“5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:5-11)
What We Need To “Put To Death – Eradicate” (v. 5)
Sexual immorality: fornication/adultery – sex outside of marriage
Impurity: uncleanness – all sorts of perverted sex
Passion: lust – strong and barely controllable erotic passions
Evil desires: mental/emotional uncleanness
Covetousness (idolatry): greed
What We Need To “Put Away – Take Off” (vv. 8 & 9)
Anger
Wrath
Malice
Slander
Obscene talk
Lying
“Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (v. 11)
Why Do These Things Need To Be Eradicated or Be Put Away?
“… your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (v. 3b)
“On account of these, the wrath of God is coming.” (v. 6)
“In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.” (v. 7)
A Personal Prayer of Repentance:
“1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (Psalm 51:1-13)