The word of Christ is to dwell richly in the child of God to accomplish His purpose.
"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 unto the Lord." - Colossians 3:16
What does it mean to let the word of Christ dwell in you? The word of Christ is to dwell richly in each child of God in order to accomplish the purpose of the word of God, the purpose that God has for us. Throughout the history of man, the word of God has been prominent. It's come to man in the darkest hours, in the most critical of times. It came to Noah when God was ready to destroy the earth because the wickedness that was present on the earth.
It came in various times, and diverse manners unto the fathers by the prophets (Hebrews 1:1).
It came to man in the darkest hours at critical times. Always the word of God contained to answers to man's main dilemmas. Today is no exception. The word is come. We have the Bible, the word of God. It is the most sold book in all of history. It is available.
God's word is still as relevant to us today as is was to those in days gone by. The Christian has a unique relationship to God, and God's word.
For God has said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you, richly."
What is the Word of Christ?
It's the whole body of truth that is taught by Christ.
- John 17:17
- Ephesians 1:13
- Colossians 1:5
- Hebrews 1:1,2
God has spoken to us by His Son, through the word of Christ, the gospel.
- John 14:24
The word of Christ is the word that came from the Father. It is to dwell in us, it is to take up a permanent place of abode within us.
- 1 John 2:14
How Does the Word of God Abide in Us?
The word of God, abides in us.
- 2 Corinthians 6:16
The word dwells in us as God dwells in us, even as the spirit dwells in us.
- Romans 8:11
- 2 Timothy 1:5
- Romans 10:17
The word of God is to dwell in us. It is to take up a fixed position in our mind. It is to stay in us.
Notice, how it is to dwell. It is to dwell, richly. Let it abide in it's fullness. It should be the motivating, guiding power in our lives.
- James 1:21
If we receive the word with meekness, it is able to save our souls.
Letting it dwell with us, implies that we handle it correctly, or rightly dividing it.
- 2 Timothy 2:15
We're to prove, or put to test, the word.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- Acts 17:11
We're to let the word of Christ, dwell richly in us, not just in the mind or intellect, but in the heart, or affection and will of the heart.
- Psalm 119:11
- Psalm 119:42
- Psalm 119:104-105
- Psalm 119:130
The Objective of the Indwelling Word
The Indwelling Word Brings about Perfection
It's not that we become perfect, but rather we grow in a maturity being perfected in Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:2
- Matthew 4:4
We must make personal application of the word of Christ in our life.
- John 15:7
- Psalm 119:34
With the Indwelling of the Word, You can Meet the Temptations of Life
- James 4:7
By the Word, One is Built Up
- Acts 20:32
- Psalm 119:11
The Indwelling Word, Helps you to Teach Others
- Hebrews 5:11-14
We're to grow to a point that we are able to teach others. Which requires us to know the word. You cannot teach if you do not know the word.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7
- Ephesians 6:4
The Indwelling is a Proper Wielding of the Sword against God's Enemies
- Hebrews 4:12
- Ephesians 6:17
To use the armor of God, to wield the sword of the Spirit, one must be familiar with it.
The Result of the Indwelling Word, God is Glorified
The result of the indwelling word is that in all things, God is glorified, Colossians, 3:16,17.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
- 1 Peter 4:11
- John 4:24
- Colossians 3:17
- James 1:18
- John 12:48
The word of God is what brought us forth, of His own will. It is what authorizes our worship. Therefore, all must be done in His name, according to His authority.
When we allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in our hearts. When we allow it to be the guide in our lives, we don't have to worry about whether our lives bring glory to Christ. If we keep his commandments, if we abide in Him we will glorify the Father.
As surely as flowers smell sweet, and as surely as the son shines, the one who walks in God's word will glorify the Father.
The only way to bring glory to God, is through a surrendered life, a life surrendered to God, a life submitting to God's will. His will is that all men be saved, and that all men become obedient to Him.
In order to allow the word of God to dwell in you, you must have a heart to hear. Once hearing you can make a choice to believe the word, believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. When you believe, you must repent of your sins, confessing that Jesus is the Christ and obeying His word by being baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, they being washed away. And, rising from baptism to live a faithful life, and continuing to learn, and apply the word of Christ to your life.
If we can assist you as you seek to come to know the Word of God more fully, contact us.
