Today we will look at three things we need to “put off.” In Colossians, Paul instructs them to “put off” certain things in their lives that will hinder their progress toward becoming mature Christians. Today, we will look at malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication.
Colossians 3:8-11 “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all and in all.”
- Malice in Greek is “kakia,” which is translated as evil, wickedness, or trouble. This involves someone who holds a grudge, and because of that, they may allow it to fester until it is expressed, potentially destroying a relationship. In Romans 1:29, the word wickedness is the same as malice. Paul is talking about those who have chosen to be ignorant of God and who have given over to their depraved minds. Malice is evil intent, and it is the opposite of the character of a true Christian. A biblical Christian will love his enemies as Jesus commands in Matthew 5:44. When those whom we consider our enemies treat us wrong, we should pray for them. We need to understand that a person treating us wrongly is hurting themselves far greater than they can ever hurt us. If they are a Christian, they are putting a wedge between them and God, and their prayers will not be heard. (Psalm 66:18) If they are not a Christian, they are in danger of Hell. In both cases, they need your prayers. We are never to have intentions or wishes of evil on them for any reason. A good way to help yourself not fall into this trap of wanting revenge is to think of the mercy God has on you.
Romans 1:29 “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,”
Psalm 6:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
- Blasphemy in Greek is “balsfhmia.” It is the same word as slander. We usually think of blasphemy as regarding our God. However, it can refer to our actions toward others. It is the verbal expression of malice. It takes malicious thought and feeling to the next level; it seeks to cause others to think badly about another person. It is to falsely charge another for the purpose of damaging their reputation. In application to God, it would include anything that would damage His name. It can also include using His name in vain, or derivatives of His name, such as Oh my God, gosh, golly, gee-whiz, or any word that uses His name in a manner that is not honoring to Him. Anything that will degenerate His good name is wrong. If you are not praying or telling someone else about your good God, it’s best not to use His name. Blasphemy or slander would also include accusing him of something contrary to His character.
Slander is also the way that some people treat others. It is not uncommon to hear a conversation where people are made fun of. Sometimes it may be done in jest, but if it’s done by pointing out someone’s weakness, it is wrong. Although some may not admit it, it often hurts. This is the opposite of what God’s word tells us. We are to be kind and tenderhearted to one another. Often, this kind of talk begins as fun, but it’s easy to take it too far. That is when the hurt will escalate into the emotion of anger, which can prompt the person to want to retaliate. When we slander a person’s character, it is seriously wrong!
- Next on our list is filthy talk. I think we all can identify with this. This is crude, vulgar, or suggestive talk. Talking in this manner is very disrespectful to those around you, but most of all, it is dishonoring to God. The more that a person gives in to this type of speech, the more it will control him. If not conquered, it will eventually become your normal speech. When anger comes into your heart, it will be expressed with filthy talk and excused. It is vile, and it reveals the moral weakness of a person. You can hide it for a while, but if this is how you are thinking, eventually it will come out.
Matthew 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”
If you are a Christian and have these tendencies, you need to come before God and ask for forgiveness. We are to humbly submit ourselves to God and be completely committed to His lordship in our lives. When we understand that this behavior is sinful and the price that was paid for our sins, it should cause us to feel the guilt and pain of our sin, and our desire should be to repent.
To show malice, slander, and filthy talk to be part of our lives is just an indicator of where we are spiritually. If this is you, there is a good chance you have never truly been saved. It may mean that you have prayed a prayer, but you have never truly repented. You have not surrendered to Jesus as your Lord.
When we are truly His, we have a source to help us “put off” the things that are not pleasing to Him. He lives within us and is available 24/7. So, take advantage of the power we have in Christ. Take advantage of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy. He is greater than anything this world can tempt us with.
I John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
