Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Expressing the Indwelling Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 True Christians are radically changed - they are redeemed, regenerated and reconciled with God The Old Man is dead, quit dragging the corpse around and put on the New Man

The Indwelling Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 The Word of Christ = the Scriptures, and in particular the teachings and commands of Jesus Jesus is our redeemer and the architect, builder, possessor and sustainer of all creation Jesus is the head of the church and the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form

The Indwelling Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 We have both died and been raised up with Christ and will be glorified with Him when He returns To dwell (ejnoikevw / enoikeô) is to resided in, abide in, live in - see John 15, Psalm 119:11 Richly (plousivw" / plousiôs) = in abundance.

The Indwelling Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 The word of Christ should direct every thought and decision that we make - 2 Cor. 10:15; Matt. 28:20 It is understandable that a new Christian will be ignorant of God’s word Continued ignorance after many years place risks being passively rebellious against God

The Indwelling Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 What is your desire toward the Scriptures? Go beyond simple devotionals to read the whole Bible, get involved in a Bible study

The Blessing of the Indwelling Word to Others Wisdom is the ability to take knowledge and apply it to life Teaching (didavskw / didaskô) = positive instruction in knowledge to know truth Admonishing (nouqetevw / noutheteô) = negative instruction in knowledge to warn of wrong

The Blessing of the Indwelling Word to Others The goal is to become compete in Christ - Colossians 1:28; Romans 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11; 4:17 God gives gifted men to the church to teach and admonish - Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9 Teaching and admonishing is a responsibility of all Christians - Rom. 15:14; 1 Thess. 5:14

The Expression of the Indwelling Word to Others Teaching and admonition are normal parts of preaching and counseling (2 Timothy 2:24-26; 4:2) Teaching and admonition are also to be normal parts of our music The Psalms contain a wide variety of subjects and responses to God

The Expression of the Indwelling Word to Others Psalms refer primarily to the Old Testament psalms put to music Hymns center more on songs of praise and are more specifically related to the Lord Jesus Christ Spiritual songs are songs of testimony expressing spiritual truth

The Expression of the Indwelling Word to Others Singing is making music with the voice Melody refers to the sounds made from musical instruments - Ephesians 5:19 Quality is not mentioned, so all Christians are included Christian songs should teach or admonish. Content is important

The Expression of the Indwelling Word to Others Generic repetitious phrases & vague allusions do not teach or admonish Biblical ignorance allows acceptance of songs without substance & even aberrant or heretical lyrics

The Expression of the Indwelling Word to Others Paul’s command includes music in daily life and not just in worship gatherings. Any music that honors God or promotes righteousness or admonishes sin is acceptable

The Worship Arising from the Indwelling Word When the word of Christ richly dwells within you, the response will be grateful worship of God “Singing in your heart” is a response of worship arising from the core of your being

Conclusions The word of Christ richly dwelling in you produces the discernment that protects you from error Believers are to help one another learn God’s word and walk with Christ - but you must want that Use music to teach and admonish yourself and others so that we all grow in maturity in the Lord

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ