For those new to the study, this is the verse we have been looking at...
It’s a verse that you and I have probably read before, but it hit me like a ton of bricks recently because that word “dwell” means so much more than skimming through the bible or picking out verses for the sake of it.
On week 2, we looked at LETTING the words of God make a permanent residence in our hearts and minds meaning that during those tough days, we will remember the comforts that He provides in scripture. And on the good days, we can use those verses to praise God in thanksgiving.
And on week 3, we were reminded that knowing the gospel means we can share the gospel, sometimes without even thinking about it. God provides us with opportunities that we would never think or dream of putting ourselves forward for. We may not ever be on a pulpit or teach a Sunday school, but, even giving a tract to an unsaved neighbour of friend and explaining to them what the Bible teaches, the gospel is dwelling in us more deeply because we know the things of the Bible through studying, reading, examining and praying over them.
But have you ever let the word of God dwell in your heart, mind and soul RICHLY? It got me thinking. A LOT. Have I, PERSONALLY, let the word of God dwell in my heart, mind and soul richly? As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to follow His commands throughout scripture - from the Ten Commandments to the “Fear nots” and so on. We see Christ in every page, and what His message is to us on those pages of scripture, because the Holy Spirit reveals these things to us.
If we let the word of God dwell in our hearts, minds and souls richly, then we will be more confident in the scriptures by way of understanding, knowing that they are God-breathed words and we will have that eagerness to follow and obey what Christ teaches us in His Word, the Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16 says, in the Amplified Version, “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]…”
God’s Word says right here that scripture is profitable. It is fruitful when sown in the hearts of His chosen people. It is illuminating when the darkness comes in our lives or our minds, guiding the way for us to paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3). And in 2 Timothy 3:16, it says so much more - scripture convicts us of our sins, daily dying to evil and wickedness within us and living our lives for and in Christ (Romans 6:11). Scripture corrects us and shows us how to live an obedient life (Deuteronomy 4:29-31) because we serve the one true God and it pleases Him for His people to obey Him (Deuteronomy 13:4). Scripture guides us in our daily walk with Him and for those who diligently seek after His will - we live in a world that says “love yourself” and “it’s your body”, but God says we are to love Him with all heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30), and that the flesh is weak even if the mind is willing to serve God (Matthew 26:41). I don’t know about you, but when I put God first, I experience God’s love for me, even if the world is completely against me and my faith in Jesus Christ. Isn’t that so comforting?
When it feels like the world is against us, it’s actually aimed at God. We are followers, servants of God, who carry the good news of the Gospel, but to help us do that, the scriptures are there to dwell in our hearts, to comfort us and to remind us of everything that God says. In John 14:26, it says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” ALL things. Not some things that might be helpful in the situation you are in, but the “the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby” (AMP version) is there to represent Christ and act on His behalf, and even if this verse was in context of Christ speaking to His disciples at that time, it is still very much relevant today. Because He wants us to remember everything that He has told us, in the scriptures.
And the scriptures not only comfort us, but can have a massive impact on those who we share them to. Hebrews 4:12 says that “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”. It’s not slow. It’s not weak. It’s not blunt. When we read the scriptures, it exposes and judges the very thoughts and intentions of our own hearts and those who we share the scriptures with. Even a child can understand the gospel because “the unfolding of your words give light [and]…understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).
When the Holy Spirit speaks through God’s Word, our eyes are opened to the wonderful truths that only He can reveal to us. This can only be done by the blood of Jesus Christ. He wants those who are born-again to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge” (2 Peter 3:18). That’s why the scriptures must dwell in us richly, because that’s how Christ communicates with us.
We have a God who loves and cares for His people, but who will also judge the world and pour out His wrath on those who deny Christ and His teachings. We serve a God that says “come to me” (Matthew 11:28) when we struggle or “lack wisdom” (James 1:5) in decisions and circumstances, because He promises to give an abundant life to those who believe, according to His will (John 10:10).
Today, LET the WORD of GOD DWELL in YOU RICHLY.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little study on Colossians 3:16, and feel free to send across your own bible study notes too. I don’t know everything, but I know this - I want to know more of God, and my prayer is just that for you too.
How can you use this verse to share the gospel with your friends and family?
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