As we go through the book of Colossians, Paul is giving practical insight in serving God. In my last post we saw that we can put to death the misdeeds of the flesh through the spirit.

We have to move forward with this understanding.

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Colossians 3:7-8 NIV

We cannot just take these verses out of context. This is not just a set of rules for how we are to speak to one another. As I said in the previous posts, trying to follow the rules doesn’t change your behavior.

It’s clear from this passage, that Paul is speaking about the sins of our mouths. We need to change our speech patterns. However, we know from Scripture that controlling our speech is beyond our ability (James 3:7-8). Victory over our tongue can only be accomplished in the spirit.

The apostle now shows us the only clear path ahead.

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:9-10 NIV

In these simple verses we’re shown the best way to change for the better. It involves two important words. In this passage they’re translated taken off and put on.

Both of these words, in the Greek, deal with clothing. The first means to step out of your clothing. The second means to sink into them. That’s important.

In the natural it would be silly for me to tell you that you have to take off what you’re wearing, in order to put on something new. But that’s not the case in the church.

There are many believers who desperately try to hang on to their old way of life. At the same time they want to “wear” some of the blessings found in Christ. That doesn’t work.

We have to submit to the working of the Holy Spirit in us. As we pray in the spirit, the Lord is able to remove the old, dead way of life we were living. Then, as we continue in Him, He clothes us in the new man, renewing our mind day by day.

His goal is that we show forth His glory. God wants the world to see His image active and working through us. That’s what will draw people to the Lord.

The good news is that it has nothing to do with who you were. The past has no bearing on your future.

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Colossians 3:11 NIV

Everything is washed clean under the blood of Christ. How you were brought up has no hold on you. Your past life with all of its baggage, burdens and bondage can’t hold you back. That is, if you’re willing to change your old “clothes” for the new set in Christ.

Allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in your life. It will make you a whole new person.

Question: How has your life changed by the spirit?

© 2024 Nick Zaccardi