Tuesday, 9 May 2017
…in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. Colossians 3:7
The words “in which” are referring to “these things” of verse 6. That in turn is referring to the list of things from verse 5 – “fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Paul notes that his readers (and certainly any who have come to Christ since his letter) “once walked” in them. It was their very conduct of life, and it was this for which the wrath of God would have come upon them.
He then finishes up the verse with “when you lived in them.” The verb is in the imperfect tense, and thus it more accurately reads, “when you were living in them.” Their walk in these things literally surrounded them. It was as if these sins were the very air they breathed. However, they had moved to Christ and so Paul exhorted them to put these things to death, rather than living in them. As Christ died for our sins, we are to die to sin and live for Christ.
Life application: Though there are many trials in this life, and temptations abound around us, we should endeavor to live holy lives. Let us stand firm in the fellowship of believers, stay close to the word of God, and not give the devil an inch. It is tough, but through Christ we can prevail over these things.
Lord God, in our natural selves, we face many trials and temptations each day. But in Christ, and through His power, we are able to overcome them. Help us to stay close to You by keeping Your word in our heart, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and directing our thoughts to that which is good, pure, and holy. Help us in this so that we may be pleasing to You in all ways and at all times. Amen.