Sermon Tone Analysis

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

September 12, 2007

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” Col 3:16a

1. “Dwell” means “to live in” or “to be at home,” and “richly” may be more fully rendered “abundantly or extravagantly rich.”

Scripture should permeate every aspect of the believer’s life and control every thought, word, and deed.

2. The Holy Scriptures is the word of Christ, which has come to us; but that is not enough, it must dwell in us, or keep house (enoikeitoµ).

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you...I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

(Psalm 119:11, 15-16)

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.”

(Psalm 119:89-91)

3. The word of Christ does not come as a servant in a family, who is under another’s control, but instead it comes as a master, who has a right to dictate, prescribe to and direct all under his roof.

We must take our instructions and directions from the word of Christ, and receive our portion of meat and strength, of grace and comfort, in due season from its indwelling.

4. The word of Christ brings life - “My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!” (25) strength - “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” (28) comfort - “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

(50)

5.

However, God uses affliction so that we will learn of Him and grow in Him.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes...Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.”

(Psalm 119:71, 143)

6.

The word of Christ gives clear direction for the one who loves His Word “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

(Psalm 119:105)

7. The word of Christ brings truth and stability “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever...Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

(Psalm 119:160,165)

8. God gives His children understanding to reject false doctrine and this world system.

“Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104)

9. “In all wisdom” is the wisdom that only God and His Word gives: “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments...Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.

I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.”

(Psalm 119:66, 98-100)

10.

The word of Christ brings a righteous zeal for the Lord and His kingdom “My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law...My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words...I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.

(Psalm 119:136,139, 158)

11.

Without Bible truth, no one ever becomes a Christian and no Christian ever grows.

The word of Christ brings salvation.

“My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.”

(Psalm 199:81) but for anyone who does not seek Him it is far off “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.”

(Psalm 119:155)

Faith

It is the nature of faith to believe God upon His bare word...

It will not be, saith sense; it cannot be, saith reason; it both can and will be, saith faith, for I have a promise.

- John Trapp

Hidden in Christ

The saints of God are called His hidden ones - Psalm 83:3.

Why so?

Not only because they are hid in God's decree, and hid in Christ's wounds, but oftentimes God hides them in a time of danger and calamity.

He reserved to Himself seven thousand that had not bowed the knee to Baal.

The prophet knew not where there was one, but God knew

there were seven thousand.

- Thomas Watson

GracePointe Baptist Church

2209 N Post Road

Oklahoma City, OK 73141

Phone: (405) 769-5050

http://www.gracepointeonline.com