RICH IN GOD’S WORD

“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

Not only does God want you to be deep in His Word, He also wants you to be RICH in the WORD: “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you RICHLY…” (Col.3:16). To be rich in God’s Word is to enjoy a continually rich diet in His Word; and to be able to maximise the benefits and blessings thereof. Such a rich indwelling of God’s Word will greatly impact your Christian life. It will fill your heart with the enjoyment of God. The Bible is a living Book. But, how much of the Life of God are you enjoying through the Word? Do you let His Word dwell in you to such a degree that you experience its vital functions transforming you inwardly and outwardly? Occasionally, while reading through the Bible, we may suddenly discover a wonderful truth just sitting there waiting to be found. But that is the exception, not the rule. For many Christians, such a blessing is all too infrequent.

Hebrews 4:12 reveals that the Word of God is “living and powerful”: that is, vital in function and performance. Here are seven of the vital functions of the Word of God when it dwells richly in you:

The Word enlightens: “And God said, ‘Let there be light…” (Gen.1:3). God’s Word releases light into your inner being. The entrance of the Word gives light, and imparts understanding to the simple (Psa.119:130).

The Word cleanses and washes: “That He [Christ] might sanctify and cleanse it [the Church] with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church…” (Eph.5:26-27a). As an individual, the Word of God washes your inner being. As you let His Word dwell in you richly, the washing water of life in His Word cleanses you inwardly, removing all spots and wrinkles, so that you might be beautified to be part of Christ’s bride.

The Word nourishes: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of GOD’” (Mt.4:4). His Word nourishes the spirit and satisfies the soul.

The Word refreshes the soul and quenches thirst: “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that  goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isa.55:10-11). God sends His Word to water His people to accomplish His purpose in them.

The Word strengthens: “…I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one” (1Jh.2:14b). The Richness of God’s Word makes you strong in your spirit, and your soul. By such a strengthening, you will also be strong and healthy in your body. being strong is connected to having His Word abide or dwell in you.

The Word builds: “and now, I commend you to God and to the world of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). The Richness of His Word builds us up together with other believers. It will cause you to grow up into Christ, the Head of the Body, joining you together with other growing members, to be built together as His one Body (Eph.4:15-16).

The Word equips, completes and perfects: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Tim.3:16-17). His Word equips you to function effectively and profitably. His Word matures, completes and perfects you as a functional member of the Body.