Col. 3:16

The Divine Mandate for those who have been united with Christ (v.1) as part of seeking (prioritization) and setting the mind (preoccupation) on the things above.

What does it look like to prioritize the things of God and to be preoccupied by the things of God in our day to day living where love, mutual trust, forgiveness, and unity (vv.11-13) is seen and experienced?

Paul explains for us this truth in verses 15 and 16, but we will focus today on verse 16.

We are commanded to richly dwell or live in the Word of Christ (gospel message).

The idea of “dwell” is “keep house” like the master of the house who has the right to prescribe and direct all under his roof. The Word of God must be the master of the house (heart) that we must be ready at all times to receive instruction and guidance. The Gospel must be central to the life, motivation, reason for existence, and direction of the church and its members.

Implication:

The word of Christ must be learned and lived (continually studied and applied = present active) so that there will be a distinction in the way we live (richly = distinctively)

the word of Christ must saturate our minds and hearts (with all wisdom) that it will become our guide and basis of decision makings (relationships, career, ministry, family).

When a Christian is filled with the word of Christ (gospel message) then He or She is is enabled or equipped to: TAP (tap each other)

1. TEACH - to instruct or impart skills or knowledge to others.

You cannot teach what you do not know.

Do not stop knowing Christ (devotional and study habit)

Do not stop learning and developing your skills and talents (practice and more practice)

2. ADMONISH - to warn or counsel in terms of someones behavior (rebuke, correct, encourage)

The means (how): Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (not worldly songs)

The Psalms reminds us of who God is and our standing before God - Psalm 119:9–11 “9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”

Establish and strengthen your accountability - we are all accountable to each one in the church, specially in our ministry:

Be available to give Godly counsel those who struggling.

Be responsible to rebuke and correct with gentleness those who are not walking in the right path to bring them back.

Be grateful to receive counsel and corrections (Proverbs 19:20–21 “20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. 21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand.”

3. PRAISE - to praise God through singing with thankfulness in the heart (not coerced, forced, or required)

Thankfulness cannot be manufactured. It is organic and natural to those who are filled with God’s Word because he or she understands the gravity and the vastness of the grace of God that you can’t help but sing! To sing songs of praises to God!

Praise should come out naturally from our hearts, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Do we speak praises to God on a regular basis?

Conclusion:

I hope and pray that you will all endeavor through the power and enablement of the Holy Spirit to learn and live out the Gospel. As you do that, you can do the TAP (TEACH, ADMONISH, PRAISE)

Discussion Question:

What could be the reasons that keeps the Word of God from dwelling richly in the hearts of Christians?

Why is it difficult for Christians to receive admonition (correction / rebuke)?

How will you bring yourself to the point where the Word of God become the master of your heart?