Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You (Colossians 3:16)
Introduction:
1. In the first part of this verse we are given a very important responsibility -- we are to let the Lord's Word dwell in us. 2. The importance of this responsibility is seen in how we are to fulfill it -- we are to let the Lord's Word dwell in us "richly" and "in all wisdom." 3. In our lesson: a. we will identify "the Word of Christ" b. we will point out some special blessings that are associated with letting "the Word of Christ" dwell in us.
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST IDENTIFY THE WORD OF CHRIST
A. (John 12:49-50) Jesus delivered the message that the Father gave to Him. 1. The Lord's teaching is the Word of God. 2. We would expect this because Jesus is God's spokesman (Hebrews 1:1-2). B. To be more specific, the Lord's Word is the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15). C. (Hebrews 9:16-17) Jesus paid a high price for His Word to become effective. D. Let us determine how much of the New Testament is the Word of Christ. 1. We are fortunate to have many of the Lord's teachings in the Gospels. 2. However, the Lord's Word is not limited to the Gospels. a. (John 15:15b) Jesus revealed to the apostles everything He had heard from the Father. b. (John 14:26) Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would help the apostles to remember the things He had taught them. c. Paul showed in Ephesians 3:3-5 that the Spirit guided the apostles and prophets as they wrote the Lord's Word. d. A helpful summary statement is found in 1 Corinthians 14:37. 3. The entire New Testament is the Word of Christ.
II. SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH LETTING THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN US, INCLUDING:
A. "increasing our knowledge of Christ" (John 5:39; 2 Peter 3:18) B. "knowing the truth that will make us free" (John 8:31-32) C. "having Christ and the Father abide with us" (John 14:23) D. "having our prayers answered" (John 15:7) E. "building us up" (Acts 20:32) F. "increasing our faith" (Romans 10:17) G. "equipping us completely to do God's will" (2 Timothy 3:16-17) H. "saving our souls" (James 1:21) I. "spiritual growth" (1 Peter 2:2).
Conclusion:
1. In closing, let us mention 2 characteristics of the Word of Christ. a. (John 6:63) Jesus said that His words "are spirit, and they are life." b. He also said that His words are everlasting (Matthew 24:35 -- "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away"). 2. Now is the time to let the Word of Christ dwell in us. 3. By fulfilling this responsibility we will not have to worry about being judged by the Word of Christ when He returns (John 12:48).
