When the Word Dwells Richly in Us
by Trent Brown
Early in Colossians 3, Paul is addressing those who have been united with Christ. He begins by specifically speaking about their identity in the sense that they have died and their lives are hidden in Christ. Because of this identity, we are called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These very things flow from The Word of Christ dwelling in us.
This transformation begins internally. We are not changed by just outward external pressure but rather by The Word applied by The Spirit in our lives. I am reminded in Psalm 1 where it speaks clearly about delighting in the law of The Lord and how it calls us to be like trees planted by the streams of water which brings about fruit and stability in our lives.
As we allow The Word to dwell in us, it does something not only individually but corporately as well, as the body of Christ. It leads us to live in community with one another and challenges us to forgive as He has forgiven us. We are called to bear with each other patiently and to pursue peace as referenced in verse 15.
Not only does The Word call us to community it also calls us to worship in that community. I love the mandate that we find in verse 16 that tells us we should be teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, signing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. I am convinced that when The Word is dwelling richly in us our worship becomes Word centered and Christ exalting. This is why the gathering of the community is so important. We come to encourage one another, to build each other up, and to sit under the teaching of The Word
These very things help direct our lives. Verse 17 tells us plainly that whatever we do, in word or in deed, that we should do everything in the name of The Lord Jesus. It shows how we speak, how we treat others, how we forgive, and how we should pursue unity in the body. It allows us to live and lead others from an attitude of gratitude.
If we desire, as the church, to have a strong faith that fuels unity and not conflict, we need to allow The Word of Christ to dwell richly in us.
This transformation begins internally. We are not changed by just outward external pressure but rather by The Word applied by The Spirit in our lives. I am reminded in Psalm 1 where it speaks clearly about delighting in the law of The Lord and how it calls us to be like trees planted by the streams of water which brings about fruit and stability in our lives.
As we allow The Word to dwell in us, it does something not only individually but corporately as well, as the body of Christ. It leads us to live in community with one another and challenges us to forgive as He has forgiven us. We are called to bear with each other patiently and to pursue peace as referenced in verse 15.
Not only does The Word call us to community it also calls us to worship in that community. I love the mandate that we find in verse 16 that tells us we should be teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, signing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. I am convinced that when The Word is dwelling richly in us our worship becomes Word centered and Christ exalting. This is why the gathering of the community is so important. We come to encourage one another, to build each other up, and to sit under the teaching of The Word
These very things help direct our lives. Verse 17 tells us plainly that whatever we do, in word or in deed, that we should do everything in the name of The Lord Jesus. It shows how we speak, how we treat others, how we forgive, and how we should pursue unity in the body. It allows us to live and lead others from an attitude of gratitude.
If we desire, as the church, to have a strong faith that fuels unity and not conflict, we need to allow The Word of Christ to dwell richly in us.
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