Daily Devotions
Colossians
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."
Text: Colossians 3:16
THE WORD OF GOD
The word of God was a central theme in the life of the apostle Paul. His understanding of the Word of God includes the following:
1. It is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. It is the wisdom of God in a mystery (1 Corinthians 2:7).
3. It can only be fully understood as it is revealed by the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:10).
THE WORD OF CHRIST
Scripture however was much more than just an academic body of knowledge to Paul. The wise and faithful apostle devoted his entire life to studying it and living it out in his daily life.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16
1. “The Word of Christ”
a) Another general way of describing the Scriptures.
b) In particular, the focus is on the teachings of Jesus.
i) The Person of Christ was under attack when Paul wrote to the Colossians.
ii) Paul defended the Person of Christ (Colossians 1-2).
iii) He defended the teachings of Christ in this text.
2. “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you”
a) This text was written in the imperative.
b) The significance of the imperative may be stated as follows:-
i) The imperative was not just meant to imply a command.
ii) The imperative mode calls for an exercise of the will to recognise and obey.
c) The Word of Christ was meant to “live in” our heart and mind.
i) A cursory understanding of the Word of God is not sufficient.
ii) The full benefit of the power of God’s word would not be experienced till it indwells.
HOW DO WE VIEW THE WORD OF GOD?
Let us not pay “lip service” to the Word of God. Let us take seriously this apostolic word. We can prove for ourselves the power of the word of Christ when we let it dwell in our hearts and minds.