In this writing, we will next present the cause why the wrath of God falls on the children of disobedience: the sin and disorder that lead the life of man.
The Scriptures are very clear in showing us that God is not indifferent to sin. Although He is abundant in mercy, slow to anger, and great in love, His holiness demands justice. The wrath of God is not an irrational outburst or an uncontrolled emotion, but a righteous and holy response to persistent rebellion against His will. When the Bible speaks of divine wrath, it refers to God’s settled opposition to everything that corrupts His creation and dishonors His name.
The apostle Paul begins this chapter by telling man that he must focus on spiritual things and not on earthly things. This is why we see Paul talking about the new and old life of man. He reminds believers that, having been raised with Christ, their affections should no longer be anchored in the temporary pleasures of this world, but in the eternal realities of heaven. This shift in focus is not optional; it is a defining mark of the Christian life.
Paul’s teaching makes a clear contrast between who we were before Christ and who we are now in Him. The “old man” represents the fallen nature, enslaved to sin and governed by fleshly desires. The “new man,” on the other hand, is renewed in knowledge after the image of the Creator. This transformation is not merely external behavior modification, but a deep, spiritual renewal that affects the heart, the mind, and the will.
We must keep in mind that if we turn away and let go of all our past, that which can no longer be in our lives, then the wrath of God will not fall on us, because all that is good for us is to seek the kingdom of the Lord and His justice. True repentance involves more than feeling sorrow for sin; it involves a decisive turning away from it. To repent is to change direction, abandoning what displeases God and embracing what honors Him.
Seeking the kingdom of God means aligning our lives with His purposes, His values, and His commands. It is to live under His rule and to desire His righteousness above all else. When our priorities are reordered in this way, our lives begin to reflect the character of Christ. This does not mean that believers will never struggle with sin, but it does mean that sin no longer reigns as master over them.
For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Colossians 3:6
This verse serves as a solemn reminder that disobedience has real consequences. The “children of disobedience” are those who persistently reject God’s authority and choose to live according to their own desires. Paul does not write these words to frighten believers unnecessarily, but to awaken them to the seriousness of sin. God’s wrath is directed toward disobedience because it represents a rejection of His truth, His goodness, and His rightful lordship.
It is necessary to put to death our unbridled desires and say, “I will leave this world and everything that provokes the wrath of my God.” This language of putting to death indicates deliberate and decisive action. Sin does not die naturally; it must be confronted and dealt with through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is marked by ongoing spiritual warfare, where the believer actively resists the impulses of the flesh.
It is difficult for the human being, since there is a struggle between the flesh and the spirit, but it is necessary for a man to separate himself from this perversity. The flesh seeks immediate gratification, while the Spirit calls us to holiness and obedience. This internal conflict is something every believer experiences, yet Scripture assures us that victory is possible through Christ, who strengthens us and enables us to walk in righteousness.
Paul lists specific sins to show what must be put away from the believer’s life: fornication, impurity, inordinate passions, evil desires, and covetousness, which he boldly identifies as idolatry. These sins reflect a heart that seeks satisfaction apart from God. Covetousness, in particular, reveals a misplaced worship, where created things take the place that belongs only to the Creator.
He continues by mentioning wrath, anger, malice, blasphemy, and dishonest speech. These sins not only damage our relationship with God, but also harm our relationships with others. Words spoken in anger or deceit can wound deeply and reveal a heart that has not fully surrendered to Christ. Each of these behaviors stands in opposition to the character of God, who is holy, truthful, and loving.
Each of these words used in these verses are the reasons why our God gets angry due to the great disobedience of human beings. God’s anger is not arbitrary; it is provoked by sin that distorts His design and leads humanity into bondage. Yet even in His anger, God’s desire is not destruction, but repentance and restoration.
It is good to take this wise counsel from the apostle, and if you do this, your life will be good before God. Turning away from sin brings peace to the conscience and restores fellowship with the Lord. Obedience is not a burden, but a pathway to true freedom, because it aligns us with the purpose for which we were created.
So, turn away from sin, seek the Lord and let go of the old man, because you are now a new creature. In Christ, the past no longer defines us, and the power of sin is broken. As we walk daily in obedience and dependence on God, our lives become a testimony of His transforming grace, reflecting the glory of the One who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.