Yesterday while I was doing my bible time I became stuck in a passage. Colossians 3. Since I was 18 years old Colossians 3:2 has been a favorite verse/life verse for me. "Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth." God has used verse over and over again to help me focus on Him. So, it's not as though this passage was something new. In fact, it was underlined and highlighted from reading it many times before. I love how God does that. He takes something you've read many times and brings new light and life to it. It is His word and a light unto my path.
Col. 3:5-11
"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,free; but Christ is all, and in all."
"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you." That is the phrase I kept repeating. Dying to myself..to my earthly sin and desires. The passage goes on to mention what I've heard many folks call...the "put-offs". Actions/habits/sins we should put away when we come to know Christ. I love when it says, "...put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being RENEWED in knowledge after the image of its creator." We are continually being renewed if we truly know the Lord. He is making us to be more and more like our Creator!
How? How can I put to death the things I struggle with daily? Maybe that's your question. Maybe your thoughts are, "I struggle with the same sin over and over again. I can't seem to stop!" I've been there my friend. I am still there at times. Here are a few of my thoughts. We must all have a short account of sins. We must take inventory of our heart daily...even more than once a day! I'm not perfect or close to perfect at this. I am learning daily. Most churches today don't even mention this word: repentance. Some churches mention the word repentance when it comes to salvation. Few church talk about daily repentance. I am thankful to be apart of a body that is in the minority and does teach us to walk in humble repentance. No, our church isn't perfect nor is everyone that comes but, to see a group following hard after the Lord and His word is so different for us! We are thankful. No gimmicks, stunts or emotionalism...just the gospel.
The list in the passage of put-offs is full but, I say it can be so much more than what is listed. I know some of my sin struggles aren't listed and I'm sure you can think of some too. Putting our sins to death isn't always easy but, to live a life that pleases Christ we must try! Daily. Ask God to forgive you for the sins that you are struggling with. He promises He will! Ask Him for help and strength to walk in obedience to His word. 1 John is a great place to start if you need some more direction.
“No sin, whatever it is, shall ruin any man if he shall come to Christ for mercy. Though you are black as Hell’s midnight through iniquity, yet if you will come to Christ, He is ready to cleanse you. It is sin, after all, that lies at the door and blocks your way to the Savior.”—1895, Sermon #2411 C.H. Spurgeon Next time....the put-ons! Hope you'll study with me!
About Jennifer
Hello there! I’m Jennifer and Welcome to my website – A Home with Purpose. My passion is sharing Christ’s Love and recipes with my Trim Healthy Mama friends. Learn more about me.
