In writing to the Colossians, Paul uses a metaphoric word, which is very bold, to describe permanently discontinuing certain behaviors because they have been “raised with Christ” and Christ is now their life. Paul uses the word “dead” to emphasize the seriousness and importance of ceasing to practice certain behaviors (Colossians 3:5-7).
When something is “dead,” it is no longer alive or exists. When referencing an activity as being “dead,” we are saying it is no longer being practiced. Paul mentions five activities Christians are to no longer practice and thereby avoid “the wrath of God.”
It is interesting to point out that Paul says the Colossians at one time “walked” in them, “when [they] were living in them.” Paul is acknowledging that the Colossians were no longer practicing these behaviors, and neither should a Christian today.
All five of these behaviors, mentioned by Paul, deal with selfish desires. Immorality is a very broad term that describes having sexual activity outside of a marriage between a man and a woman, including many different forms of sexual intercourse with a wide variety of “partners.”
Impurity is a very lustful, licentious, unprincipled lifestyle as it relates to sexual matters, which are usually short in duration. God considers them morally wrong.
The word passion indicates an emotion that is strong and hardly ever controlled. Usually, it is used to indicate that something is morally corrupt or wicked. Closely associated with this word is the phrase “evil desires,” and very possibly, based upon the context, is referring to the sexual feelings which are forbidden by God.
The final word Paul mentions is greed. Again, this is a selfish and intense emotion or desire possessed by a person. It can be applied to various things. However, the reason a Christian must consider it as dead in their life is because it amounts to idolatry; the making of the item as a “god” in their life. Whatever this item is, it becomes the most important thing in their life; something highly admired and adored to the point it consumes a person’s very being. It is a top priority in their life.
Paul states that from God’s perspective, those who practice such things are considered “sons of disobedience.” They are people who are stubbornly in opposition to the will of God; they will not change.
However, a person can change if they so desire, as evidenced by the Christians in Colossae. Again, Paul states God’s perspective, God expects people to change. If they are going to be “raised with Christ,” then this “new self” must be manifested in their life. Considering these behaviors as dead in our lives will demonstrate that we are living God’s way.
Carlton G. McPeak (carlton_mc@msn.com)
is an evangelist working in the Florida Gateway region.
Scriptural quotations from the NASB.