Paul Connects Doctrine With Duty

Topic: Duty
Passage: Colossians 3:1–7

January 14, 2021

Commentary

Paul attempts to connect doctrine with duty in this passage. He lists the following:
 

  1. Who we are in Christ (verses 1-4)
    1. We are raised with Christ (vv. 1-2)
    2. We died with Christ (v. 3a)
    3. We are hidden in Christ (v. 3b)
    4. We live in Christ (v. 4a)
    5. We are glorified in Christ (v. 4b)
  2. What we need to get rid of in the flesh (verses 5-9)
    1. Fornication – sexual immorality in general(v. 
    2. Uncleanness – lustful and loose living (v. 5)
    3. Inordinate affection – state of mind that excites sexual impurity (v. 5)
    4. Evil concupiscence – a strong desire for evil (v. 5)
    5. Covetousness – a desire to get anything that belongs to another (v. 5).
    6. Wrath/Anger – attitude to take vengeance (vv. 6-7)
    7. Malice – an attitude of ill will (v. 8)
    8. Blasphemy – speaking disrespectfully and of divine things (v. 8)
    9. Filthy communication – course or obscene language (v. 8)
    10. Lying – change facts with the intention to deceive (v. 9)
  3. Expect change (v. 10). We are a new person in Christ and should become more like Him.
  4. Not to be partial to race or background (v. 11). Christ who lives in us is all that matters.

Application

The things that I need to get rid of in the flesh must be put to death and removed from my life.

Colossians 3:1– 7 (NET)

1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, 3 for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him. 5 So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them.