(vs. 15-17)

Intro:

Outline:

The Peace of Christ: “Rule” (v. 15)

The Word of Christ: “Dwell” (vs. 16-17)

Summary: Ruling, dwelling, and thanksgiving are not optional

Illustration: Umpire,

Prayer:

The Peace of Christ: “Rule” (v. 15)

Inner Heart (vs.)

And- connecting the previous argument to this that started in verse 12. “And (in addition to putting on these virtues, forgiving each other, and making love supreme) let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (PIillar).

Let the peace of Christ (sg)- “the absence of mental stress or anxiety; especially that results from a proper recognition of salvation’s worth”

rule in your (pl) hearts- “brabeuetw” pres, act, imperative, 3rd, sg, control, to factor decisively, to be the factor determining an outcome, decide every debate, the umpire!

In- notice the preposition, the peace of Christ is meant to rule in the heart

Hearts- “the locus of a person’s throughts (mind), volition, emotions, and knowledge of right from wrong (conscience) understood as the heart.

to which indeed (emphatic) you were called- “elk-eh-th-eh-te” aor, pass, ind, 2nd, pl, to be summond, to be or become subject to an authoritative demand for one’s presence or participation.

in one body (sg)- church body, congregation, everyone in the body is “called” to this kind of life and practice!

Outer Expression (vs.)

And be thankful- “ginesthe” pres, mid/pass, imperative, 2nd, pl, to become, to enter or assume a certain state or condition

“Thankful”- eucharistoi, grateful, showing and expressing a feeling of thanfulness and appreciation

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

These are two commands! They are not suggestions nor are they optional! Our hearts are to be ruled by Jesus and we are to be thankful.

Have you allowed a different “umpire” to call the shots of your heart and expression? What other rulers might attempt to take charge of your heart?

Transitional phrase: Okay, so the peace of Christ is meant to umpire the debates of my heart.

The Word of Christ: “Dwell” (vs. 16-17)

Richly (v. 16)

And

Let the word (sg) of Christ-

dwell in you (pl)- “enoikeitw” pres, act, imperative, 3rd, sg, to dwell, to inhabit or live. The root of the word is shared with the word for “house” (oikos).

richly- abundantly

Thankfully (v. 16)

Teaching- “didaskontes” pres, act, part, nom, mas, pl to teach, to impart skills or knowledge to

and admonishing one another- “nouthetountes” pres, act, part, nom, mas, pl, to admonish, to warn or counsel in terms of someone’s behaviour.

in all wisdom- “sophia” the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight- skilful living.

singing psalms- “adontes” pres, act, part, nom, mas, pl, to sing a song

Psalms- “psalmois” a sacred song used to praise the deity

hymns- “hymnois” a musical composition with words of a religious nature praising God

spiritual songs- “wdais” a piece of music (characterized by the Holy Spirit) that is either played on instruments, sung, or both

with thankfulness in your hearts- just like the peace of Christ

to God-

Teaching about God

Counselling one another about behaviour

music either played on instrument, sung, or both

From a heart of thankfulness

To God

Comprehensively (v. 17)

and whatever you do- “poi-eh-te” pres, act, sub, 2nd, pl, to do (act), to carry out or perform an action or course of action

in word or deed

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus- does “everything” really mean everything? YES!

giving thanks to God the father- “eucharistountes” pres, act, part, nom, mas, pl,

through him- Jesus

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

The command to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” is acomplished through, teaching, counselling, and singing! Which one do find the most helpful these days?

Enlist the Body (Words, actions, emotions):

Discussion Starters:

a

b

c

Summary: Ruling, dwelling, and thanksgiving are not optional

Song:

Benediction/Looking ahead: INVITE PEOPLE TO THE CAFE