Colossians 3:5-11

⁵ “Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. ⁶ For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. ⁸ But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices, ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it— ¹¹ a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free, but Christ is all, and in all.”

Verse 5: Paul urges the believers to put to death the sinful behaviors that are associated with their old selves that have been crucified with Christ. We are no longer enslaved to sin and therefore have no reason to live as if we are. We have God’s DNA within us and are therefore most content when we live according to his nature. This includes fleeing from sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. These behaviors are considered idolatry because they prioritize worldly desires over a wholehearted devotion to God.

Verse 6: Paul highlights the consequences of engaging in such sinful behaviors. The wrath of God is a reference to the judgment that awaits those who persist in unrepentant sin. It is important to note that as believers, we have been saved from this wrath through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Instead, God’s wrath remains for unbelievers who are characterized by sinful lifestyles.

Verse 7: Here, Paul reminds the believers of their past life before coming to faith in Christ. They used to walk in these sinful ways, but now they have been transformed by the power of the gospel. Notice Paul’s language: They once lived according to these ways. This is a state of being, a disposition. Believers are now disposed to living righteously. If we do sin we sin as those who no longer live in sin.

Verse 8: Paul continues by urging the believers to rid themselves of other negative behaviors that are inconsistent with their new identity in Christ. This includes anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. As new creations in Christ, our speech and actions can reflect the love and grace that we have received.

Verse 9: Paul emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty among believers. As they have taken off their old self, with its sinful practices, they are called to live in the truth and integrity that comes from their new identity in Christ.

Verse 10: Here, Paul highlights the believers’ new self, which is characterized by being renewed in knowledge and conformed to the image of their Creator. This speaks to the ongoing process of transformation and growth in Christlikeness that believers experience through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our spirits are righteous but our minds are being renewed (Romans 12:2).

Verse 11: Paul concludes this passage by emphasizing the unity that believers have in Christ. Regardless of their cultural or social backgrounds, all believers are united in Christ. Christ is the central focus, and His presence is in all believers, transcending any divisions or distinctions. The gospel is truly the end to racism of any form.