Colossians 3:8
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But now ye also put on all these - See on Eph 4:22 (note). Being now converted, sin had no more dominion over them. Anger, wrath, etc - They had not only lived in the evils mentioned Col 3:5, but also in those enumerated here; and they had not only laid aside the former, but they had laid aside the latter also. They retained no bosom, no easily besetting, sin. They were risen with Christ, and they sought the things which were above. Blasphemy - The word seems here to mean injurious and calumnious speaking.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But now--that ye are no longer living in them. ye also--like other believers; answering to "ye also" (Col 3:7) like other unbelievers formerly. put off--"Do ye also put away all these," namely, those just enumerated, and those which follow [ALFORD]. anger, wrath--(See on Eph 4:31). blasphemy--rather, "reviling," "evil-speaking," as it is translated in Eph 4:31. filthy communication--The context favors the translation, "abusive language," rather than impure conversation. "Foul language" best retains the ambiguity of the original.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now you also put off all these,.... Intimating, that now since they were converted and delivered out of the former state in which they were once, and professed not to walk and live in sin, it became them to separate, remove, and put at a distance from them all sins, and every vice, to lay them aside as dead weights upon them, and put them off as filthy garments; for such sins are never to be put on, and cleaved to again as formerly; and that not only those, the above mentioned, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, but the following also, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, or "evil speaking"; what vices are here intended; see Gill on Eph 4:31; to which is added, filthy communication, which comes out of the mouth: and is to be removed and put out of it, or abstained from; and which is to be understood also of blasphemy, or evil speaking of one another, whereby the credit and reputation of each other may be hurt. "Filthy communication" is the same with that which is said to be corrupt, Eph 4:29; and which, though it is applicable to all speech that is unsavoury, unedifying, idle, and useless, and may be properly enough said of flattery, lying, cursing, and swearing; yet chiefly regards obscene language, unchaste words, and filthy talking, which tend to encourage and cherish the sin of uncleanness in any of its branches, flattery, lying, cursing, and swearing; yet chiefly regards obscene language, unchaste words, and filthy talking, which tend to encourage and cherish the sin of uncleanness in any of its branches.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
As we are to mortify inordinate appetites, so we are to mortify inordinate passions (Col 3:8): But now you also put off all these, anger wrath, malice; for these are contrary to the design of the gospel, as well as grosser impurities; and, though they are more spiritual wickedness, have not less malignity in them. The gospel religion introduces a change of the higher as well as the lower powers of the soul, and supports the dominion of right reason and conscience over appetite and passion. Anger and wrath are bad, but malice is worse, because it is more rooted and deliberate; it is anger heightened and settled. And, as the corrupt principles in the heart must be cut off, so the product of them in the tongue; as blasphemy, which seems there to mean, not so much speaking ill of God as speaking ill of men, giving ill language to them, or raising ill reports of them, and injuring their good name by any evil arts, - filthy communication, that is, all lewd and wanton discourse, which comes from a polluted mind in the speaker and propagates the same defilements in the hearers, - and lying: Lie not one to another (Col 3:9), for it is contrary both to the law of truth and the law of love, it is both unjust and unkind, and naturally tends to destroy all faith and friendship among mankind. Lying makes us like the devil (who is the father of lies), and is a prime part of the devil's image upon our souls; and therefore we are cautioned against this sin by this general reason: Seeing you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, Col 3:10. The consideration that we have by profession put away sin and espoused the cause and interest of Christ, that we have renounced all sin and stand engaged to Christ, should fortify us against this sin of lying. Those who have put off the old man have put it off with its deeds; and those who have put on the new man must put on all its deeds - not only espouse good principles but act them in a good conversation. The new man is said to be renewed in knowledge, because an ignorant soul cannot be a good soul. Without knowledge the heart cannot be good, Pro 19:2. The grace of God works upon the will and affections by renewing the understanding. Light is the first thing in the new creation, as it was in the first: after the image of him who created him. It was the honour of man in innocence that he was made after the image of God; but that image was defaced and lost by sin, and is renewed by sanctifying grace: so that a renewed soul is something like what Adam was in the day he was created. In the privilege and duty of sanctification there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, Col 3:11. There is now no difference arising from different country or different condition and circumstance of life: it is as much the duty of the one as of the other to be holy, and as much the privilege of the one as of the other to receive from God the grace to be so. Christ came to take down all partition-walls, that all might stand on the same level before God, both in duty and privilege. And for this reason, because Christ is all in all. Christ is a Christian's all, his only Lord and Saviour, and all his hope and happiness. And to those who are sanctified, one as well as another and whatever they are in other respects, he is all in all, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end: he is all in all things to them.
Colossians 3:8
Put On the New Self
7When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.8But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Conversation Worthy of Christ
By David Wilkerson6.3K59:23WorthyECC 4:9MAT 7:3MAT 18:19ROM 14:19GAL 5:16COL 3:8TIT 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having pure hearts and minds, which can only be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to let their conversation be worthy of Christ and his gospel, highlighting the power of words and the impact they can have on others. The preacher warns against covetousness and the dangers of allowing material desires to consume one's thoughts and conversations. He concludes by emphasizing that Satan is using conversation as a tool to ruin lives, both in the world and in the church. The sermon is a pastoral message aimed at the congregation, but it is also intended for a wider audience through video and audio recordings.
Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord
By David Wilkerson5.5K54:20PSA 16:7PRO 14:30PRO 27:4MAT 6:33EPH 4:26COL 3:8JAS 1:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit to give him power whenever these negative emotions try to rise up within him. The preacher then discusses the story of David and his reaction to a devastating crisis in which his town, Ziklag, was destroyed. Despite the loss and despair, David did not allow bitterness to consume him, unlike Saul who was filled with fear when facing a massive army. The sermon concludes with a call for people to be delivered from bitterness and to live in the fear of the Lord.
(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 07
By Alan Redpath4.6K37:46Sermon PreparationLUK 14:26ACT 20:20ACT 20:242CO 12:14COL 3:8In the video, the preacher introduces fourteen principles for Christian living. He challenges the audience to quickly find Bible verses to support each principle. The principles include the importance of repentance, the need for discipleship and lordship in salvation, and the significance of putting off the old life and putting on the new. The preacher emphasizes that these principles are often overlooked and need to be emphasized in ministry.
Battling the Unbelief of Bitterness
By John Piper2.0K37:05MAT 6:33ROM 12:9COL 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in the prescriptions and counsel given by God. He encourages the audience to not just read the Bible, but to internalize and memorize its teachings. The speaker also highlights the significance of forgiveness and trusting in God's vengeance for those who have wronged us. Additionally, he discusses the purpose of trials in our lives, explaining that they are meant to refine and bring us closer to holiness and joy. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those struggling with bitterness or anger to stand up and trust in God's purpose for their lives. The sermon is based on Romans 12:9-21 and references 1 Peter 1:6.
Sound Doctrine, Sound Words
By Phil Johnson1.9K1:01:10ISA 6:5EPH 4:29EPH 5:4COL 3:8TIT 2:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity, purity, and sound speech in ministry, contrasting the trend of using profanity and lewd content in preaching. It highlights the need for pastors to be examples of good works, integrity, and reverence, following the instructions given by Paul to Titus. The message warns against adopting worldly language and subject matter in the pulpit, stressing the significance of upholding sanctified behavior and speech in all aspects of ministry.
How Do You Represent Christ on Facebook? Tim Conway
By Tim Conway1.1K06:48PRO 13:20PRO 20:11MAT 12:371CO 15:33EPH 5:4COL 3:8This sermon addresses the importance of how our actions, words, and associations, especially on social media like Facebook, reflect our true identity as Christians. It emphasizes the need to be mindful of what we allow on our social media accounts as it directly represents our relationship with Christ and influences others' perceptions of us.
How to Be Good and Mad
By Richard Sipley83352:39PRO 14:29PRO 15:1PRO 16:32GAL 5:22EPH 4:26COL 3:8JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of being both good and mad. He shares a personal story about a man he knew who had a terrible temper and was always angry. Despite this, the man had a supportive wife and eventually experienced a transformation by God. The speaker also mentions a counseling session with a man who came seeking help for his daughter's psychological issues, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing the man's own anger first. The sermon highlights the need for individuals to confront their own anger and seek God's transformation in their lives.
Genesis 3
By Gerry Covenhoven81627:00GenesisGEN 3:15GEN 9:24MAT 6:33COL 3:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promises of God throughout the Old Testament, particularly in relation to the coming of the Savior. The sermon highlights how God promises to meet the needs of humanity and provide redemption. The preacher also mentions the story of Noah and his drunkenness, emphasizing the shame involved. The sermon concludes by discussing the influence of the word of God on civilization and the potential impact of a Christian or Judeo-Christian influence on mitigating atrocities in the world.
A Spiritual Voting Booth
By Rick Leibee8121:38:00EXO 21:24MAT 5:5ROM 12:19COL 3:81PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers teaching biblical truths and doctrines in their homes. He warns that without proper teaching, young people may be drawn to wasteful and harmful pursuits. The speaker acknowledges that an hour is not enough time to delve deeply into these teachings, but encourages fathers to regularly discuss and apply them in their homes. He also addresses the divisive nature of political campaigns and urges believers to demonstrate love and avoid engaging in evil speaking during these times.
Ephesians 4 - Part 1
By Robert F. Adcock75038:15ACT 17:6EPH 4:17EPH 4:25EPH 4:31COL 3:8COL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for God in the world we live in. He encourages Christians to make their lives count for God and to boldly speak out against sin without compromising. The preacher also emphasizes the need for believers to show kindness, forgiveness, and love towards one another, just as God has forgiven them through Christ. He urges the audience to put off their old sinful ways and be renewed in their minds and spirits, living in righteousness and holiness. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the time is short and that believers should strive to have a clear conscience and preserve righteousness, as the rapture of the church and the end times could happen at any moment.
Third River -- Profanity
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:7LEV 24:15PRO 4:24MAT 5:37COL 3:8Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the seriousness of taking the name of the Lord in vain, emphasizing that God will not hold guiltless those who do so. He shares the story from Leviticus of a man who blasphemed God's name and faced severe consequences, highlighting the importance of revering and honoring God in all aspects of our lives. Knapp warns against the various ways people can fall into the sin of using God's name in vain, stressing the need for repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ to avoid the eternal consequences of this sin.
Impatience and Our Exceeding Liability
By Milton Haney0ROM 8:7GAL 5:22EPH 4:22COL 3:8JAS 1:4Milton Haney emphasizes the importance of cultivating patience and avoiding impatience, highlighting the detrimental effects impatience can have on our spiritual growth and relationships. He discusses how impatience is a common struggle among God's saints, often leading to significant losses and missed opportunities. Haney delves into the challenges posed by wealth and poverty in fostering impatience, as well as the conflicts that arise in human relationships. He stresses the significance of demonstrating unmixed patience as a true reflection of discipleship and a powerful testimony to the world.
Hindrances to Growing in Grace
By David Wilkerson0Heart IssuesGrowth in GraceEPH 4:31COL 3:8JAS 1:19David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical need to address heart issues that hinder our growth in grace, as outlined by Paul in Ephesians 4:31. He explains that bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speaking, clamor, and malice must be removed from our lives to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit and becoming spiritually stagnant. Each of these issues represents a deeper struggle that requires intentional effort and repentance to overcome. Wilkerson encourages believers to engage in this process of growth, recognizing that it may take time and that failure is part of the journey. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to healing and restoration in our relationships.
Out of the Abundance of the Heart
By David Wilkerson0Heart ConditionTaming the TonguePSA 19:14PRO 4:23PRO 18:21MAT 12:34MAT 15:18LUK 6:45GAL 5:22EPH 4:29COL 3:8JAS 3:10David Wilkerson emphasizes that the true source of our words lies in our hearts, highlighting that careless speech reflects an unclean heart. He urges believers to take seriously Jesus' teaching on taming the tongue, recognizing that gossip and harsh words indicate deeper heart issues. Wilkerson challenges us to examine our hearts for unresolved bitterness, jealousy, or pride that may lead to harmful speech. He reminds us that God desires to cleanse our hearts and remove the hidden poison that affects our words and actions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep introspection and a plea for God's healing touch in our lives.
Step 8 on Freedom From Anger and on Meekness.
By St. John Climacus0PRO 15:1PRO 16:32PRO 29:11GAL 5:22EPH 4:31COL 3:8JAS 1:19JAS 4:1St. John Climacus preaches about the destructive nature of anger and the importance of cultivating meekness and patience to overcome this passion. He emphasizes the need for self-examination, humility, and the practice of silence to achieve freedom from anger. St. John Climacus also highlights the dangers of harboring resentment, the healing power of forgiveness, and the transformative effects of living in community and enduring hardships with grace and love.
The Loss When a Soul Is Lost
By Charles Finney0MAT 14:3ACT 7:58ROM 6:19ROM 8:13ROM 13:12EPH 4:22COL 3:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:211PE 2:1The preacher emphasizes the importance of believers putting aside their old ways and sinful behaviors, urging them to cease doing what they are accustomed to and to throw off these hindrances. Through various Bible verses, the sermon highlights the need to lay aside deeds of darkness, falsehood, anger, malice, and other vices that hinder spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to strip off every encumbrance and sin that entangles them, fixing their eyes on Jesus and running the race with endurance.
The Advantage of Keeping One's Temper
By J.R. Miller0Self-ControlThe Importance of Good TemperPRO 15:1PRO 18:24ECC 7:9MAT 5:5ROM 12:181CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:31COL 3:8JAS 1:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the sinful nature of bad temper, arguing that it is an infirmity that should not be excused or tolerated. He highlights the practical advantages of maintaining good temper, such as improving one's reputation, enhancing personal comfort, and fostering meaningful friendships. Miller asserts that good temper is essential for true manliness, aligning with Christ's example of meekness and self-control. He encourages striving for self-mastery, as it leads to a more fulfilling and noble life. Ultimately, he reminds us that with Christ's help, we can achieve victory over our tempers and embody the qualities of love and patience.
Worldly Business No Plea for the Neglect of Religion. (Matt. 8:22)
By George Whitefield0PSA 141:3MAT 15:19MRK 14:64EPH 4:31COL 3:8The preacher delves into the concept of slander, which involves verbal abuse and evil speaking that seeks to harm someone's reputation. Blasphemia, the strongest form of personal defamation, refers to speech that brings ill repute, defames, and reviles. In the Bible, blasphemy is seen as an injury offered to God by denying what is due to Him or attributing what is not agreeable to His nature. The sermon emphasizes the importance of putting away all forms of malice, bitterness, and evil speaking, as they hinder the Christian life and reflect a lack of obedience to God's Word.
John Gordon
By Alexander Whyte0PRO 22:8GAL 6:7EPH 4:26COL 3:8JAS 1:19Alexander Whyte preaches about the struggles and consequences of sin within the Gordon family, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by old John Gordon and his son in Cardoness Castle. Despite the efforts of Samuel Rutherford to guide and advise them, the sins of the past continue to haunt and affect the family, leading to financial burdens, strained relationships, and moral failings. Rutherford emphasizes the importance of daily repentance and gradual transformation, urging young Cardoness to address his besetting sin of anger by taking small steps each day to overcome it.
Righteous Indignation
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PSA 37:8PRO 14:29PRO 29:11MRK 3:5ROM 12:19EPH 4:26EPH 4:31COL 3:8JAS 1:20Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the concept of righteous indignation, exploring the fine line between this and what is commonly known as anger or impatience. Various definitions and distinctions are presented, highlighting the difference in character and degree between carnal anger and holy indignation. The sermon emphasizes that righteous indignation is free from selfishness, elevating, and ennobling, while carnal anger stems from an unholy principle in the soul and is belittling and demoralizing. Baldwin also discusses the importance of discipline and upholding the requirements of the law without vindictiveness, for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
A Talk About Disposition
By J.R. Miller0Reflecting ChristChristian DispositionCOL 3:8J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of a Christian's disposition in reflecting the beauty of Christ to the world. He argues that our lives serve as a telescope through which others can see Jesus, and that a bad disposition can misrepresent Him. Miller insists that Christians must actively work to cultivate a sweet and gentle disposition, viewing bad dispositions as a sin that must be addressed. He encourages believers to strive for transformation through God's grace, likening the heart to a garden that requires diligent care to flourish. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to embody Christ's love and gentleness in all interactions.
The Taming of Anger
By A.W. Tozer0The Power of ThoughtsAnger ManagementPSA 37:8PRO 4:23PRO 15:1ECC 7:9MAT 15:19ROM 12:19GAL 5:22EPH 4:26COL 3:8JAS 1:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of thoughts in the manifestation of anger, asserting that all sins, including anger, begin in the heart and mind. He explains that quick-tempered individuals often brood over wrongs, conditioning themselves for outbursts, while a heart filled with moral contemplation and understanding of God's mercy is less likely to react with anger. Tozer encourages deep meditation on sin, mercy, and Christ's sacrifice to cultivate a heart that responds with grace rather than rage. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of managing our thoughts to tame our anger and respond appropriately to injustices.
Healing the Tongue
By David Wilkerson0HealingThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PSA 141:3PRO 18:21ISA 6:1ISA 6:5MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 3:8JAS 3:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of approaching God to heal our tongues, using Isaiah's vision of God's holiness as a model. In God's presence, Isaiah recognized his unclean lips and the sinfulness of his speech, highlighting the importance of conviction in the healing process. The prophet allowed the Lord to cleanse him with holy fire, symbolizing the transformative power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Wilkerson encourages believers to confess their uncleanliness and seek God's purifying touch on their speech. Ultimately, healing the tongue begins with a sincere encounter with God's holiness.
Evil-Speaking
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Evil-SpeakingLove and CompassionEXO 20:16PRO 10:18MAT 5:44MAT 7:5EPH 4:29PHP 2:3COL 3:8TIT 3:2JAS 4:111PE 2:1Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the divine command to 'speak evil of no man' as outlined in Titus 3:2, warning that failing to adhere to this command leads to numerous spiritual evils, including backsliding and the quenching of revivals. He defines evil-speaking as lying, slandering, and gossiping about others, which not only harms the individual being spoken about but also corrupts the speaker's own soul and grieves the Holy Spirit. Brengle urges believers to consider the struggles of others, reflect on their own faults, and embody Christ-like love and compassion instead of judgment. He concludes that true love and a clean heart filled with the Holy Spirit will prevent one from speaking evil and instead inspire prayer and correction in love. The sermon calls for self-examination and a commitment to uphold the dignity of every person, as all are precious in God's sight.
Careless Words
By David Wilkerson0AccountabilityThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PRO 12:18PRO 18:21PRO 21:23MAT 12:36MAT 15:18LUK 6:45EPH 4:29COL 3:8JAS 1:26David Wilkerson emphasizes the weight of our words, warning that every idle word we speak is recorded and will be accounted for on the day of judgment. He shares a personal experience of feeling convicted after gossiping about a minister, realizing that even true words can cause harm and should not be shared without purpose. The sermon highlights the importance of heeding the Holy Spirit's guidance to refrain from speaking negatively about others, as our words have lasting consequences. Wilkerson encourages listeners to acknowledge their sins and seek healing through humility and repentance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But now ye also put on all these - See on Eph 4:22 (note). Being now converted, sin had no more dominion over them. Anger, wrath, etc - They had not only lived in the evils mentioned Col 3:5, but also in those enumerated here; and they had not only laid aside the former, but they had laid aside the latter also. They retained no bosom, no easily besetting, sin. They were risen with Christ, and they sought the things which were above. Blasphemy - The word seems here to mean injurious and calumnious speaking.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But now--that ye are no longer living in them. ye also--like other believers; answering to "ye also" (Col 3:7) like other unbelievers formerly. put off--"Do ye also put away all these," namely, those just enumerated, and those which follow [ALFORD]. anger, wrath--(See on Eph 4:31). blasphemy--rather, "reviling," "evil-speaking," as it is translated in Eph 4:31. filthy communication--The context favors the translation, "abusive language," rather than impure conversation. "Foul language" best retains the ambiguity of the original.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now you also put off all these,.... Intimating, that now since they were converted and delivered out of the former state in which they were once, and professed not to walk and live in sin, it became them to separate, remove, and put at a distance from them all sins, and every vice, to lay them aside as dead weights upon them, and put them off as filthy garments; for such sins are never to be put on, and cleaved to again as formerly; and that not only those, the above mentioned, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, but the following also, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, or "evil speaking"; what vices are here intended; see Gill on Eph 4:31; to which is added, filthy communication, which comes out of the mouth: and is to be removed and put out of it, or abstained from; and which is to be understood also of blasphemy, or evil speaking of one another, whereby the credit and reputation of each other may be hurt. "Filthy communication" is the same with that which is said to be corrupt, Eph 4:29; and which, though it is applicable to all speech that is unsavoury, unedifying, idle, and useless, and may be properly enough said of flattery, lying, cursing, and swearing; yet chiefly regards obscene language, unchaste words, and filthy talking, which tend to encourage and cherish the sin of uncleanness in any of its branches, flattery, lying, cursing, and swearing; yet chiefly regards obscene language, unchaste words, and filthy talking, which tend to encourage and cherish the sin of uncleanness in any of its branches.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
As we are to mortify inordinate appetites, so we are to mortify inordinate passions (Col 3:8): But now you also put off all these, anger wrath, malice; for these are contrary to the design of the gospel, as well as grosser impurities; and, though they are more spiritual wickedness, have not less malignity in them. The gospel religion introduces a change of the higher as well as the lower powers of the soul, and supports the dominion of right reason and conscience over appetite and passion. Anger and wrath are bad, but malice is worse, because it is more rooted and deliberate; it is anger heightened and settled. And, as the corrupt principles in the heart must be cut off, so the product of them in the tongue; as blasphemy, which seems there to mean, not so much speaking ill of God as speaking ill of men, giving ill language to them, or raising ill reports of them, and injuring their good name by any evil arts, - filthy communication, that is, all lewd and wanton discourse, which comes from a polluted mind in the speaker and propagates the same defilements in the hearers, - and lying: Lie not one to another (Col 3:9), for it is contrary both to the law of truth and the law of love, it is both unjust and unkind, and naturally tends to destroy all faith and friendship among mankind. Lying makes us like the devil (who is the father of lies), and is a prime part of the devil's image upon our souls; and therefore we are cautioned against this sin by this general reason: Seeing you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, Col 3:10. The consideration that we have by profession put away sin and espoused the cause and interest of Christ, that we have renounced all sin and stand engaged to Christ, should fortify us against this sin of lying. Those who have put off the old man have put it off with its deeds; and those who have put on the new man must put on all its deeds - not only espouse good principles but act them in a good conversation. The new man is said to be renewed in knowledge, because an ignorant soul cannot be a good soul. Without knowledge the heart cannot be good, Pro 19:2. The grace of God works upon the will and affections by renewing the understanding. Light is the first thing in the new creation, as it was in the first: after the image of him who created him. It was the honour of man in innocence that he was made after the image of God; but that image was defaced and lost by sin, and is renewed by sanctifying grace: so that a renewed soul is something like what Adam was in the day he was created. In the privilege and duty of sanctification there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, Col 3:11. There is now no difference arising from different country or different condition and circumstance of life: it is as much the duty of the one as of the other to be holy, and as much the privilege of the one as of the other to receive from God the grace to be so. Christ came to take down all partition-walls, that all might stand on the same level before God, both in duty and privilege. And for this reason, because Christ is all in all. Christ is a Christian's all, his only Lord and Saviour, and all his hope and happiness. And to those who are sanctified, one as well as another and whatever they are in other respects, he is all in all, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end: he is all in all things to them.