Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Colossians 3:5 (KJV)
Context
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian church while imprisoned, addressing false teachings and practices that threatened their faith. In the opening verses of Colossians 3, Paul reminds believers that they have died with Christ and their life is hidden with Him, so they are to seek the things above. This command to mortify earthly members is the direct, necessary response to that union with Christ and the hope of appearing with Him in glory.
Meaning
The verse begins with the command to “mortify,” meaning to put to death. This is not a passive wish but an active, decisive killing of the body of sin—indwelling sin with its various parts and expressions. The word “members” refers not to the physical body but to the earthly or fleshly desires that wage war against the soul. Believers are called to eliminate and resist the temptations that lead to sinful behavior, not merely manage or suppress them.
The verse then lists specific sinful behaviors that believers are instructed to mortify:
Fornication: any sexual immorality or sexual activity outside the boundaries God set within marriage.
Uncleanness: moral impurity or impure thoughts and actions.
Inordinate affection: uncontrolled or excessive passions or desires contrary to God’s will.
Evil concupiscence: strong or intense desires for what is sinful or forbidden.
Covetousness: greed or an excessive desire for wealth or possessions.
The command is urgent and comprehensive: kill all these evil things, including the sparks that lead to them, for indulged thoughts become acts.
Biblical connections
The climax of the verse is the declaration that covetousness is idolatry. When believers prioritise material possessions or worldly desires above devotion to God, they are essentially replacing God with an idol. This connection reveals that these earthly desires are not merely moral failings but are fundamentally a matter of worship. The following verse states that for these things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience, and verse 7 reminds believers that they once walked in these sins but now must put them off.
Application
This verse challenges believers to examine their lives and identify any areas where these sinful behaviors may be thriving. It calls for active resistance and putting to death these desires through the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead, believers should cultivate godly virtues such as love, kindness, and self-control. Mortification is the great hindrance to seeking the things above and is essential for living as those who have died with Christ and will appear with Him in glory.
Reflection
Mortifying the sinful nature is not something believers can achieve on their own. It requires dependence on God’s grace, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a continual pursuit of a deeper relationship with Christ. Through prayer, studying God’s Word, and participating in Christian fellowship, believers grow in their ability to overcome sin and live a life that honours God. The ultimate allegiance of every believer should be to God alone, allowing nothing to take His place in their lives.
