A note from the desk of our Pastor:

“In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”

Colossians 3:7

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week, Colossians 3:7, demands a deeper dive into theological concepts. This week’s interpretation requires an understanding of the original Greek words used by the Apostle Paul. The construction of this verse is specific because it establishes the application of the meaning to the disciple’s life. The Apostle wrote technical verses at times to ensure precise spiritual understanding.

The Apostle, describing the believers in Colossae, says that they had both ‘walked in’ and ‘lived in’ the sins he has previously listed. The Apostle was not repeating himself as the two terms have different meanings. ‘Lived in’ in this verse is translated from the Greek word Peripateō, which means a sphere of existence. It is important to note that the phrase is in the past tense. The Apostle tells the disciples that, before regeneration, they lived in a state of sin. It was their natural habitat.

‘Walked in’ in this verse is translated from the Greek word Zaō. In contrast, this term refers to habitual conduct. ‘Walked in’ describes conscious choices made by the child of God. Walking in, as used by the Apostle, applies to a child of God before and after regeneration. However, only after regeneration is there the power to choose not to walk in sin. In summary, the Apostle told the believers at Colossae that at one point they were in a state of sin and, as a result, they walked in sin. 

The call to action from the Apostle is to remind believers, in every generation, that God has made them to live in a state of spiritual life rather than sin. As a result, the child of God can choose how they walk. The ‘living in’ aspect of this verse is about your identity. The ‘walking in’ element is about your integrity. The integrity of a believer is established by the alignment or misalignment between their identity (a regenerated child of God) and their outward actions. 

As believers and disciples, let us first be reminded that by the power of God, we are no longer in a state of sin. For that, we should be tremendously thankful. Then let us turn that thanksgiving into action. Let us seek to love God and love our neighbor in such a way that we reflect the spiritual life we have been given.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah