We know that God’s Word is profitable in every area of life and ministry (2 Timothy 3:16). But how often do we purposefully give it entrance into our lives?
Colossians 3:16 invites us to let it “dwell in you richly.”
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
Letting Scripture dwell in us is key to wisdom and to teaching and admonishing others.
So how do we invite God’s Word to dwell in our lives?
1. Hear It
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.—Matthew 13:9
Are you attentive to God’s Word? Do you listen when it is preached, or do you find yourself distracted? Do you read it during the week? Do you give it entrance into your heart?
2. Handle It
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.—2 Timothy 2:15
Every Christian is a believer priest who is able to read and understand the Bible for themselves. As Christians, we are to be students of God’s Word. We should study it carefully and learn to apply it faithfully.
3. Hide It
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.—Psalms 119:11
When we memorize Scripture, we have it on hand to use against temptation that comes our way during the day. We also have it available to occupy our thoughts so that we can meditate on it throughout the day.
4. Hold It
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.—Philippians 2:16
We are to hold forth God’s Word for others to see—like a person holding out a flashlight for the benefit of others in a dark place.
Some of the strongest Christians are those who are active in sharing their faith. As they witness for Christ, people ask questions, which drives them to study God’s Word more. In time, they are grounded in the knowledge of biblical doctrine which they have gleaned through study over the years.
These four ways God’s Word dwells in our lives are basic…but they are also foundational. Are you engaging in them?
