5-18-19 Today in the Word

Living in Christ
DYING TO SELF
Saturday, May 18, 2019 | Colossians 3:5–7

In January, Netflix released a special featuring Marie Kondo, who urged home owners to “tidy” by getting rid of excess clothing, books, and household items. Her best-selling book and the televised special received so much attention that many people began emptying closets and drawers, trying to live a new life less cluttered by possessions.
After describing our new life in Christ, Paul points out the implications that truth should have in our life. Here he explains that there are certain aspects of our old life that we must let go. The language Paul uses is quite drastic, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (v. 5). There can be no half-measures. We cannot continue to entertain sinful behavior.
In these verses Paul specifically mentions two kinds of sinful behavior: sexual sins and greed. For the believer, these sins are forms of “idolatry,” putting our earthly desires above God (v. 5). Jesus made it clear, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt. 6:24). It is because of these kinds of sins that “the wrath of God is coming” (Col. 3:6).
We are able to put our earthly desires to death because, in Christ, we have already died to that way of life (Col. 2:20). When Jesus died on the cross, He defeated sin and its ability to enslave us. Because we live in a fallen world, we remain surrounded by sin, and we may be sorely tempted by various sins. That is why Paul gives this warning. Paul’s overall message to us is this: “Live in the victory that Jesus has achieved for you!” We used to walk in self-destructive ways, but now, in Christ, freedom is possible.
APPLY THE WORD
Dying to old habits can be painful. Paul’s strong message is as relevant to us today as it was in his day. We can become so comfortable with the sins in our life that we don’t view them seriously. Take an inventory of your life. Are there sins you have to “put to death”? Ask God to help you recognize areas where He wants to work in you.

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