Putting Sin to Death Colossians 3:5-9, Romans 8:12-13 (Mid-week Bible Study)
Introduction
Summary of Colossians 3:1-4
Colossians 3:1-4 emphasizes setting our thoughts and desires on “things above” by aligning with Christ’s transformative work. This includes living with a mindset that reflects hope in heaven and a life directed toward Jesus.
References: Colossians 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Matthew 16:23 (ESV), Romans 8:6-8
Today, we will dive into Colossians 3:5-9. Paul warns believers to “put to death” their former worldly sinful nature and behaviors, focusing instead on spiritual renewal in Christ.
Putting Sin to Death
Colossians 3:5-9 (NKJV, AMPC, TPT)
5 “Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
7 In which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”
Understanding “Put to Death”
- Greek Word: Nekroo – To make dead, deprive of power, destroy the strength of.
- Greek Word: Thanatoo – To render extinct, liberate from bondage, mortify.
Putting sin to death requires self-discipline and involves depriving the flesh of the things that feed sin. This allows spiritual growth and helps believers experience the fullness of Christ.
John Owen (Author): “You must always be at it while you live; do not take a day off from work; always be killing sin or it will kill you.”
Sin’s Origin and Nature
Where Does Sin Come From?
- Mark 7:19-23 – Sin arises from evil thoughts carried out in actions.
- Romans 12:2 – Dealing with sin involves renewing the mind.
Understanding Sin
What is Sin?
- Transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4-6)
- Whatever is not of faith (Romans 14:23)
- Knowing good but choosing not to do it (James 4:17)
Nature of Sin:
- Rebellion: A defiant attitude against God’s authority.
- Disobedience: Choosing our way over God’s.
- Pride: Elevating oneself above God’s truth.
Categories of Sin:
- Lust of the Eyes: Covetousness (1 John 2:16, Genesis 3:6).
- Lust of the Flesh: Pursuing physical pleasures apart from God’s will.
- Pride of Life: Self-exaltation above God’s will.
Consequences of Sin
- Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death.
- Isaiah 59:1-2 – Sin separates us from God.
- Proverbs 14:34 – Sin brings reproach.
Oswald Chambers: “Sin is the fundamental independence of God; the thing in me that says, ‘I can do without God.’”
Reflection on Earthly Nature
Paul lists behaviors tied to the “earthly nature” in Colossians 3:5:
- Sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
- Greed (Psalm 10:3, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6-10)
- Covetousness (desire for what belongs to others)
- Evil desires (James 1:14-15, Romans 8:5)
- Slander (Proverbs 10:18, Ephesians 4:31-32, Titus 3:2)
Activity:
Write down recurring struggles or habits that conflict with your faith. Pair each with a scripture that speaks to overcoming it.
Practicing “Putting Sin to Death”
Steps to Overcome Sin:
- Identify Triggers – Recognize situations that tempt you (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
- Replace Habits – Swap sinful behaviors with godly ones (Ephesians 4:22-24).
- Accountability – Share your struggles with a trusted person (James 5:16).
Tools for Overcoming Sin:
- Discipline: Romans 6:11-14 – Avoid provision for the flesh.
- Scripture: Psalm 119:11 – Meditate on God’s Word.
- Prayer: Matthew 26:41 – Stay connected to God.
- Community: Hebrews 10:25 – Transformation is easier with support.
God’s Wrath and “Put Off”
Paul warns of God’s wrath upon those indulging in sinful practices (Colossians 3:6-7). Believers must “put off” anger, wrath, malice, and other sinful behaviors, and “put on” Christ (Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:23-25).
Conclusion
Victory over sin is possible only through Christ. By walking in union with Him, sin loses its dominion over us.
Memory Verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” – Galatians 2:20
