raised to new life (Colossians 2:12-13), Paul now shifts to the practical implications of this spiritual reality. The "new life" in Christ necessitates a corresponding change in behavior and mindset. The context is one of combating false teachings and ascetic practices that, while appearing spiritual, failed to address the root issues of sin and did not honor Christ. Therefore, Paul calls for a radical separation from the old way of life, characterized by sin, and an embrace of the new, Christ-centered existence.

Key Themes and Messages

• Mortification of Sin: The core command is to "put to death" (Greek: nekrosete) the desires and actions of the flesh. This implies a decisive, aggressive, and ongoing effort to suppress and eradicate sinful impulses.
• Earthly vs. Heavenly Mindset: The verse contrasts the "earthly nature" with the new identity in Christ, who is in heaven. This signals a shift in allegiance and focus from temporal, worldly desires to eternal, heavenly realities.
• Categorization of Sin: The specific sins listed represent different facets of fallen human nature:
  • Sexual Immorality (porneia): Encompasses all forms of illicit sexual activity.
  • Impurity (akatharsia): A broader term for uncleanness, moral defilement, and a lack of chastity.
  • Lust (pathos): Intense, uncontrolled passions and desires, often with a sexual connotation.
  • Evil Desires (epithymia kakē): Unholy cravings and appetites that lead to wrongdoing.
  • Greed (pleonexia): An insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others, and ultimately characterized as idolatry.
• Greed as Idolatry: This is a crucial point. When possessions, wealth, or status become the ultimate object of one's desire, eclipsing God, they are elevated to the status of a god. This signifies a reordering of worship and allegiance.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Colossians 3:5 lies in its call to active discipleship. It is not enough to merely acknowledge one's new identity in Christ; believers are called to live out that identity by actively resisting and overcoming the vestiges of their old sinful nature. This process requires:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing the specific ways these "earthly" desires manifest in one's life.
• Conscious Effort: Deliberately choosing to resist temptation and redirect desires towards God.
• Reliance on the Spirit: Understanding that this mortification is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live a new life (Galatians 5:16-25).
• Discipline: Cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, scripture meditation, and fellowship to strengthen one's resolve against sin.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse aligns with the overarching biblical theme of the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, the old self and the new self. From the Fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has been inclined towards sin. The Old Testament Law exposed sin but could not eradicate it. The New Testament, particularly through the work of Christ, provides the means for both forgiveness and transformation. Paul's teaching here is consistent with the call to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self" found in Ephesians 4:22-24, and the emphasis on living by the Spirit in Romans 8. The concept of putting sin to death is a necessary consequence of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection.

Analogies

• Weeding a Garden: Just as a gardener must actively and persistently pull weeds to allow the desired plants to flourish, believers must actively "weed out" sinful desires to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit.
• Fighting a Battle: The Christian life is often described as a spiritual warfare. "Putting to death" these sinful desires is akin to a soldier decisively defeating an enemy to secure victory and peace.
• Renovating a House: When renovating an old house, one must first tear down the dilapidated and harmful structures before building anew. Similarly, the old sinful habits must be dismantled before the new life in Christ can be fully established.

Relation to Other Verses

• Romans 8:13: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." This verse directly supports the idea of actively putting to death sinful actions through the power of the Spirit.
• Galatians 5:16-17: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." This passage elaborates on the ongoing conflict between the flesh and the Spirit.
• Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This parallels the command in Colossians with the imagery of shedding old clothes and donning new ones.
• 1 John 2:15-16: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but from the world." This highlights the worldly nature of the desires Paul is addressing and warns against their allure.