Colossians 3:1-17 A Primer in Christian Living
All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.
Today's Reading: Colossians 3:1-17
Colossians 3:1-17 is a step by step guide to Christian living. It is a series of 12 commands, each of which builds on the previous one, laying out how we should live as followers of Jesus Christ. Each day, read the entire 17 verses, then meditate on the verse or verses that are the focus passage.
Step 11: Filled with the Word of Christ
NOTES: the third of four "New Life Attitudes" is one in which some deduction is necessary, comparing it to Ephesians 5:18-21. Being filled with the word of Christ and being filled with the Spirit seem to have remarkably similar effects!
16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.Phase 3: The Final Four
Step 11: Filled with the Word of Christ
NOTES: the third of four "New Life Attitudes" is one in which some deduction is necessary, comparing it to Ephesians 5:18-21. Being filled with the word of Christ and being filled with the Spirit seem to have remarkably similar effects!
Through the Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 21-22, John 2:1–12, Psalm 62:9–12, Proverbs13:5-6
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Life-Giving Word
As you gather your Bible, your morning coffee, and ready yourself for your devotional, I know that the one thing you want more than anything else is some morning mathematics. As we look at Colossians 3:16, it is necessary. Here is a little equation for you.
If x=z, and y=z, then x=y.
Can I get an amen? Hold on to that truth as we look quickly at Ephesians 5:18-20.
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When you are filled with the Spirit, you will sing "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" and give thanks to the Lord. The passage goes on to describe how the fullness of the Spirit affects marriage relationships, parent-child relationships, and others. "x=z"
Now, to our passage, Colossians 3:16 “Let the Word of Christ dwell richly among you." What is the result there? Hmmm.... "Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude." And the passage goes on to describe the effects on the same relationships as Ephesians 5 and 6. "y=z"
If being filled with the Spirit and letting the word of Christ dwell riching among us have essentially the same effects, doesn't it follow that "x=y", that there is a deep relationship between the fullness of the Spirit and having your mind and heart filled with the word of God?
Now, to our passage, Colossians 3:16 “Let the Word of Christ dwell richly among you." What is the result there? Hmmm.... "Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude." And the passage goes on to describe the effects on the same relationships as Ephesians 5 and 6. "y=z"
If being filled with the Spirit and letting the word of Christ dwell riching among us have essentially the same effects, doesn't it follow that "x=y", that there is a deep relationship between the fullness of the Spirit and having your mind and heart filled with the word of God?
Of course, the "word of Christ" is a complicated term. Originally, it referred to the saving message of Jesus Christ. He was the "Word of God" who came to earth to reveal God's love and grace. When he left, the Spirit guided the disciples to remember all that Jesus taught and they recorded the word of Christ, which eventually became the New Testament of our Bible.
It is odd that for some people, the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Bible are in competition. They are not. The Spirit fills us as we immerse ourselves in the word God.
A study by LifeWay a few years ago demonstrated scientifically what we already knew, that the key to growing in Christ is consistent Bible reading. When you immerse yourself in God's word, the message of Christ's love and grace overwhelms your soul, the Spirit fills you, and your life begins to change. What you are doing here, reading God's word and meditating on it, applying it to your life - that is the most important step in growing.
There is one word here that cannot be ignored. "Rule." We are not blessed for simply reading the Bible, but for letting it rule over us. "Be doers of the word and not hearers only."
It is odd that for some people, the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the role of the Bible are in competition. They are not. The Spirit fills us as we immerse ourselves in the word God.
A study by LifeWay a few years ago demonstrated scientifically what we already knew, that the key to growing in Christ is consistent Bible reading. When you immerse yourself in God's word, the message of Christ's love and grace overwhelms your soul, the Spirit fills you, and your life begins to change. What you are doing here, reading God's word and meditating on it, applying it to your life - that is the most important step in growing.
There is one word here that cannot be ignored. "Rule." We are not blessed for simply reading the Bible, but for letting it rule over us. "Be doers of the word and not hearers only."
Father, may I immerse my soul in your word and let it rule my mind and heart.
Think and Pray:
Are you immersing your mind and heart in God's word?
When you read God's word, do you let it rule your mind?
When you read God's word, do you let it rule your mind?
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