Note 13 at Col. 3:5: The word "mortify" as used here means "to discipline (one's body and appetites) by self-denial" (NAHD). The Greek word NEKROO, from which "mortify" was translated, means "to deaden, i.e. (figuratively) to subdue."

The Lord is giving us a command to bring our body and soul under control. He would be unjust to command such a thing if we were incapable of doing it. We can do it. In fact, we must do it if we want to experience the victory that Jesus provided for us - not because God will not answer our prayers unless we are holy, but because our unholiness is an open invitation to the devil to steal, kill, and destroy us (see note 5 at Gal. 5:15, p. 1082). Those who indulge themselves in the things that Paul is speaking against here will not prosper.

Note 14 at Col. 3:5: The word "therefore" is giving us the reason or motivation for this mortification of our flesh. It is because of the glory that we are going to share with Jesus at His second coming. Knowing that our future is so glorious will keep us from living like those who have no hope.

Note 15 at Col. 3:5: The word "members" was translated from the Greek word MELOS, which means "a limb or part of the body." Paul is simply saying that we are to control our actions.

Note 16 at Col. 3:5: In Paul's epistles he always links doctrinal truth with practical expression. He has just stated that Christ is the believer's life and that we will one day manifest His magnificent glory. In light of that statement Paul speaks of putting to death (mortifying) sins that are associated with our earthly members. Although sin's penalty has been paid on our behalf and we are new creations (Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17, 21), it is equally true that sin still attacks our unredeemed humanity. Therefore we must continually yield and trust ourselves to the Holy Spirit and His power (Zech. 4:6; Eph. 5:18; 6:17).

Note 17 at Col. 3:5: The English word "fornication" comes from the Greek word PORNEIA and alludes to any illicit sexual intercourse including adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with a close relative or with animals. (Lev. 18). Our English word "pornography" is derived from PORNEIA plus the Greek word GRAPHE which means a writing or picture involving unlawful intercourse. Pornography is wrong because it is looking or lusting after someone else's nakedness. The Scripture states that our own wife or husband is our nakedness (Lev. 18:8; Gen. 2:25).

Note 18 at Col. 3:5: "Uncleanness" is the Greek word AKATHARSIA and is translated 10 times in the New Testament (Mt. 23:27; Rom. 1:24; 6:19; 2 Cor. 12:21: Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Th. 2:3; 4:7). The word means "impurity (the quality), physically or morally" (Strong).

Much of the emphasis in the Old Testament was on ceremonial cleanness which concerned mainly the physical realm. Jesus came and dealt with issues of the heart (Mt. 23:24-28). No doubt this is speaking of moral uncleanness.

The Biblical antonym of uncleanness is holiness (1 Th. 4:7).

Note 19 at Col. 3:5: "Inordinate affection" is the Greek word PATHOS and refers to sexual passion that exceeds reasonable limits, being immoderate, not regulated, and disorderly. The two other occurrences of this word are found in Romans 1:26 and 1 Thessalonians 4:5 and are translated vile "affections" and the "lust" of concupiscence.

In Romans 1:26, this Greek word is clearly referring to homosexuality and lesbianism. So, it includes those things but is probably not limited to them. This could also apply to the sexual relationship within marriage.

There can be improper sexual conduct even with one's lawful mate. Many "weird" or "wild" sexual actions could be considered "inordinate," but certainly, any act that is not appreciated by one of the partners would be inordinate, and so also would any person using his or her mate as they would a prostitute and justifying it on the grounds that they are married.

Note 20 at Col. 3:5: "Evil concupiscence" was translated from the Greek word EPITHUMIA which is used 38 times in the New Testament. It was translated "lust" 31 times, "concupiscence" 3 times, "desire" 3 times, and "lust after" 1 time. The Greek definition for this word is, "the desire, craving and longing for what is forbidden" (Thayer). The word "concupiscence" has come to mean "sexual desire," but as can be seen by the Greek definition, it is not limited solely to sexual desire. Concupiscence can be any strong or overpowering desire.

Notice that this one Greek word was translated "EVIL concupiscence." It is not wrong to be passionate if we are passionate about the right things. In context, Paul is saying we should be passionate about things above, not earthly things.

Note 21 at Col. 3:5: "Covetousness" is really the root of all sin because it is a selfish desire. The English word "covetousness" is this verse was translated from the Greek word PLEONEXIA and is derived from EXO ("to have") and PLEON ("more").

The original sin of Adam and Eve involved covetousness. They craved for themselves what God had not given them. They were not content with the perfection that God had given them and they felt they had to have more to be content. The same discontentment infects the human race today.

"The Greeks themselves defined covetousness as insatiate desire and said that you might as easily satisfy it as you might fill with water a bowl with a hole in it. They defined it as the sinful desire for what belongs to others. It has been described as ruthless self-seeking. Its basic idea is the desire for that which a man had no right to have. It is, therefore, a sin with a very wide range. If it is prestige, it leads to evil ambition. If it is the desire for power it leads to sadistic tyranny. If it is the desire for a person, it leads to sexual sin. C.F.D. Moule well describes it as 'the opposite of the desire to give'" (Daily Study Bible Series, Col. by William Barclay, pp. 151-152).

Note 22 at Col. 3:5: Covetousness is idolatry. What a strong statement! There are many people who would never bow down to a statue who worship money and what it can buy. If anything we seek takes priority over our seeking God, then that is covetousness and idolatry.