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.
More from the blog:
Suffering.
May 4th, 2026
Suffering. Few things in this life will strip you to your core like suffering does. The book of Job is a story about perhaps one of the most seemingly cursed men in the Scriptures. Job lost his wealth and his family in a single day. He was struck with “loathsome sores” that covered his entire body. His wife abandoned him, telling him to “Curse God and die,” forcing him to face these challenges alo...
Christ's Musical
April 27th, 2026
I love musicals. They tell real-life stories, yet through song, those stories become magical. Specifically, when a musical sings about love, the whole story becomes mythicized. Take “Summer Nights” from Grease: the story is realistic. Two teenagers meet and have a summer fling. But when it is sung in a musical number, the simple love story becomes a fantasy.Song of Solomon is a musical. It tells t...
A Brief Lesson in Confession
April 20th, 2026
As we read Psalm 32 this week, to see confession and forgiveness in action, I thought it would be helpful to do a brief lesson on confession using Martin Luther’s A Brief Exhortation to Confession. The version I will be using is from a Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord, the statement of faith of the Lutheran Church. We could compare it to our Baptist Faith and Message 2000, but much larger. ...
Recent
Archive
2026
February
March
April
May
2025
February
March
April
September
October
November
2024
March
April
September
October
2023
April
No Comments