“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
“Therefore”
This verse begins the practical section of the epistle. Imperatives or commands abound in this part of Colossians. This passage is a turning point of huge importance at this juncture in Colossians.
Paul builds his epistles on the same construct. The epistles do not vary much from this format. First, he lays a substructure of positional truth. Doctrine always comes first. Then the letter concludes with a superstructure of the plain imperatives of practical importance. These imperatives deal with both attitudes and behavior.
Before we apply biblical truth to experience, we must possess something to believe. First, it is doctrine, then deed. First, it is belief, then behavior. If our belief does not affect our behavior, we have a flawed belief. First, it is creed, then conduct. If our conduct does not match our creed, there is something wrong. First, it is principles, and then it is practice. First revelation, then responsibility. The last two chapters are given over to lucid, crisp, terse, relevant, and stinging imperatives.
Principle:
Our spiritual condition is predicated upon our spiritual position.
Application:
Our position is the result of justification. Our condition is the result of our position. Our position is God’s responsibility. Our condition is our responsibility.
We can do nothing about our position other than to accept it by faith. We can do something about our condition. Nevertheless, our condition is predicated upon our position. We need to align our condition with our position.
