Reality CheckShembull

Paul begins this section of scripture with the phrase “put to death.” This opening phrase is a strong, straightforward instruction to the group of believers he is addressing - believers similar to you and I. Paul does not water anything down, often making his words a hard pill to swallow. In addressing the church and their behaviour he goes into specifics, giving examples, addressing behaviours that some may turn a blind eye to.

Here we see, as instructed by Paul, that we are not merely supposed to ignore or suppress sins and earthly desires, but rather make sure they are no longer in our lives, that they are dead. Dead - in other words- expired, departed, gone, no more! They need to be dead and have no impact on our lives.

As Paul moves to give specific examples, he puts a label on different sinful acts. By naming the sin, these acts can be clearly identified and when clearly identified we can purposefully rid our lives of them. It’s no longer just “sin” which to many believers can easily be circumvented.  

Paul is acutely aware of our sinful nature, our ability to find grey areas regarding our actions. The way in which we try to lay claim to ignorance or even a self-righteousness where we deem ourselves as living sinless lives because we live “good” lives. Often, we can claim “well, I don’t murder,” whilst easily overlooking the way in which we speak about others. Without Paul’s naming of specific sins, we could for example view “slander” as acceptable and therefore permissible to partake in. He’s calling our bluff, he’s addressing our sinful nature and showing us plainly what needs to be put to death. Areas that we need to address and seek Jesus’ grace and presence for.

Jesus, forgive me for my self-righteousness, forgive me for viewing others as more sinful than myself and therefore watering down the gospel and the power it has in my life. I pray that you will reveal sin in my life, areas that I need to put to death. Grant me strength and grace to walk in your freedom.