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This section sets the stage for all that follows. The believer’s identification with Christ becomes the basis for Paul’s moral exhortations to godly living. Christ has become the center of focus for the Christian’s life. Earthly things (v.2) are now viewed from a new perspective, and this change in perspective results in a change of behavior. The Christian exchanges old sinful practices for new ones, striving to reflect the character of Christ himself.
Christ’s name is written over the whole of a Christian’s life. Thus the apostle exhorts us to look to Christ to receive direction for our conduct. Our thoughts and affections are to be focused on him, who is the source and goal of our lives.
This kind of devotion requires our dying to certain things that belong to the old life. Impure thoughts, filthy language, and immoral deeds have no place in the kingdom of God. The old self must be taken off, with its practices (v.9). In its place, we must put on the new self (v.10), which reflects the image of God as Christ is made all in our lives (v.11). As we reflected the old way of life in sinful conduct, so we are now to reflect Christ’s sovereignty in our walk (v.7). A radical transformation of life is required. Wesleyans understand this moral transformation to be real, actual, and effectual. They believe God expects a genuine change in the inner person of the believer—not simply a change in the believer’s status or relationship with God. It is a real change of character, experienced as God makes the believer holy in his sight (see 1:21-23).
Does this transformation occur in a moment or is it progressive? The Wesleyan typically responds that both statements are true. Commenting on 3:5, John Wesley said that “put to death” means to “slay with a continued stroke” (Notes, 334). In other words, while God’s transforming work is decisive, it is also perpetual. We are being renewed day by day, transformed from one degree of God’s glory to another. So we must die to self daily, and constantly put away evil. This is both our privilege and responsibility as those who bear the image of Christ.