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Intro
As we have been studying Colossians 3 together we have seen a number of imperatives, where Paul is asking us, begging us, telling us things that we really ought to be doing because of our relationships with Jesus.
We are not doing them because they will get us into heaven, but because of the work of Christ in us.
These passages are meant to help us, as believers in how we interact with each other, and with the world around us.
This week, Rocky Mountain Bible Mission had their Shepherd’s conference in Missoula.
Tiffany and I have been able to attend the last couple of conferences and they are always educational and refreshing.
One of the things that I was reminded of through main speaker was that in the passages of scripture that teach us these things.
Passages that specifically help to shape our actions and interactions, passages that tell us how to live, are firmly rooted in the gospel.
We must remember that to be true.
We must remember that if Jesus is not at the center, our actions, are nothing better than morality.
And morality, being a good person is not going to get us to heaven.
Each and every day so long as we have placed our faith in Christ, from the time we open our eyes, we have forces at war within us.
Some days easier than others but each day is a battle.
We are all born of sinful flesh, but when we place our faith in Jesus, His Spirit enters into us.
The Holy Spirit is working in us, leading, guiding, shaping us into the image of Christ.
Through our passage for today, I would like for each of us to address the question of what is it that is taking up residence within me?
We know from Romans 6 for instance that we are no longer slaves to sin, but how often does it still rear its ugly head.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
The Word of Christ.
Our verse this morning begins - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
So what is it that Paul is instructing us to do here?
We must first look to the word of Christ.
What is it?
Those of us who have been in the church for a while probably have some ideas and are probably correct, but it is also important to know the connection.
The why.
We can begin very literally, let the very words that Christ spoke dwell in you.
Did the believers in the church of Colosse audibly hear Christ teach?
Most likely not, but they did have the OT scriptures, as well as stories and songs.
We believe that God, and by association of the trinity, Christ is the author of scripture.
We see from the context of the book as well -
That the word is the gospel.
The good news.
Christ is the Word, the wisdom of God, the truth; and truth as well as grace came by Him.
There is great power in the word.
We see through the creation account in Genesis that God simply speaks, and creation happens.
This force is extremely powerful, I would also add uncontrollable.
We have no control over it whatsoever.
The word of Christ them is the message about Christ.
It is the message that contains new life, new creation.
The word of Christ contains the wealth of God’s wisdom.
Believers do not need special visions to enhance the wisdom they already have in the word of Christ.
The word of Christ is the greatest force that ever can act upon a person.
For the word of Christ has the power to save, and the power to condemn.
Let the word dwell in you richly.
What is it though that is to be done with this powerful word.
Our verse tells us - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
First off, Paul is imploring, begging, and instructing believers to let the word of Christ dwell.
This is another imperative.
The word is to dwell.
The picture that is painted for us is for is of a home.
Let the word of Christ make its home in you.
This strikes me perhaps a little different because of the stage we are in having recently moved.
It brings to mind for the the fact that this takes time.
It is a process to make a house into your home.
The same is true for us and our relationship with Jesus.
If we want Him to be at home in us, we must make an effort to first invite Him in.
Then comes the cleaning process.
Maybe its a little dirty.
The floors may need cleaned, walls washed.
The windows may need cleaned so you can better see true beauty that surrounds you.
Maybe there is a pile of junk in the basement, that has been covered up, pushed to the back, and hidden away that needs to be brought up and thrown out.
This of course can be extremely difficult.
Things that you don’t want to deal with.
But Christ is the one coming in to make His home within us.
And remember the great power that comes along with Him that we just spoke of a little bit ago.
The fun part then comes when He brings in the new furniture, the new wall hangings.
The compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
To let the word of Christ dwell in us, it must not be a stranger, or a visitor.
It cannot be an acquaintance with whom we are not intimate, or a friend that we seldom see.
Rather the word of Christ must be as a resident member of our family.
Someone with whom we are in constant loving communication.
More importantly though, the one that dwells in the house, is in fact the master of the house, not just someone passing through.
In turn then, what Paul is saying is for his readers to make Jesus the master of their lives.
And to do so richly, or abundantly.
With great increase to the point of excess.
This richness though is not for the believers own benefit though.
The thrust of this verse is pointing to the corporate gathering of believers.
This force at work in us individually is not to remain in us alone
Paul is urging the community as a whole to put the message about Christ at the center of its corporate existence.
The message about Christ should take up permanent residence among believers.
It should be constantly at the center of the community’s activities and worship.
The power is multiplied as individuals who are placing Christ at the center of their lives gather together.
The great excess comes when the word of Christ is not superficial or passing but deep and penetrating into the core of our lives.
Bringing the transforming power to life in the community.
The question comes then of how does this come about in the community?
Teaching and admonishing in wisdom.
Paul gives us some instruction with the rest of the verse
The NIV helps to show this connection a little better.
Paul is showing a couple of ways that the word of Christ establishes its central place in the community.
Paul used these same words in connection a littler earlier in the book to describe his own ministry to the church.
The purpose here though shifts slightly.
Teaching
Teaching here refers to a positive presentation of Christian truth.
Teaching is the orderly arrangement of truth and effective communication of it.
Paul is not speaking here as teaching that comes from pastors and elders though.
Here Paul is teaching of how church members teach each other in the ways of God.
This happens when we spend time in God’s word together.
This happens when we gather together over meals.
This happens when we are helping one another with projects.
This happens when we sing together.
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