Center For Church Music, Songs & Hymns

Music & Worship

A Biblical Call to Praise: Part 4

< Previous Article | Next Article >

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. Colossians 3:16

"Teaching and Admonishing..."

As we let the "word of Christ" dwell in us, we discover the very essence of our Christianity:

Every word of this blessed book, the Bible, is a promise of Christ. From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, we are confronted with "the word of Christ."

That is why it is so important for believers to let the "word of Christ dwell in us, we must saturate "who we really are" with Scripture. It is a good thing to carry a Bible, but it is even better to carry its message in our hearts. Memorize, memorize, memorize!

As you know, this passage is not about "religion." It is about abiding in Christ. Perhaps you remember the words of Isaac Watts that we occasionally sing:

No more a stranger or a guest,
but like a child at home."

The "word of Christ" must take full possession of our souls--our being. The consequence will be a continual hymn of praise to our Creator, the object of our song.

The Apostle Paul then includes two surprising words into this passage in Colossians 3:16:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another...

This short clause describes two specific results of the indwelling of the "word of Christ" in believers:

Teaching and Admonishing

As we "teach" someone, we (usually) impart positive truth, while "admonishing" is the negative side of teaching. Having "the word of Christ" richly dwell in believers, creates an environment that guides a person into Truth, but it also can be a profound rebuke that keeps a person from continuing a lifestyle resulting in frustration and failure.

We'll discuss this more next time, but it is important to remember that this Scripture passage is about singing. And the main object of our singing--and the principal purpose of our "teaching and admonishing"--must be the glory of God: "Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

We'll talk more about this exciting concept next time. Let us pray that the "word of Christ" will dwell in us to such an extent that the choir's existence will be a great and glorious hallelujah to our God!"

To God be the Glory!

< Previous Article | Next Article >