The Sons of Disobedience: Understanding Their Nature and Influence in Colossians 3:6

In the New Testament, the term ldquo;sons of disobediencerdquo; appears in Colossians 3:6, a passage that carries significant weight in understanding the nature of sin and its consequences. This phrase, often seen in a context of moral and spiritual rebellion, provides insights into the character and actions of those who resist Godrsquo;s will.

Defining the Sons of Disobedience

Colossians 3:5-7 of the King James Version (KJV) states:

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth—fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

According to these verses, the wrath of God comes upon those who engage in such actions, specifically describing them as the ldquo;children of disobedience.rdquo; In essence, these are the unsaved individuals who live in defiance of Godrsquo;s commandments.

Interpreting the Concept of Disobedience

The term ldquo;son ofrdquo; in Scripture often denotes a personrsquo;s temperamental or dispositional characteristics. For instance, during Jesusrsquo; earthly ministry, he called the brothers James and John ldquo;Boanerges,rdquo; meaning ldquo;sons of thunder.rdquo; This title reflects their passionate and powerful nature, both positive and negative, as they grew into Christlikeness.

Similarly, when the early church leader Barnabas was given a new name, ldquo;son of encouragement,rdquo; it described his uplifting and encouraging disposition, making him a source of spiritual strength for the persecuted Christians.

Son of Disobedience: A Disposition Guided by Malignant Influences

The phrase ldquo;sons of disobediencerdquo; specifically refers to individuals who have a disposition to disobey God. Ephesians 2:2 provides a clearer understanding of this disposition, attributing it to ldquo;the prince of the power of the air—Satan.rdquo; When people allow their pride to rule their hearts, they become vulnerable to the devilrsquo;s influence, leading them into a path of disobedience. Thus, Satan is the primary architect of this dispositional rebellion.

The Widespread Nature of Disobedience

The term ldquo;sons of disobediencerdquo; is used to describe a group of people characterized by disobedience. In the New Testament, this is often seen as a universal human condition, with the apostolic teachings indicating that most people are living in this state. Therefore, the application of the term ldquo;sons of disobediencerdquo; is not limited to a few but encompasses a broad spectrum of humanity.

For example, in the New Testament, the concept is illustrated through various behaviors and actions such as sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, which are explicitly mentioned as reasons for the anger of God (Colossians 3:6). Christrsquo;s Apostles and the early Christians recognized and responded to these tendencies, leading to spiritual transformation and moral growth.

Conclusion

Understanding the term ldquo;sons of disobediencerdquo; is crucial for grasping the spiritual warfare and moral challenges faced by humanity. This concept not only describes a spiritual condition but also serves as a call to action, urging believers to strive against the temptation of sin and to seek a life of obedience to Godrsquo;s will. Through this pursuit, individuals can break free from the bonds of disobedience and find true freedom in Christ.