“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.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
— Colossians 3:16–17 (KJV)
Introduction
Every day, something is shaping our thoughts and guiding our actions. Scripture makes it clear: if the Word of God is not filling us, something else will. In Colossians 3:16–17, the Apostle Paul gives believers clear instruction on how to live a Christ-centered life. His words are not suggestions; they are commands for every follower of Jesus.
This passage presents two foundational truths: the Word of Christ must dwell deeply within us, and everything we do must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
Paul does not say to let the Word visit occasionally. He says to let it dwell—to live, remain, and take root within us. The Word of Christ is to have a permanent home in the Christian’s heart and mind.
To dwell richly means more than casual reading. It speaks of abundance, depth, and fullness. The Word is to shape how we think, how we speak, and how we live. As Christians, we are called to be people of the Book, grounded in truth and guided by wisdom.
This requires time in Scripture, meditation on God’s Word, and a willingness to obey what we read. When the Word dwells richly in us, it produces spiritual understanding and guards us from error in a world filled with deception.
Teaching and admonishing one another
A heart filled with Scripture does not remain silent. Paul explains that the Word dwelling within us will naturally overflow into our relationships with others. We are called to teach and admonish—both encouraging and correcting one another according to truth.
This is not done with pride or harshness, but with love and humility. God uses the body of Christ to strengthen, warn, and build up believers. When Scripture governs our words, it brings unity, growth, and spiritual maturity within the church.
Paul also highlights psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Worship rooted in Scripture reinforces truth, lifts the heart toward God, and keeps our focus on eternal things rather than earthly distractions.
Doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus
Paul then expands the command beyond teaching and worship to every area of life. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This leaves no part of life untouched.
Our speech, actions, decisions, work, and relationships are all to reflect the authority and character of Christ. To act in His name means to live in a way that honors Him, represents Him faithfully, and aligns with His will.
This truth challenges believers to examine daily life. Are our words pleasing to Christ? Do our actions reflect His holiness? A life governed by the Word will naturally seek to glorify Jesus in all things.
A life marked by gratitude
Paul closes with thanksgiving. A heart filled with the Word and centered on Christ will also be thankful. Gratitude flows from recognizing what God has done through Jesus Christ. It guards against pride, bitterness, and discontent.
Thanksgiving keeps our focus on God as the source of every blessing and reminds us that our salvation, strength, and hope come from Him alone.
Conclusion
Colossians 3:16–17 gives believers a clear and powerful pattern for Christian living. The Word of Christ must dwell deeply within us, shaping our hearts and guiding our lives. When it does, our worship is sincere, our relationships are strengthened, and our daily actions bring honor to the name of Jesus.
In a world filled with voices calling for our attention, the believer must choose which voice will rule within. Let it be the Word of Christ—rich, living, and active—guiding us until the day we stand before Him.