In his letter to the Colossians, Paul offers powerful guidance for the Christian life. Colossians 3:5 serves as a critical reminder to believers: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). In a world that offers constant temptations, this verse calls Christians to a higher standard, urging them to rid themselves of desires and behaviors that hinder their spiritual growth. By examining each element listed in this verse, we can gain insight into how to live a life that is pleasing to God, resisting the enticements that our culture and sinful nature often present.
1. Sexual Immorality: Pursuing Purity in a Permissive World
The Greek word Paul uses for “sexual immorality” is porneia, which encompasses a wide range of sexual behaviors that fall outside God’s design for human relationships. In our world, access to explicit material is widespread, with estimates suggesting that billions of people engage with pornography or other forms of explicit content. The ease of access and normalization of sexual immorality has made it one of the most pervasive challenges for believers.
Yet, Paul calls Christians to “put to death” these inclinations, recognizing that they are destructive to both the individual and their relationship with God. Pursuing purity requires vigilance and a commitment to guard one’s heart and mind. Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1), emphasizing intentionality in staying pure. Likewise, believers today are encouraged to establish boundaries and develop habits that promote purity.
2. Impurity: Cleansing the Heart and Mind
Impurity, from the Greek word akatharsia, implies both moral and mental uncleanness. It can extend beyond physical actions to include thoughts, desires, and intentions that lead us away from God’s holiness. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 5:28, stating, “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
In a world where impure images and messages are pervasive, keeping our hearts and minds pure is challenging but essential. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). This means continually renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) and seeking God’s help to cleanse us from anything that corrupts our inner lives.
3. Passion: Controlling Our Desires
The word “passion” here is pathos, which refers to intense desires that, if unchecked, lead to sin. In the context of Colossians 3:5, Paul is likely referring to lustful passions or intense, uncontrollable urges. While desires themselves are not inherently wrong, allowing them to control us or lead us into sinful behavior goes against God’s design.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of those who let passion lead them astray, such as David in his affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The Bible encourages believers to submit their desires to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform and guide them. Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). Through prayer, accountability, and dependence on the Spirit, we can find strength to master our passions.
4. Evil Desire: Guarding Against Corrupt Yearnings
“Evil desire” (epithymian kakēn) refers to morally corrupt cravings that lead to sinful actions. Unlike neutral or good desires, which can be directed toward positive goals, evil desires seek fulfillment in ways that violate God’s standards. This type of desire might include cravings for power, revenge, or self-indulgence.
James 1:14-15 describes the process of temptation, saying, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15). To guard against evil desires, believers are encouraged to bring their desires before God, asking Him to purify them and redirect them toward His purposes.
5. Covetousness: Battling the Idolatry of Greed
Finally, Paul warns against “covetousness, which is idolatry.” Covetousness, or pleonexia, involves an insatiable hunger for more—more wealth, more power, more possessions. This desire becomes idolatry when it takes the place of God, as it shifts our trust and focus to material things rather than to Him.
In a society driven by consumerism, covetousness can easily infiltrate our lives. Jesus cautioned, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). By cultivating gratitude and generosity, believers can guard against covetousness, recognizing that their true treasure is found in God alone.
Practical Steps to “Put to Death” Earthly Desires
- Daily Surrender: Commit each day to God, asking Him to guide your desires and actions.
- Scripture Memorization: Equip yourself with verses that remind you of God’s standards and His power to transform (Psalm 119:11).
- Prayer for Purity: Regularly ask God to purify your heart and mind, removing anything that might hinder your walk with Him.
- Accountability: Seek out relationships with others who encourage and support your pursuit of holiness.
- Focus on Eternity: Remind yourself of the eternal rewards of living a life pleasing to God, rather than temporary, earthly pleasures.
Conclusion: A Call to Holiness
Colossians 3:5 offers a blueprint for a life of purity, encouraging believers to “put to death” those aspects of our nature that draw us away from God. Each of the sinful behaviors Paul lists—sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness—represent powerful challenges, especially in today’s world. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a life of holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit and supported by God’s Word.
Living out this call is not easy, but it brings spiritual freedom and deepens our relationship with God. By actively resisting and putting to death what is earthly in us, we become more like Christ and reflect His light to the world. May we, like Paul, strive to live lives that are not conformed to the world but are transformed by the renewing of our minds.