17. Your Purity – Take Time to Be Holy (4) Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly

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Hymns: RHC 96 He Keeps Me Singing 104 All That Thrills My Soul 109 Jesus Is All the World to Me

Colossians 3:16-17

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. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col. 3:13-17 KJV)

Your Purity – Take Time to Be Holy (4) Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly

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  • Put Off the Old Man (v5-9)
  • Put On the New Man (v10-17) 

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  • Put On the New Man (v13-17)

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 equipping of the new man is delineated here. It says let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … in an abundant way.

Colossians 3:16 has as a parallel to the exhortation “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v15). 

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

By the latter exhortation the Church is called on to give to the Christian message the position that is appropriate to it and to allow it to have sway. Thus, Christ’s word will be able to develop its effect and power and will produce behaviour that corresponds to that word in the Church. [Eerdman’s Exgetical Dictiionary of the New Testament]

The verb “dwell” is a present active imperative – A Command to be obeyed continually as a lifelong habit of the new man. The word “dwell” means live or dwell in.

The word dwell means to keep house. We should live in the Word of God like we live in our homes. We are familiar with our home where all the closets are, where we have items stored. We must thoroughly acquaint ourselves with the Word. The Word should become so familiar to us that we know it like the back of our hand. The idea is to let the Word of God dwell inside and live at home in our lives. The Word of God needs to inhabit us. This is more than just reading the Bible. God wants us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (v15) and the Word of Christ dwell in our hearts. [Grant Richison]

Dwell in is enoikeo. The word oikos means “a home.” Oikeō means “to live in a home.” The exhortation is to the effect that the Christian is to so yield himself to the Word that there is a certain at homeness of the Word in his being. The Word should be able to feel al home in his heart. The saint should give it unrestricted liberty in his life. (Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, Wuest)

It must dwell in us, or keep house, not as a servant in a family, who is under another’s control, but as a master, who has a right to prescribe to and direct all under his roof. We must take our instructions and directions from it, and our portion of meat and strength, of grace and comfort, in due season, as from the master of the household. It must dwell in us; that is, be always ready and at hand to us in every thing, and have its due influence and use. We must be familiarly acquainted with it, and know it for our good (Job 5:27). 

Job 5:27 (KJV) Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good.

It must dwell in us richly: not only keep house in our hearts, but keep a good house. Many have the word of Christ dwelling in them, but it dwells in them but poorly; it has no mighty force and influence upon them. Then the soul prospers when the word of God dwells in us richly, when we have abundance of it in us, and are full of the scriptures and of the grace of Christ. (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible)

Abundantly or extravagantly rich.” The truths of Scripture should permeate every aspect of the believer’s life and govern every thought, word, and deed. [MacArthur]

John Wesley comments that “richly” means “In the largest measure, and with the greatest efficacy; so as to fill and govern the whole soul.”

The phrase “word of Christ” is used only once here in the New Testament to God’s Word.

THAT is a very beautiful name for Holy Scripture, I hardly remember to have met with it anywhere else: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you.” Remember, dear friends, that Christ Himself is the Word of God, and recollect also that the Scriptures are the word of the Word. They are “the word of Christ.” I think that they will be all the sweeter to you if you realize that they speak to you of Christ, that He is the sum and substance of them, that they direct you to Christ, in fact, as John says of his Gospel, that they were “written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31) [Spurgeon]

The objective, special revelation that proceeds from (and concerns) Christ — “the Christ-word”—should govern every thought, word, and deed, yes even the hidden drives and motivations of every member, and thus should bear sway among them all, and this richly, “bearing much fruit” (John 15:5). This will happen if believers heed the word (Matt. 13:9), handle it rightly (2 Tim. 2:15), hide it in their hearts (Ps. 119:11), and hold it forth to others as being in truth “the word of life” (Phil. 2:16). Though when the apostle wrote this, “the word of Christ” had not yet been entrusted to the written page in the form and to the extent in which we now have it, this does not cancel the fact that for Paul and for all believers in his day as well as, in broader scope, for us today, “All scripture (is) God-breathed and profitable or useful for doctrine or teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction or training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped, for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). The logical continuation is: in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another.[1]

Paul is exalting Christ in Colossians. The false teachers came to Colossae with man-made traditions, religious rules, and human philosophies. 

Colossians 2:8 (KJV) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

They tried to harmonize God’s Word with their teachings, but they could not succeed. God’s Word always magnifies Jesus Christ. It was not the word of false teachers that brought salvation to the Colossians; it was the Word of the truth of the Gospel. 

Colossians 1:5 (KJV) For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

This same Word gives us life and sustains and strengthens us.

1 Peter 1:22-25 (KJV) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

… teaching and admonishing one another …

Teaching (didasko) means to provide instruction in a formal or informal setting. Didasko refers to imparting positive truth. “Teaching” is the orderly presentation of Christian truth for converts so that they may know how to grow. Inherent in didasko is the intent to influence understanding of person taught with the aim being to shape will of one taught by communication of knowledge and/or by the content of what is taught.

Admonishing (noutheteo from noús = mind + títhemi = place, this verb describing exertion of influence upon nous implying resistance) (warning, cautioning, gently reproving, exhorting) literally means to place in the mind and so to warn or give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil. The idea is to lay it on the mind or heart of the person, with the stress being on influencing not only the intellect, but also the will, emotions and disposition. Noutheteo means to counsel about avoidance or cessation of an improper course of conduct or to warn by giving notice to beforehand especially of potential danger or evil.

Noutheteo is in the present tense (as is didasko – teaching) which indicates Paul is calling for saints to be continually admonishing, warning, cautioning, (teaching) etc … one another.

English dictionaries state that to admonish is to indicate duties or obligations to; to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner; to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to; to reprove firmly but not harshly; to advise to do or against doing something; warn; caution.

Noutheteo describes “putting sense into someone’s head”, alerting them of the serious consequences of their actions and does not mean being judgmental or critical in a superior manner but instead imparting a caring kind of warning against danger.

And because this proclamation of the Christ by means of admonishing (putting people in mind, as is the literal meaning of the word) and teaching is ever Christ-centered, it is, of course, God-centered, that unto the triune God through Christ his Son may be the glory forever and ever (Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 8:6; 10:31; Col. 3:17).[2]

Romans 11:36 (KJV) For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 8:6 (KJV) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 1:28 (KJV) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

For the explanation of these words see on 1:28, where essentially the same thought is expressed in an almost identical statement. The differences are as follows: (1) in 1:28 the apostle relates what he, Timothy, etc., are doing; here (in Col. 3:16) he admonishes the Colossian believers what they should be doing. In both cases the content is the same: admonishing and teaching.[3]

Whether Paul, Timothy, etc., proclaim the gospel (cf. 1 Cor. 9:14), the testimony of God (1 Cor. 2:1), or whatever else it may be called, in any case it is ever the Christ himself (thus also Phil. 1:17) whom they proclaim. This proclamation took the form of admonishing and teaching. 

The apostle had been carrying on this blessed activity before his imprisonment, but even now in his bonds he makes use of every opportunity, both in person (Acts 28:30, 31; Phil. 1:12–14) and by letter, to make known far and wide the riches both present and future, which believers possess in their Lord and Saviour. And so do his helpers. Paul was ever emphasizing the need of pastoral labour. 

For him to admonish meant to warn, to stimulate, and to encourage.

He would actually plead with people to be reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20). 

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

He would at times even shed tears (cf. Acts 20:19, 31; 2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 3:18). His proclamation of the Christ was a marvelous combination of the true gospel and the most affectionate presentation.[4]

Acts 20:19 (KJV) Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Acts 20:31 (KJV) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

2 Corinthians 2:4 (KJV) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

Philippians 3:18 (KJV) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they arethe enemies of the cross of Christ:

… in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, …

Music is next to theology.

Psalms (psalmos from psállo = to sing, chant) describes a set piece of music, sacred ode (originally accompanied by a stringed instrument). Psalms in OT originally with musical accompaniment. The idea of accompaniment passed away in usage, and the psalm, in NT phraseology, is an OT psalm or a composition having that character.

Hymns (humnos) is a song or hymn in honour of God. It also came to mean praise to men. Whereas a psalm is the story of man’s deliverance or a commemoration of mercies received, a hymn is a magnificat, a declaration of how great someone or something is. A hymn is a direct address of praise and glory to God. According to Augustine a hymn has three characteristics: It must be sung; it must be praise; it must be to God. The word “hymn” nowhere occurs in the writings of the apostolic fathers because it was used as a praise to heathen deities and thus the early Christians instinctively shrank from it.

Spiritual songs (oide from ado = to sing in praise or honour of someone) describes a chant or “ode” and is the general term for any words sung whether with or without instrumental accompaniment.

All in all, then, it would seem that when here in Col. 3:16 the apostle uses these three terms, apparently distinguishing them at least to some extent, the term psalms has reference, at least mainly, to the Old Testament Psalter; hymnsmainly to New Testament songs of praise to God or to Christ; and spiritual songs mainly to any other sacred songs dwelling on themes other than direct praise to God or to Christ.[5]

… singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

This verse applies not so much to congregational singing, as to “melody in your heart.” Such a life will be fruitful (Eph. 5:9), active (Eph. 5:16), understanding (Eph. 5:17), joyful (Eph. 5:19), thankful (Eph. 5:20), and submissive (Eph. 5:21). It will also be bold in witnessing (Acys 4:31). 

Ephesians 5:9 (KJV) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Ephesians 5:16 (KJV) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17 (KJV) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:20 (KJV) Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

The effects of the Spirit filled life include everything mentioned between Eph.5:19 and Eph. 5:20  (marital and familial relationships, employer/employee relations, spiritual warfare, praying without ceasing, witnessing boldly). 

An excellent illustration of Spirit filled singing is found in Acts 16, welling up from the dungeons at Philippi sometime around midnight, Luke recording…

Acts 16:25-31 (KJV) And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

And what the result of their Spirit filled praying and singing? Salvation for the jailer and his household! [Precept Austin]

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Spirit filled people are thankful people. Paul gives us the second evidence that a believer is Spirit filled, the first being an inner joy that places a song in one’s heart. 

If we experience this effect, allowing the Spirit to continually control us, we will discover that His constant filling is an excellent antidote against an attitude of always murmuring about all things!

Thanksgiving implies that the grateful person submits to the will of God, however His will is manifest. Why? Because it is only when we are fully convinced that God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28-29) that we can really give God thanks. Paul is cautioning against a whining, complaining, murmuring spirit which is really just an express one’s lack of faith in God’s goodness. 

Romans 8:28-29 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

An ample illustration is the murmuring of children of Israel in the wilderness. This is the divine antidote.

All praise to Him. Amen.

[1] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, pp. 160–161). Baker Book House.

[2] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, p. 93). Baker Book House.

[3] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, p. 161). Baker Book House.

[4] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, pp. 91–92). Baker Book House.

[5] Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, p. 162). Baker Book House.