Day #188: Colossians 3:15-17

Background:

We are to be thankful for the fact that we are called in to one body.Paul writes in Col. 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

The word “rule” is a Greek term used in athletics.It literally means “to decide against,” which is done by the umpire—the one who presides over the game and distributes the reward.The peace of God is one of the key ways we know that we are in God’s will. God promises His internal peace in our hearts when we are in His will; when we are not, that peace will be noticeably lacking.This verse also tells us that when there is peace in the heart, there will be thankfulness on our lips; the two go together.

So What?

Col. 3:16 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.

When the words of Christ become a part of the believer’s nature, they spring up naturally in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

• Psalms are the verses from the Book of Psalms put to music.

• Hymns are songs written by men and women, based upon Christian thought.

• Spiritual songs are spontaneous songs, birthed of the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:14): “I will sing with the Spirit.”

A song serves numerous purposes:

1) Provides a vehicle for worship

2) Provides instruction (“teaching one another”)

3) Provides admonishment (“admonishing one another”)

Songwriters will find added inspiration as they focus upon letting the word dwell richly within them.So many songs today have so little scriptural reference in them, showing the lack of rich dwelling word within the songwriter.

We are to sing with grace in our hearts.The songs Paul and Silas sang in the Philippian prison (Acts 16:22-25) reflected what was already in their hearts.

Col. 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

There is no sacred/secular split in the eyes of God.

Whatever we do should be done in the name of the Lord and glorify the Lord in the process.

This verse should inspire many to see their workplace as a place of ministry, knowing that God sees no difference.