Question: What Does Colossians 3:5 Mean, and What’s the Difference Between Evil Desire and Covetousness? Answer: Colossians 3:5 (NIV) says: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” This verse is part of Paul’s exhortation to the believers in Colossae, urging them to live out the new life they’ve received in Christ. Having been raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1), believers are called to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. This requires actively putting to death the sinful behaviors associated with the old self. Paul identifies five sinful expressions of the earthly nature: 1. Sexual Immorality (Greek: porneia) This term refers to any form of sexual behavior outside the covenant of marriage — including fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. Scripture repeatedly warns against sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18–20) because it defiles both body and soul, which are temples of the Holy Spirit. 2. Impurity (Greek: akatharsia) Impurity goes beyond physical acts and includes thoughts, intentions, and habits that corrupt the heart and mind. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Impurity dulls our spiritual sensitivity and keeps us from intimacy with God. 3. Lust / Evil Desires (Greek: pathos / epithymia kakē) Lust refers to uncontrolled, passionate craving — especially sexual in nature. Evil desires include all strong impulses that seek satisfaction outside God’s will. James 1:14–15,“each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” These desires are not neutral — they are morally corrupt and must be crucified (Galatians 5:24). 4. Greed / Covetousness (Greek: pleonexia) — “which is idolatry” Covetousness is an insatiable desire for more — whether money, possessions, status, or even relationships. It’s not merely wanting something; it’s craving it so deeply that it displaces God in the heart. Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15). Paul calls this idolatry because greed makes material things our functional “gods” — we serve them, love them, and trust them more than God. The Difference: Evil Desire vs. Covetousness While both are inward heart issues, they differ in focus: Evil desire is often driven by sensual or emotional cravings (e.g., lust, uncontrolled passions). Covetousness (greed) focuses on material gain, worldly success, or comparison with others — elevating worldly things above God. Both are deadly to spiritual life, but greed uniquely earns the label idolatry because of its tendency to take God’s rightful place in our affection and priorities. Putting to Death the Earthly Nature Paul uses strong language: “Put to death…” (Colossians 3:5). This is not passive. It requires spiritual warfare, intentional resistance, and daily submission to the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:13 affirms, “If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” This isn’t moralism — it’s a response to identity. Because believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, they now have power to put sin to death (Colossians 3:1–4). The New Life in Christ Colossians 3:12–17 (NIV) describes what we should put on as we remove sinful behaviors: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”“Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Letting Christ’s peace rule our hearts and His Word dwell in us richly results in a life that honors God in both word and deed. Final Thought The Christian life is not just about avoiding sin — it’s about embracing Christ. As we die to sin, we come alive to righteousness. Paul says in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” May we, by God’s grace, put to death what belongs to our earthly nature and clothe ourselves with the virtues of Christ. To God be the glory.
ANSWER:Let’s read the context from John 8:31–36 (NKJV): 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” The response of these Jews—“We have never been in bondage to anyone”—was clearly untrue from a historical standpoint. The Old Testament is full of accounts showing that the Israelites were, in fact, enslaved and oppressed multiple times: In Egypt, for over 400 years (Exodus 1:8–14) In Babylon, during the exile (2 Kings 24–25) Under the Assyrians, especially the Northern Kingdom (2 Kings 17) Under Persian, Greek, and Roman domination, even in Jesus’ time So why did they claim they had never been enslaved? The answer lies not in historical accuracy but in pride and resistance to Jesus’ message. They were not honestly engaging in discussion but rather trying to contradict and discredit Jesus. Their statement reflects a spiritual blindness and arrogance—they were proud of being Abraham’s physical descendants and assumed that this heritage guaranteed their freedom and favor with God. Yet Jesus wasn’t talking about political or physical bondage, but about spiritual slavery to sin. That’s why He said in verse 34, “Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” According to Scripture, all people are born into sin (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23), and only through Jesus can one be truly set free. When they continued to argue and even accused Jesus of being a Samaritan and demon-possessed (John 8:48), it showed their hearts were hardened. They were not seeking truth, but rather defending their pride and position—even through lies. Ironically, they knew Jesus was a Jew, the son of Joseph the carpenter (Matthew 13:55), and they even called Him “Rabbi” (John 3:2) at other times. But here, in their rejection, they resorted to slander. That is why Jesus responded strongly in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” Jesus exposed the true source of their rebellion: Satan, the father of lies. What does this teach us today? It teaches us the importance of loving the truth and abiding in God’s Word. If we reject the truth, we become vulnerable to lies—even to the point of opposing God unknowingly. Like the Jews in this passage, people can be outwardly religious but spiritually enslaved. Only Jesus Christ can set us free—not from human oppressors, but from the deeper bondage of sin, guilt, shame, and eternal death. When we accept Him, we move from being slaves to being children of God (Romans 8:15–17). Personal Reflection: Are you truly free? Have you been set free by the Son? These are the last days, and the spirit of the antichrist is already at work in those who reject Christ (1 John 2:18–22). The temptations and distractions of this world cannot save us—they enslave us further. But Jesus came to break those chains. If you are ready to give your life to Christ and experience true freedom, reach out to us at +255693036618 or +255789001312 for free spiritual guidance. May the Lord bless you and lead you into His truth.