Reach • Devotion #5: Put Implies Action
Dr. Randy T. Johnson
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:5-10
Some words in Scripture can seem to be overlooked. The word “put” is used four times in this passage. Put implies action. As we are saved, we need to be active in our walk. Philippians 2:12 says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” We need to “work out” our salvation. This is for our growth but also as a testimony to others. Reaching others with the Gospel involves our talk and our walk. This is “Reach” through our walk.
- Put to death - We are to put to death “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness.” These items can consume someone. Paul even references idolatry. They can cause someone or something other than God to rule our hearts and minds. Do not feed this animal.
- Put away - We are to put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.” A lot of these deal with emotions that get out of control. Self-control is a sign of maturity. It is even listed as a Fruit of the Spirit.
- Put off - We are to put off “the old self.” Paul isolates one sin of the old self – lying. That makes sense since God is the truth. His Word is truth. The other side is ruled by the Father of Lies. I have heard a lot of parents say to their children, “Just tell me what happened and we will deal with it. Just do not lie.” The punishment was worse due to a lie.
- Put on - We are to put on “the new self.” Paul said it another way in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”