Let The Word of Christ Richly Dwell—Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16)
One of my best memories was during a season where a few friends and I gathered at Starbucks on Saturday mornings. We spent several hours studying the Word and encouraging one another. We had so much fun that it was not unusual for others to stop by out of curiosity to join our group or ask for prayer for situations they were facing.
Those Saturday mornings transformed me. I learned a lot and found incredible joy in the Word of God. Those friendships are the most dear ones I have.
The Assembly of the Saints
Something spectacular happens when the saints gather to encourage, sing songs and strengthen one another in the Word of God. This is how were are equipped to live in the world; shining God’s love to all we encounter, by the refreshment the Holy Spirit brings when believers are together.
This is what our focus should be. First, we are to be immersed in the Word of God. Paul said ‘to let the word of Christ dwell richly.’ We should let it saturate us until it overflows and we are able to teach it with all wisdom. This is exactly what Paul instructed Timothy, “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” (II Timothy 2:15 AMP). If you dwell in the Scriptures then that is exactly what will show up in your life and it will be transformed by the living Word.
Amazingly, as you progress in this practice then the next step happens involuntary. Worship—singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as well as gratitude and thankfulness overflows from the heart. So many times as I left Starbucks on those mornings my heart was full and worship naturally flowed. Sometimes it came in the form of music or praying and many times it was gratitude to God for the truth I learned that day; but whatever the form, it came from a heart that was responding to Word of Christ.
The Word of Christ
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (I Corinthians 1:30).
Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God; He is God revealed (Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 1:3). This is why we are instructed to let the Word of Christ dwell richly because in Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (vs 2:3).
Today, I join with the apostle Paul in praying this for you; I ask “God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (vs 1:9b). May you know Christ; letting His truth dwell in you. May you overflow into worship and gratitude from heart full of the Lord Jesus Christ.