To effectively teach and admonish our students, we need the right message. Notice how the message of Christ is to “dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish” (Col. 3:16).
There’s an intensity about that.
The Kind of Intensity That Should Accompany Our Teaching and Admonishing
God looks for zeal based upon knowledge (Rom. 10:2), not merely an emotional response. “Desire (zeal) without knowledge is not good” (Prov. 19:2). Consequently, even a discussion-based format needs to take root in the Word. It’s so easy to get off on tangents that fail to bring God’s Word into consideration. We need to keep the Bible central in our teaching. That’s the foundation for teaching that leads to changed lives.
How Colossians 3:16 Supports a Fervent Approach that Keeps the Message Central
Two words suggest the fervency with which we adhere to the centrality of God’s Word:
“dwell” – To dwell suggests it takes up residency. Scripture needs to occupy its rightful place. It should inhabit all we say and do.
“richly” – To richly dwell suggests more than a small spot reserved for it to reside. The message needs to be abundantly made known, not merely a tack on.
Intense About the Word Yet …
Colossians 3:16 includes a caveat that suggests how we handle our fervency. — “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom …” (Col. 3:16).
This is a wisdom that comes from God that will keep us humble and respectful. — “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)