Putting to Death What is Earthly

Scripture: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5 (ESV)

The Christian life is not a passive experience—it’s a daily decision to walk in the Spirit and crucify the flesh. In Colossians 3:5, Paul doesn’t sugarcoat the seriousness of sin. He urges believers to “put to death” anything that is earthly—that is, anything rooted in the sinful nature rather than the new life in Christ.

A Call to Active Holiness

“Put to death” is strong language. It implies intensity, urgency, and intentional action. Sin doesn’t die on its own; it must be confronted and killed. Paul isn’t advocating legalism or self-reliance, but he is calling believers to spiritual warfare—to wage war against the very things that once defined us before Christ saved us.

When we become new creations in Christ, we are called to live in the freedom of righteousness, not in the bondage of sin. But this doesn’t happen automatically. Sanctification requires a willing heart and daily surrender.

Identifying What’s Earthly

Paul lists specific sins that are to be crucified:

• Sexual immorality – Any sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage between a man and woman.

• Impurity – Broader than actions, this refers to unclean thoughts, motives, or behaviors.

• Passion and evil desire – Intense cravings that feed sinful appetites, not governed by the Spirit.

• Covetousness – A greedy hunger for more—more possessions, power, pleasure. Paul boldly calls it what it is: idolatry.

  
  

This last word—idolatry—gets to the heart of the matter. Sin isn’t just a behavior problem; it’s a worship problem. When we choose lust, greed, or selfish desires over God, we are placing other things on the throne of our hearts.

Why It Matters

Sin separates. It separates us from intimacy with God, robs us of peace, damages relationships, and enslaves us to things that promise satisfaction but deliver shame. God doesn’t call us to kill sin because He wants to ruin our fun—but because He wants to set us free.

Sin is a liar. It offers quick pleasure and leaves long pain. But when we crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit, we find real freedom. Paul’s command isn’t burdensome—it’s an invitation into the life God always intended for us: holy, joyful, and full of purpose.

Walking in Victory

We don’t fight sin in our own strength. The power to put sin to death comes from the resurrection life of Jesus in us. By His Spirit, we have power over every temptation. We have new desires, a new identity, and the Word of God to guide us.

This verse reminds us that holiness is not an optional add-on to Christianity—it is the expected result of knowing Christ. Grace is not a license to sin, but the power to overcome it.

Prayer

Lord, help me to recognize and reject the sinful desires that pull me away from You. Teach me to walk in holiness, not by my strength but by Your Spirit. I surrender every earthly thing that competes for my heart. Purify my mind, cleanse my motives, and transform my life so that I may reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.