Colossians 3:7

wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things;

'WHEREIN' -i.e. in such sins.

'YE' -Members of this congregation.

Points to Note:

1. God placed. high ethical demand upon people who had gone into sin--farther than others. No allowance was made for their past (i.e. don't expect too much of me, my mind is filled with too many sinful thoughts). God doesn't believe that any sin, any depth of sin, can destroy the "image" of God that resides in every man and woman. If we end up as "hopeless cases" it is because we have chosen to act like hopeless cases. God didn't view the Corinthians as hopeless (1 Corinthians 6:11).

2. Many Christians in the First Century came from. rough background (Romans 6:21; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 2:1; 1 Peter 4:1). Many came from just horrible upbringings (1 Peter 1:18). And yet God expected "holiness" and purity from the formerly abused and the formerly perverted--a level of purity just like any other Christian (1 Peter 1:14).

'ONCE WALKED' -'Walked, referring to their practice.' (Vincent p. 502) 'and you were once addicted to them' (Wey).

'WHEN YE LIVED IN THESE THINGS' -

Points to Note:

1. They hadn't been born in sin, rather such things had been learned by habit (Ephesians 2:1). Again, let it be noted, something that is "inherent/inborn" cannot be repented of. Being told to repent of some alleged "inherent" sin, would be like God giving. command for people to change the color of their skin, or stop their hair from growing.

2. It is at times argued that one can't "live in sin". But God disagrees. Any sin can be "lived in", as long as you are practicing that sin, and as long as it remains unforgiven, you are in it. In fact, God often applies to the sinner, the specific name of his sin (Revelation 21:8), i.e. the person who lies, is. liar-now that is living in it. God identifies you with the sin. Jesus also taught that committing sin, makes you its slave (John 8:34).

'IN THEM' -i.e. such things as fornication, uncleanness, etc... Now if one can "live in fornication", they can live in any specific sexual sin, including incest, homosexuality and adultery. For the word fornication includes ALL sexual sins. Neither Paul or Jesus agree with those who claim that adultery is. one time act when committed by an unlawfully married couple (Romans 7:3; Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9).

Point to Note:

Such passages as the above infer: (a) God's love for the sinner won't overlook his or her sin, if they refuse to come to Jesus. (b) Grace isn't automatic, it has conditions. (c) Love and Wrath both exist in God. (d) When we say that God hates the sin, but loves the sinner, we must be careful to define what we mean. God loves the sinner in that Jesus died for all men (John 3:16), and God wants all saved (2 Peter 3:10). God loves the sinner in that God gives people, even sinners physical blessings (Luke 6:35); time to repent (2 Peter 3:9); opportunities to obey (Revelation 2:21); and stands ready to forgive upon their submission to His will. But we must impress people with the point that God's anger is directed specifically at people when they are engaged in sin (John 3:36). God does "hate" the person who is sinning too (Proverbs 6:16).. can make myself into. person that God (even though He always stands ready to forgive upon my submission) doesn't like!