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."
HIS CORRECTION. We are at liberty in many more ways than one. Our punishment of sin is past, it was laid upon God's Son. We are free because God Himself, in righteousness is satisfied. By Christ's blood and resurrection, we are freely justified.
There is another kind of liberty that needs guidelines to work right. It is something like the controlled liberty of airplanes that fly at night. There are set courses to follow even though they are free to fly. The only restrictions come when we trust the controller is that he won't lie.
The word of Christ is like that, we submit to His control. We trust in Him completely with body and spirit and soul. His wisdom is without limits, He knows what is ahead. When His word dwells in us richly, we can trust Him without dread.
One way of expressing trust is in the songs we sing. There is in psalms and spiritual songs, praises that we bring. It lifts our souls and spirits when we sing with grace unto the Lord. And that is real to Christ and us, who have in us His unfailing Word.
Another interesting fact is, if Christ's word does dwell in me - Other people are taught and learn by what they hear and see. Real grace in the heart is not something I can fake or hide. That only becomes obvious when I in Christ abide.
When I need correction, it may come from others to me in song. Or it may come when I am told the word of Christ when I am wrong. To me it is a great consolation, that I am not left to do alone What is so greatly enhanced and better when two share truth as one.
"Father God, I have noticed when the singing goes good in a meeting, it sets a good tone for the preaching. May the meeting tonight be one in which the power and love of God is felt. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
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 SOURCE. I am impressed today with the fact that everything of value has Christ as its source:
- The grace of Christ, v.12-14: every evidence of real Christianity in me has its source in the grace of Christ that has granted me forgiveness. That grace continues all through life, providing the impetus to live Christ- like.
- The peace of Christ, v.15: the umpire or whistle-blower is such an important part of living that it surprises me I would even try to make a move without it. Yet, sometimes it seems that I try to act without assurance from God, and the peace is lost. Lord, keep me agitated until I have that peace that comes from Thee.
- The word of Christ, v.16: there is no way a casual stroll through a book of the Bible can be considered “dwelling in you richly.” That richness comes from reading, learning, knowing, and practicing the word of Christ. When the word of Christ “dwells,” it is at home, feels comfortable, and knows it belongs there. I pray that it feels comfortable in me, as I feel comfortable with it.
- The name of Christ, v.17: there is an authority in that name. There is dignity in that name. There is power in that name. There is a privilege in being associated with that name. There is responsibility in that name. There is life in that name.
“Father of grace; Giver of grace: please keep me from ever taking for granted any of Thy gracious acts and ways. More than I can put into words are the emotions that the awareness of the grace of God places in me. In grace, Christ became poor; in grace He saved me; in grace He keeps me and in grace He has empowered me to use what little, feeble, weak faith I have, to do His will. I am Thine. I want it that way. I appreciate that position more that I can say. Thanks so much.” Amen."