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Study: The Colossians EpistlePutting Off the Old ManColossians 3:5-9
IntroductionIt comes as no surprise to true Christians that we live in a sinful world. Why is it a sinful world? Because it is filled with wretched sinners. Sinners who love their sin; cherish their sin and who will do anything to protect and preserve their sinful desires and actions. Certainly, America is no exception. In fact, despite the claims of many that America is a Christian nation, America in many ways is the poster child of a fallen and sinful world. In fact, America is best described in:
Again, this is no surprise to true Christians. But, what may come as a surprise to many of us is this: the prevalence, and tolerance, of sin within the church. Even with true believers. Why? Why is sin prevalent within the church? Why is sin tolerated within the church? Answer: Because many Christians tolerate sin within their own individual life. How so? 1) They make excuses for their sin, 2) they shift the blame for their sin to others, 3) they rationalize their sin (i.e., minimize it) and/or 4) they ignore their sin altogether; in which case, the authenticity of one's salvation is in serious doubt. Should this be so? Let's see how Paul answers that question. 1. Two Commands to Slaughter Sin
Last week in verses 1-4, we studied Paul's commands that the Colossians (i.e., all Christians) be pilgrims in this fallen world. In other words, while Christians are not to pursue monastic withdrawal from this world, neither are we to participate in worldliness. Now, beginning here in v. 5, Paul's commands become even stronger. It is as if Paul is saying, "Not only set your mind on things above as opposed to things on the earth, but even more so, put to death any remnant of sin remaining in your flesh." Which brings us to our first subpoint. A. Put to Death Your Sin
First, why is it that Paul has to even give this command? Hasn't Paul already taught us that we have died with Jesus Christ (i.e., spiritually united into His death and resurrection)? As Paul puts it in Romans 6:6 (NKJV): knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. The answer to this question involves two aspects (viz., our position and our condition). Regarding our position, yes, all true believers have been crucified with Christ and as such, have died to the penalty of sin (i.e., we are absolutely complete in God's eyes through the Person and Work of Jesus Christ). Regarding our condition, yes, it is most certainly true that we are no longer slaves to sin (i.e., we have died to the power of sin whereby we can now say no to sin). However, our condition is not yet perfect, and as such, must be worked out in our practical daily living (viz., the process of sanctification). Hendriksen- "As long as believers are still living on earth, their condition and their state do not wholly coincide." So Paul issues the command: Therefore, Put to Death Your Members Which Are On the Earth- The Greek for "Put to death" is "nekroo" which literally means "kill" or "put to death." It is a violent metaphor which encompasses much pain and effort. One might render it, "Execute" or "Slaughter." As such, believers are to make a decisive resolution to put sin to death, bringing the flesh under subjection to the Spirit-filled new disposition. Don't pamper your sin. Don't tolerate your sin. Don't flirt with your sin. Don't rationalize your sin. Don't explain away your sin. Don't blame others for your sin. Don't ignore your sin. Slaughter it! Kill it! Murder it! Slay it! Execute it! Members (Vincent)- Refers to the physical members so far as they are employed in the act of sin. MacArthur- "Paul is calling for the elimination of everything in the believer's life that is contrary to godliness. Only then will the believer experience spiritual fullness as God intended." It is a conscious effort to slay the remaining sin in our flesh." However, it is a daily battle isn't it? The desire of the new inner man to live a life pleasing to God is held back by the old sinful flesh isn't it? In fact, what is the main difference from your old self and your new self? The battle against sin. Before, there was no true battle, no true struggle, against sin for the sole purpose of wanting to please and honor our Lord, was there? But now, there is a daily struggle, a war, isn't there? We see it in Paul's life in Romans 7:14-25. No battle in your life? See: 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV): Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.
In summary, we as heavenly citizens must cut all ties with the sinful patterns of our former self and its lifestyle. Lightfoot- "Kill everything that is mundane and carnal in your being." Now, we see the first of two lists of sins to slaughter. These lists include some of the most common and troubling sins Christians face; but these lists are not exhaustive. The first includes personal and sensual sins. It begins with acts and progresses to motives. Fornication (NKJV) / Immorality (NASB)- The Greek is "porneia" from which we get our word "pornography." It refers to every kind of immoral and illicit sexual relation (i.e., sexual sin). Uncleanness (NKJV) / Impurity (NASB)- The Greek refers to moral uncleanness and filthiness. It goes beyond the sinful act to include the evil thoughts and intentions of the mind. So, it is not just physical and external immorality, but also the internal (e.g., one's thought life). Passion- The Greek refers to sexual passion and could be translated as "physical lust." Evil Desire- The Greek is closely related to "passion" and refers to wicked, self-serving, insatiable lust in the mind. It is the internal counterpart of passion. Covetousness- Not merely the insatiable desire to possess more than one has, but more than one ought to have, particularly that which belongs to someone else or which is forbidden. Idolatry- Because sin places selfish desire above obedience to God, it all amounts to idolatry. When people sin, they are pursuing selfish desire, rather than what God desires. In other words, sinners are worshiping themselves instead of God, and that is simple idolatry. At this point, one might be asking, "How do we put to death our sin?" Well again, this list began with acts and worked backwards to motive. What was the last sinful motive in the list? Covetousness! It is the starting point for sin (i.e., wanting something we do not have). So to slaughter sin, shouldn't we start by slaughtering the sin of covetousness? Assuming so, how do we do that? With a heart filled with contentment. As Paul puts it in Philippians 4:11 (NKJV): Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Whereas the covetous, greedy, person worships himself, the contented person worships God. MacArthur- "Attacking covetousness lays the axe to a root cause of sin. When contentment replaces covetousness, the latter cannot give rise to the process that culminates in an act of sin." That is the internal. Second, we can put such sin to death by minimizing external temptation. As Hughes puts it, "There are books and magazines we must discard. Some of us need to toss out the TV's. I am not endorsing any type of legalism, but God's Word speaks today, and we are to kill the members of our body which lead us into sensuality or promote covetousness." B. Put Off Your Sin
Now, we come to the second list; which includes sins against others arising from wicked hate, evil attitudes and sinful speech. This list begins with motives and progresses to acts. First: Put Off All These- The Greek pictures a person stripping himself of filthy, soiled, dirty clothes. As such, Christians should discard (i.e., put aside) the filthy rags of their old self and sinful life. Anger- A deep, smoldering, resentful bitterness. It is a settled heart attitude of an angry person. Wrath- Refers to sudden outbursts of anger. The churning, boiling "anger" which often lies just below the surface gives rise to eruptions of "wrath" (viz., a quick temper). Unlike God's settled and righteous wrath, this is a sudden violent outburst of sinful anger. Malice- This refers to a viciousness in one's mind (i.e., an attitude which plans evil and rejoices when misery falls on the one hated). Lightfoot- "A vicious nature bent on doing harm to others." Blasphemy- The Greek is "Blasphemia." But in the context here, would be better translated as "slander." Hurtful speech which defames or injures another's character or good name. "The believer'speech must not be marred by insults or disparaging remarks directed at others." Filthy Language Out of Your Mouth- Foul, obscene, abusive and/or derogatory speech intended to hurt and wound another. Do Not Lie to One Another- Lying characterizes Satan, not God (John 8:44). Believers, of all people, should be people who tell the truth. God hates lying/hypocrisy (e.g., Ananias/Sapphira). Since You Have Put Off the Old Man With His Deeds- The "Old Man" simply refers to the old unregenerate self. Paul is saying, "Do in practice what you have already done in principle." 2. Two Reasons Why to Slaughter SinA. God's Furious Wrath
Why put to death sin? Because these sins, indeed all sins, incite the wrath of God (i.e., God's eternal detestation of all unrighteousness; God's displeasure with, and indignation against, sin). Pink refers to God's wrath as God's holiness stirred into action against sin. Simply put, because the wrath of God is stirred by these sins, believers should have no part in them. Sin brings wrath, not blessing. It never, ever, brings true happiness. MacArthur- "Those who are Christ's, who have been made one with Him, who love Him and serve His glory, would certainly not wish to participate in those kinds of behaviors and thoughts that are characteristic of those who will feel his eternal wrath. The children of God would certainly not want to act like the children of wrath." B. Your Former Walk
Spurgeon- "Did sin ever yield thee real pleasure? Didst thou find solid satisfaction in it? If so, go back to thine old drudgery, and wear the chain again, if it delight thee. But inasmuch as sin did never give thee what it promised to bestow, but deluded thee with lies, be not a second time snared by the old fowler- be free, and let the remembrance of thy ancient bondage forbid thee to enter the net again." MacArthur- "Why would anyone who has been made rich return to the slums to live in poverty?" However, it seems the idea here also includes this: a recognition of, and gratitude for, God's amazing and infinite grace. In other words, how can one truly realize his past sinful wretchedness and God's sovereign goodness and mercy in saving him from the penalty of his sin, and not have a true desire to flee from all remnants of his past sinful life? As put in Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV): What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? In short, we have two motivations to slaughter our sin: 1) a gratitude to God for his sovereign and infinite grace in saving us from our sin and 2) if that does not work, the threat of His wrath. ConclusionMacArthur- "So it is not unnecessary for Paul to urge those who are complete in Christ, and partakers of His risen life, to kill sin. That is because the battle for holiness is still being fought in the life of every Christian." But, there is good news..
What are you as a Christian (i.e., a disciple and lover of Jesus Christ) doing to slaughter any, and all, remnants of sin in your life? Teacher: Darin Lawson |