Colossians 3:6 - for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Colossians 3:6" mean?
Colossians 3:6, "For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience," is a sobering warning connected to the preceding verses. To understand it, we need to unpack it in context:
Context is Key (Colossians 3:5-9):
Before verse 6, Paul lists several vices that are considered earthly, sinful, and characteristic of our "old self":
Fornication: Sexual immorality.
Uncleanness: Moral impurity; defilement.
Inordinate affection: Uncontrolled passions; lust.
Evil concupiscence: Evil desires; coveting.
Covetousness, which is idolatry: Greediness, wanting things that belong to others (treating possessions as idols).
Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth: Emotional and verbal sins.
Lying
Paul is addressing believers, reminding them that they have "put off the old self with its practices" (Colossians 3:9). He's urging them to live according to their new identity in Christ, not to revert to their former sinful ways.
Breaking Down the Verse:
"For which things' sake...": This directly refers to the list of sins mentioned in verses 5-9 (listed above). It means that because people engage in these sinful behaviors, there are consequences.
"...the wrath of God comes...": This is a crucial point. "Wrath of God" doesn't just mean God is angry. In the Bible, it signifies God's righteous and just response to sin. It can manifest in different ways:
Present Consequences: Sin often has natural, destructive consequences in our lives and relationships in the present. It breaks trust, harms health, and creates discord. These earthly repercussions can be seen as a manifestation of God's displeasure and a warning.
Future Judgment: Biblical teaching also speaks of a future judgment where God will ultimately hold all people accountable for their actions. The "wrath of God" in this context refers to the final, eternal consequences for those who reject God's grace and persist in unrepentant sin.
"...on the children of disobedience.": This phrase describes those who habitually and willingly disobey God's commands. It's not just about occasional slip-ups, but a pattern of life characterized by rejection of God's will. The "children of disobedience" are those who are defined by their rejection of God's authority.
Interpretation and Implications:
Warning to Believers: While addressed to Christians, this verse serves as a serious warning. Even though believers are forgiven, they are still susceptible to temptation and sin. This verse reminds them of the gravity of sin and the need to continually pursue holiness. It's a call to self-examination and repentance.
God's Justice and Holiness: The "wrath of God" highlights God's holiness and justice. He cannot simply overlook sin. It's a necessary attribute of His character, not a capricious anger.
Grace and Forgiveness: It's crucial to remember that this verse is part of a larger message of grace and redemption. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ took the wrath of God upon Himself for our sins. Through faith in Him, we can be forgiven and transformed.
Motivation for Holiness: Understanding the consequences of sin should motivate believers to live in obedience to God, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done.
In Summary:
Colossians 3:6 is a reminder that God takes sin seriously and that there are consequences for those who consistently live in disobedience to Him. It's a warning to believers to avoid the sinful practices of their former lives and to pursue holiness, empowered by the grace of God. The verse emphasizes the importance of living according to our new identity in Christ and walking in obedience to His commands.
Colossians 3:6 - for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
What does "Colossians 3:6" mean?
Colossians 3:6, "For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience," is a sobering warning connected to the preceding verses. To understand it, we need to unpack it in context:
Context is Key (Colossians 3:5-9):
Before verse 6, Paul lists several vices that are considered earthly, sinful, and characteristic of our "old self":
Fornication: Sexual immorality.
Uncleanness: Moral impurity; defilement.
Inordinate affection: Uncontrolled passions; lust.
Evil concupiscence: Evil desires; coveting.
Covetousness, which is idolatry: Greediness, wanting things that belong to others (treating possessions as idols).
Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth: Emotional and verbal sins.
Lying
Paul is addressing believers, reminding them that they have "put off the old self with its practices" (Colossians 3:9). He's urging them to live according to their new identity in Christ, not to revert to their former sinful ways.
Breaking Down the Verse:
"For which things' sake...": This directly refers to the list of sins mentioned in verses 5-9 (listed above). It means that because people engage in these sinful behaviors, there are consequences.
"...the wrath of God comes...": This is a crucial point. "Wrath of God" doesn't just mean God is angry. In the Bible, it signifies God's righteous and just response to sin. It can manifest in different ways:
Present Consequences: Sin often has natural, destructive consequences in our lives and relationships in the present. It breaks trust, harms health, and creates discord. These earthly repercussions can be seen as a manifestation of God's displeasure and a warning.
Future Judgment: Biblical teaching also speaks of a future judgment where God will ultimately hold all people accountable for their actions. The "wrath of God" in this context refers to the final, eternal consequences for those who reject God's grace and persist in unrepentant sin.
"...on the children of disobedience.": This phrase describes those who habitually and willingly disobey God's commands. It's not just about occasional slip-ups, but a pattern of life characterized by rejection of God's will. The "children of disobedience" are those who are defined by their rejection of God's authority.
Interpretation and Implications:
Warning to Believers: While addressed to Christians, this verse serves as a serious warning. Even though believers are forgiven, they are still susceptible to temptation and sin. This verse reminds them of the gravity of sin and the need to continually pursue holiness. It's a call to self-examination and repentance.
God's Justice and Holiness: The "wrath of God" highlights God's holiness and justice. He cannot simply overlook sin. It's a necessary attribute of His character, not a capricious anger.
Grace and Forgiveness: It's crucial to remember that this verse is part of a larger message of grace and redemption. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ took the wrath of God upon Himself for our sins. Through faith in Him, we can be forgiven and transformed.
Motivation for Holiness: Understanding the consequences of sin should motivate believers to live in obedience to God, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done.
In Summary:
Colossians 3:6 is a reminder that God takes sin seriously and that there are consequences for those who consistently live in disobedience to Him. It's a warning to believers to avoid the sinful practices of their former lives and to pursue holiness, empowered by the grace of God. The verse emphasizes the importance of living according to our new identity in Christ and walking in obedience to His commands.