Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Affections » Carnal affections crucified in saints
We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer.
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
Bearing fruit » fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
(for the product of light consists of everything good and right and true). Then you will demonstrate [or, "learn about"] a life that is very pleasing to the Lord.
Body » Resurrection of » Subjugation of
for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually].
But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].
So, put to death [i.e., stop practicing the desires of] your physical bodies [such as] sexual immorality, [moral] impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is [in reality] idolatry.
Verse Concepts
GluttonyLicentiousnessCovetingFornicationAdultery, SpiritualBodily LimbsBaptism, significance ofdesiresThe Sin NatureGreed, Believers' Response ToLustLove, In RelationshipsSexual AberrationsSelf DenialMisersMortificationOpposition, To Sin And EvilPurity, Moral And SpiritualSelf DisciplineSelf IndulgenceSexualitySin, Avoidance OfSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InLasciviousness
Sexual ChastityCovetousness, Nature ofIdolatry Consists OfAppetite, SexualImpuritySexual RelationshipsCrucifying Our FleshEvil PassionsDeath To SelfAffection, EvilDead To SinEvil DesiresIdolatryAvoid ImmoralityNature Of IdolatryCovetousnessAffectionsexGreedMoviesSexual ImmoralityPassionBeing GaySexual Purity
We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer.
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
So then, you should no longer live the rest of your lives [to satisfy] the sinful desires of your body, but to do what God wants.
But, I am saying to you, live in harmony with the Holy Spirit's [desire for you] and [then] you will not [always] be giving in to the wrong desires of your body.
And if your right eye is what ensnares you into falling away [from God], gouge it out and throw it away from you. For it would be better for you to lose a part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. [Note: This is the word "Gehenna," and because of its Old Testament connotation of burning bodies, II Chron. 33:6, it is used figuratively here, and elsewhere, to describe the place of future, final punishment of the wicked].
If your hand or your foot becomes the occasion for you falling away [from God], cut them off and throw them away. It would be better for you to enter [never ending] life disabled or crippled, rather than keeping both hands and both feet and being thrown into the never ending fire [i.e., because they caused you to fall away from God].
My dearly loved ones, I urge you, as a people who are foreigners and strangers [in this world], do not give in to sinful desires, which wage war against the soul.
Verse Concepts
AbstinenceForeignersCommitment, to the worldBeggingBeing A Pilgrimencouragement, examples ofChastitydesiresLustMortificationNomadsOutsidersSanctification, Means And ResultsSelf DenialSelf IndulgenceSeparationSin, Avoidance Of
Sin, Accepting Forgiveness OfSociety, Positive Aspects OfSpiritual Warfare, As ConflictSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InSaints, As PilgrimsAliens, Christians In The WorldChristians, Names OfForsaking SinCitizenshipLiving For The MaterialAvoiding EvilReckoned As ForeignersAbstaining From DrugsPrinciples Of WarCitizensovereatingCharacteristics Of Pilgrims
Crucifixion » Figurative
We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer.
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Verse Concepts
AtonementLoveAbundant LifeAccepting ChristAbiding In ChristAmbassadorsFaith, As Basis Of Salvationeternal life, nature ofeternal life, experience ofBeing A Perfect Christiandiscipleship, cost ofSurrenderingCrucifixion, Of ChristGod, Unity OfLife, Of FaithLove, Nature OfMortificationParticipation, In ChristPaul, Teaching OfResurrection, SpiritualSanctification, Means And ResultsSelf DenialSin, Avoidance OfSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesUnion With Christ, Significance OfUnion With Christ, Nature OfJesus Christ, Love Of
Indwelling Of ChristDying With ChristDead To SinUnworldlinessHealthy MarriagesDeath To SelfGod Handing OverBenefits Of Faith In ChristNot MeChrist's LoveLife In A Material WorldLife Is In ChristOur CrucifixionBeing AloneMeaning Of The Risen LifeParticipation In Christ Death And Resurrectionnatural LifeThe Surrendered lifeStaying Strong And Not Giving UpLiving For GodNever Giving UpFaith In GodConfidence And Self EsteemLove Shown By DeedsrebirthcrucifixionJesus Freely Giving His LifeChrist As The Object Of Saving FaithLife That Is Worth Living
But the last thing I want to do is brag [about such things]. For [if I had any bragging to do at all], it would be about [salvation through] the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is through Him that this [sinful] world has been crucified [i.e., died] as far as I am concerned and I have been crucified [i.e., died] as far as it is concerned.
Dead » To sin
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Verse Concepts
AtonementLoveAbundant LifeAccepting ChristAbiding In ChristAmbassadorsFaith, As Basis Of Salvationeternal life, nature ofeternal life, experience ofBeing A Perfect Christiandiscipleship, cost ofSurrenderingCrucifixion, Of ChristGod, Unity OfLife, Of FaithLove, Nature OfMortificationParticipation, In ChristPaul, Teaching OfResurrection, SpiritualSanctification, Means And ResultsSelf DenialSin, Avoidance OfSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesUnion With Christ, Significance OfUnion With Christ, Nature OfJesus Christ, Love Of
Indwelling Of ChristDying With ChristDead To SinUnworldlinessHealthy MarriagesDeath To SelfGod Handing OverBenefits Of Faith In ChristNot MeChrist's LoveLife In A Material WorldLife Is In ChristOur CrucifixionBeing AloneMeaning Of The Risen LifeParticipation In Christ Death And Resurrectionnatural LifeThe Surrendered lifeStaying Strong And Not Giving UpLiving For GodNever Giving UpFaith In GodConfidence And Self EsteemLove Shown By DeedsrebirthcrucifixionJesus Freely Giving His LifeChrist As The Object Of Saving FaithLife That Is Worth Living
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]:
Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.
This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter].
So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ.
Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer?
For a dead person is freed from [the control of] sin.
For you died [with Christ, See 2:20], and your life is [now] hidden with Christ in [fellowship with] God.
Evil » Kiss » Passions
not in passionate lust, as the [unconverted] Gentiles, who do not know God, do.
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
For this reason God allowed [or, abandoned] them to [practice] degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function [i.e., of sex] for what is against nature [i.e., lesbianism].
For when we were in the flesh [i.e., before conversion], our sinful desires, aroused by [the restrictions of] the law of Moses, worked in our bodies to produce activity that led to [spiritual] death.
Flesh » Who has crucified the flesh
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
The flesh » Mortify the
for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually].
But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].
So, put to death [i.e., stop practicing the desires of] your physical bodies [such as] sexual immorality, [moral] impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is [in reality] idolatry.
Verse Concepts
GluttonyLicentiousnessCovetingFornicationAdultery, SpiritualBodily LimbsBaptism, significance ofdesiresThe Sin NatureGreed, Believers' Response ToLustLove, In RelationshipsSexual AberrationsSelf DenialMisersMortificationOpposition, To Sin And EvilPurity, Moral And SpiritualSelf DisciplineSelf IndulgenceSexualitySin, Avoidance OfSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InLasciviousness
Sexual ChastityCovetousness, Nature ofIdolatry Consists OfAppetite, SexualImpuritySexual RelationshipsCrucifying Our FleshEvil PassionsDeath To SelfAffection, EvilDead To SinEvil DesiresIdolatryAvoid ImmoralityNature Of IdolatryCovetousnessAffectionsexGreedMoviesSexual ImmoralityPassionBeing GaySexual Purity
We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer.
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
So then, you should no longer live the rest of your lives [to satisfy] the sinful desires of your body, but to do what God wants.
But, I am saying to you, live in harmony with the Holy Spirit's [desire for you] and [then] you will not [always] be giving in to the wrong desires of your body.
And if your right eye is what ensnares you into falling away [from God], gouge it out and throw it away from you. For it would be better for you to lose a part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. [Note: This is the word "Gehenna," and because of its Old Testament connotation of burning bodies, II Chron. 33:6, it is used figuratively here, and elsewhere, to describe the place of future, final punishment of the wicked].
If your hand or your foot becomes the occasion for you falling away [from God], cut them off and throw them away. It would be better for you to enter [never ending] life disabled or crippled, rather than keeping both hands and both feet and being thrown into the never ending fire [i.e., because they caused you to fall away from God].
My dearly loved ones, I urge you, as a people who are foreigners and strangers [in this world], do not give in to sinful desires, which wage war against the soul.
Verse Concepts
AbstinenceForeignersCommitment, to the worldBeggingBeing A Pilgrimencouragement, examples ofChastitydesiresLustMortificationNomadsOutsidersSanctification, Means And ResultsSelf DenialSelf IndulgenceSeparationSin, Avoidance Of
Sin, Accepting Forgiveness OfSociety, Positive Aspects OfSpiritual Warfare, As ConflictSpiritual Warfare, Enemies InSaints, As PilgrimsAliens, Christians In The WorldChristians, Names OfForsaking SinCitizenshipLiving For The MaterialAvoiding EvilReckoned As ForeignersAbstaining From DrugsPrinciples Of WarCitizensovereatingCharacteristics Of Pilgrims
Holy spirit » fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
(for the product of light consists of everything good and right and true). Then you will demonstrate [or, "learn about"] a life that is very pleasing to the Lord.
Lust » Who has crucified their lusts
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
Religion » TRUE
Then Peter began to speak. He said, "I perceive that God truly does not show favoritism toward anyone, but that whoever respects Him and does what is right, whatever country he may be from, is acceptable to Him.
Religion that is pure and uncorrupted in the eyes of [our] God and Father involves taking care of orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
Verse Concepts
Giving, Of PossessionsAcceptance, divineAbsent FathersExploitationsCompassion, Examples OfCommitment, to the worldethics, socialethics, incentives towardsBlamelessness, In Christian LivingdiscouragementAcceptance, Of WorshipBereaved, Care ForSocial JusticeHoliness, Worldly SeparationHonorOrphansRestored In Jesus ChristPerfection, HumanPoverty, Attitudes Towards
Purity, Moral And SpiritualReligionSensitivityShepherds, As Church LeaderSociety, Positive Aspects OfWidowsTrue ReligionAfflicted, Duty To ThemLove To Others Shown InWidows, Should BeCares Of This WorldFaultlessnessCaring For OthersVisiting Of The SickActive LifestylesAge DiscriminationPeople Helping OrphansThe FatherGod Caring For Orphans
But, you dearly loved ones, build yourselves up [spiritually] on [the foundation of] your most sacred faith; pray in [the power of] the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love [i.e., continue to love God], as you look forward to [receiving] the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, [who will grant you] never ending life.
And for this very reason, you people should make every effort to develop goodness along with your faith, and knowledge along with your goodness, and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance, and brotherly kindness along with your godliness, and with your brotherly kindness, develop love. read more.
For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.
For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.
"Teacher, which one is the greatest commandment in the law of Moses?" he asked. Jesus replied, [Deut. 6:5] "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the foremost and greatest commandment. read more.
A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], 'You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.' The entire law of Moses and the prophets hinge on these two commandments."
A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], 'You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.' The entire law of Moses and the prophets hinge on these two commandments."
Therefore, none of those who are in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus will be condemned. For the Holy Spirit's law which provides [never ending] life for those in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus has freed me from the law that requires [spiritual] death for sinning. For what the law was not able to do [for mankind], since it was [too] weak [to deliver them from condemnation] because fleshly people [were unable to obey it perfectly], God condemned sin in the flesh [i.e., sin was declared evil and its power over man broken]. God did this by sending His own Son in a body like sinful man's, and to destroy sin, read more.
so that the requirements of the law could be [considered] fulfilled in us, who do not live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, but according to [the promptings of] the Holy Spirit. For those people who are [controlled] by the flesh think about [i.e., desire] what the flesh wants; but those who are [controlled] by the Holy Spirit [desire] what the Holy Spirit wants. For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace. This is because the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh is an enemy of God; for he is not obedient to God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it. And those people who are living according to the flesh cannot please God. But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam's ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take "spirit" here to be "Spirit" and make it "The Holy Spirit gives you life." See next verse]. But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God's Spirit who lives in your hearts. So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually]. For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take "Holy Spirit" here to be "spirit," making the verse say "you did not receive the spirit of slavery"], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, "Abba", [which means] "Father." The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25]. For I consider that our present sufferings do not deserve to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us [i.e., in the future life].
so that the requirements of the law could be [considered] fulfilled in us, who do not live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, but according to [the promptings of] the Holy Spirit. For those people who are [controlled] by the flesh think about [i.e., desire] what the flesh wants; but those who are [controlled] by the Holy Spirit [desire] what the Holy Spirit wants. For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace. This is because the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh is an enemy of God; for he is not obedient to God's law, and in fact, cannot obey it. And those people who are living according to the flesh cannot please God. But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam's ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take "spirit" here to be "Spirit" and make it "The Holy Spirit gives you life." See next verse]. But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God's Spirit who lives in your hearts. So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually]. For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take "Holy Spirit" here to be "spirit," making the verse say "you did not receive the spirit of slavery"], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, "Abba", [which means] "Father." The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25]. For I consider that our present sufferings do not deserve to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us [i.e., in the future life].
Brothers, my heart's desire and [fervent] request to God is for the salvation of my fellow-Jews. [See 9:3-4]. For I can testify that they have an enthusiasm for God, but it is without [true] knowledge. For they did not know about God's way of making people right with Himself, so they attempted to establish their own way. In doing this they did not submit to God's way for being made right with Him. read more.
So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him]. For Moses wrote [Lev. 18:5] about a person being made right with God by obeying the requirements of the law of Moses, that he would gain [never ending] life for doing this. But the [means of] being made right with God by faith [in Christ] is described in the Scripture this way [Deut. 30:12-13], "Do not ask yourself, 'Who will go up into heaven?'" (in order to bring Christ down [to earth]). "And [do not ask yourself], 'Who will go down into the deep hole?'" (in order to bring Christ up from the dead). [Note: This "deep hole" probably refers to the unseen place of departed spirits, or possibly the grave. Being made right with God does not require something as difficult as bringing Christ down from heaven or up from the dead (which God had already done), but is within easy reach of everyone]. But what does the Scripture say [about being made right with God]? [Deut. 30:14 says], "The message of God is near you [i.e., it is not difficult to comprehend]. It is on your lips and in your heart." This is the message of faith [in Christ] which we [apostles] preach. So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For a person believes [in Christ] with his heart in order to be made right with God, and he makes a profession with his lips in order to be saved. For the Scripture says [Isa. 28:16], "Whoever believes in Him [i.e., Christ] will not be put to shame." [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him] For there is no distinction [with God] between Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], for all have the same Lord, who is generous to all who appeal to Him [for help]. For [Joel 2:32 says], "Every person who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [i.e., whoever appeals to God through obedient faith in Christ]
So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him]. For Moses wrote [Lev. 18:5] about a person being made right with God by obeying the requirements of the law of Moses, that he would gain [never ending] life for doing this. But the [means of] being made right with God by faith [in Christ] is described in the Scripture this way [Deut. 30:12-13], "Do not ask yourself, 'Who will go up into heaven?'" (in order to bring Christ down [to earth]). "And [do not ask yourself], 'Who will go down into the deep hole?'" (in order to bring Christ up from the dead). [Note: This "deep hole" probably refers to the unseen place of departed spirits, or possibly the grave. Being made right with God does not require something as difficult as bringing Christ down from heaven or up from the dead (which God had already done), but is within easy reach of everyone]. But what does the Scripture say [about being made right with God]? [Deut. 30:14 says], "The message of God is near you [i.e., it is not difficult to comprehend]. It is on your lips and in your heart." This is the message of faith [in Christ] which we [apostles] preach. So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For a person believes [in Christ] with his heart in order to be made right with God, and he makes a profession with his lips in order to be saved. For the Scripture says [Isa. 28:16], "Whoever believes in Him [i.e., Christ] will not be put to shame." [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him] For there is no distinction [with God] between Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], for all have the same Lord, who is generous to all who appeal to Him [for help]. For [Joel 2:32 says], "Every person who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." [i.e., whoever appeals to God through obedient faith in Christ]
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires. read more.
If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.
If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.
Make sure that no one does anything wrong to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone. You should be joyful at all times. Never stop praying. read more.
Thank [God] for everything, for this is what God wants for you in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus. Do not squelch the [influence of the] Holy Spirit [in your lives]. Do not look down on prophetic messages. Put everything [i.e., speakers and their messages] to the test, [then] hold onto what is good. Avoid [the practice of] every kind of evil. And may God Himself, who gives peace, dedicate you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body [i.e., your entire person] be kept without just blame at [i.e., until] the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank [God] for everything, for this is what God wants for you in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus. Do not squelch the [influence of the] Holy Spirit [in your lives]. Do not look down on prophetic messages. Put everything [i.e., speakers and their messages] to the test, [then] hold onto what is good. Avoid [the practice of] every kind of evil. And may God Himself, who gives peace, dedicate you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body [i.e., your entire person] be kept without just blame at [i.e., until] the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
However, you are doing well if you fulfill [i.e., obey] the royal law found in the Scriptures [Lev. 19:18], "You should love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself." But if you show favoritism toward [certain] persons, you are committing a sin and are convicted by the law [of God] as lawbreakers. For, whoever observes the entire law [of God] and yet breaks one requirement [of it], becomes guilty of [breaking] all of it. read more.
For God, who said [through Moses, Ex. 20:13f], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate," also said, "You must not murder." Now if you are sexually faithful to your mate and yet murder [someone], you have become a lawbreaker. So, you should speak and act as people who will be judged by a law that brings freedom. For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation. What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food, and one of you says to him, "Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well," and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that? In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone. But someone may say, "You have faith and I have [good] deeds." [I reply], show me your faith without your [good] deeds, and I will show you my faith by my [good] deeds. You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought]. But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless? Was not our forefather Abraham made right with God by deeds [of obedience] when he offered his son Isaac [as a sacrifice] on the Altar? [Do you not] see that faith cooperated together with his deeds, and faith was made complete by [his] deeds? So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], "Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous," and he was called God's friend. [So], you see, it is by deeds that a person is made right with God, and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not the prostitute Rahab made right with God by [her] deeds when she welcomed [and protected] the messengers, and [then] sent them away by a different road? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without [good] deeds is dead.
For God, who said [through Moses, Ex. 20:13f], "You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate," also said, "You must not murder." Now if you are sexually faithful to your mate and yet murder [someone], you have become a lawbreaker. So, you should speak and act as people who will be judged by a law that brings freedom. For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation. What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him? If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food, and one of you says to him, "Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well," and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that? In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone. But someone may say, "You have faith and I have [good] deeds." [I reply], show me your faith without your [good] deeds, and I will show you my faith by my [good] deeds. You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought]. But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless? Was not our forefather Abraham made right with God by deeds [of obedience] when he offered his son Isaac [as a sacrifice] on the Altar? [Do you not] see that faith cooperated together with his deeds, and faith was made complete by [his] deeds? So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], "Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous," and he was called God's friend. [So], you see, it is by deeds that a person is made right with God, and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not the prostitute Rahab made right with God by [her] deeds when she welcomed [and protected] the messengers, and [then] sent them away by a different road? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without [good] deeds is dead.
Self-denial » Should be exercised in » Crucifying the flesh
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
Sin » Conviction of, results of » Dead to
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Verse Concepts
AtonementLoveAbundant LifeAccepting ChristAbiding In ChristAmbassadorsFaith, As Basis Of Salvationeternal life, nature ofeternal life, experience ofBeing A Perfect Christiandiscipleship, cost ofSurrenderingCrucifixion, Of ChristGod, Unity OfLife, Of FaithLove, Nature OfMortificationParticipation, In ChristPaul, Teaching OfResurrection, SpiritualSanctification, Means And ResultsSelf DenialSin, Avoidance OfSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesUnion With Christ, Significance OfUnion With Christ, Nature OfJesus Christ, Love Of
Indwelling Of ChristDying With ChristDead To SinUnworldlinessHealthy MarriagesDeath To SelfGod Handing OverBenefits Of Faith In ChristNot MeChrist's LoveLife In A Material WorldLife Is In ChristOur CrucifixionBeing AloneMeaning Of The Risen LifeParticipation In Christ Death And Resurrectionnatural LifeThe Surrendered lifeStaying Strong And Not Giving UpLiving For GodNever Giving UpFaith In GodConfidence And Self EsteemLove Shown By DeedsrebirthcrucifixionJesus Freely Giving His LifeChrist As The Object Of Saving FaithLife That Is Worth Living
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]:
Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.
This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter].
So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ.
Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer?
For a dead person is freed from [the control of] sin.
For you died [with Christ, See 2:20], and your life is [now] hidden with Christ in [fellowship with] God.
The Surrendered life » Of Christ to his mission for further treatment of this subject » Dead to sin
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Verse Concepts
AtonementLoveAbundant LifeAccepting ChristAbiding In ChristAmbassadorsFaith, As Basis Of Salvationeternal life, nature ofeternal life, experience ofBeing A Perfect Christiandiscipleship, cost ofSurrenderingCrucifixion, Of ChristGod, Unity OfLife, Of FaithLove, Nature OfMortificationParticipation, In ChristPaul, Teaching OfResurrection, SpiritualSanctification, Means And ResultsSelf DenialSin, Avoidance OfSin, God's Remedy ForSubstitutionTypesUnion With Christ, Significance OfUnion With Christ, Nature OfJesus Christ, Love Of
Indwelling Of ChristDying With ChristDead To SinUnworldlinessHealthy MarriagesDeath To SelfGod Handing OverBenefits Of Faith In ChristNot MeChrist's LoveLife In A Material WorldLife Is In ChristOur CrucifixionBeing AloneMeaning Of The Risen LifeParticipation In Christ Death And Resurrectionnatural LifeThe Surrendered lifeStaying Strong And Not Giving UpLiving For GodNever Giving UpFaith In GodConfidence And Self EsteemLove Shown By DeedsrebirthcrucifixionJesus Freely Giving His LifeChrist As The Object Of Saving FaithLife That Is Worth Living
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of the world, [then] why, as though you [still] lived in [harmony with] the world, do you submit yourselves to [its] rules, [such as]:
Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.
This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Christ [i.e., stopped the practice of sin, See Rom. 6:1-11], we will also live with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter].
So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ.
Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer?
For a dead person is freed from [the control of] sin.
For you died [with Christ, See 2:20], and your life is [now] hidden with Christ in [fellowship with] God.
War » Figurative » Armor for » Over the flesh
And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body doomed to [spiritual] death? Thank God [that I can be rescued] through [the power of] Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, I personally [try to] serve God's law with my mind, but [all too often] I serve the law of sin with my flesh [i.e., submitting in weakness to my human desires].