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Scripture Reading : Colossians 3:16

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 to the Lord.

The way this verse is punctuated in the New King James Version, we would think that the expression "in all wisdom" applied to the phrase ahead of it; "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." The New International Version uses no punctuation, and translates the verse: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another . . .” However, most agree that the punctuation would be better after "richly" rather than after "wisdom," thus applying it to "teaching and admonishing one another." The American Standard Version translates it this way: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another . . .” In other words, we are to teach and admonish one another in or with all wisdom. It is well to remember that there is no punctuation in the original Greek.

The Word of Christ

When the apostle enjoins the Colossians to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly, he surely refers to the whole Word of God, rather than only to the spoken Word of Christ, as some have suggested. He was asking them to make a study of the Word of God, so that they could be a help in teaching other less mature Christians. To be a help to others the Word of God must get into us and become a part of us. Many of us are like a man looking out his front window watching people pass by, making remarks about them, but never inviting them into his home. Many hear the Word of God or read it, and may notice certain things about it. They may even tell others that they enjoy it, but soon forget all about it. Some may go a bit further and let the Word of God in, but only as a visitor; they do not take it in as a permanent guest, as an indweller.

Study the Word of God

We should not be satisfied with a mere knowledge of the Word of God; let us not rest until it indwells, and inspires our character.          Sometimes our actions seem to suggest that the great mass of Christians in this country know so little about the Word of God that we are of little help to others. Let us heed Paul's counsel to young Timothy (2 Tim. 2:15), "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).

Things that hinder the Word

Sometimes other things besides carelessness keep the Word of God from entering the heart. Things of the world may so fill our heart that there is no room for God’s Word. The task of making a good living or reaching a level of status in the world occupies so much time that there is little or none left for studying or listening to the Word. And, sometimes preconceived thoughts hinder the full force of the Word of God from taking effect. Let us read God’s Word, accept it, believe it, and act accordingly. Sometimes a besetting sin will close our heart to the Word of God. Some purposely try to twist the Word in order to excuse some things in their lives. Let us have an open mind and an honest heart toward what the Lord has to say to us.

In all wisdom teaching and admonishing

We can only teach others in the ways of the Lord if we have a good knowledge of the Word, and God given wisdom in the teaching of it. Especially do we need wisdom if we are to be used in the work of admonishing others. We can only get wisdom by asking God for it (James 1:5), or receiving it by constant application to the Word of the Lord. We read in Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation." To have a real understanding of the Word of God is far better than a university education of any kind or any level, and leaders of the church of our Lord would do well to always keep this in mind when considering a full-time preacher or worker for the church.

Teach others

You need not be a preacher to teach others. It is possible to do this in a personal way. Apollos learned much from Aquila and Priscilla in this way (Acts 18:24-26). It may be you can have meetings in your home, or teach in Bible School . In the early church, elders did much of the teaching in the meetings of Christians. An old Christian said: “Looking back, one can clearly see that when the body of Christ began putting the preaching of Gospel almost exclusively into the hands of full-time, college educated preachers, it definitely suffered loss and the church continues to pay dearly for it today.”

In psalms and hymns

Our verse (Col. 3:16) seems to say that we should teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Without question, hymns have often been the means of instructing people. Many have been converted to Christ through the singing of such hymns as "Just as I Am" and “Amazing Grace.” No doubt, some have been instructed by such hymns as "Trust and Obey,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and others. God works in such powerful ways.

Singing Christians

Our verse teaches that if we are to be helpful Christians, we must not only sing hymns when the congregation meets, but we must have a singing disposition. Some have been so concerned about the use of instruments in worship, that they have forgotten that a Christian must have a singing disposition. If the Word of God has a real place in our hearts, then we are sure to be visibly happy Christians. One thing is certain, a happy, singing Christian will never be a troublesome one. Have you ever been in a worship service where no one smiled when singing songs about the love of God? No wonder some churches are drying up. Our human nature craves joy, and if someone sees it in us, then they will be drawn to us and to the Lord, and we will see souls saved and the Lord's people helped. Also it should be noted, that holiness and happiness go together. Many Christians, when first born again, are extremely happy (and show it) and go on their way singing and rejoicing, always smiling. But as time goes by this seems to wane. There is something wrong when a Christian can no longer praise and rejoice. If we find ourselves in this condition, let us ask the Lord to revive us. Perhaps we should pray like David, "Search me, 0 God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me" (Ps. 139:23, 24).

The singing cobbler

The story is told of a cobbler in England who sang hymns from morning to night while he pounded away on shoes. A man who passed by every day often heard him sing. He thought to himself, "I wonder what makes that man so happy?" So, one day he stopped in to inquire. The cobbler said, "I am happy because I am a son of the King." The man thought that there must be something wrong with him and walked out of the shop. But the cobbler did not stop his singing and the man kept thinking to himself, "That guy may be crazy, but he sure seems happy." One day he stopped in again and said, "How are you, your royal highness? Are you still the son of the King?" The cobbler replied, "Yes, indeed." The man was about to go out again, when the cobbler stopped him and said, "Please let me explain." Then he told him how by trusting and obeying the Lord Jesus he became a child of God and so, a son of the King. The man stopped in often after that, and the day came when he also became a son of the King, and was just as happy as the cobbler. Such is the influence of a happy singing Christian on the lost and on the saved as well.