#237 – Four Scriptural Guidelines for Living

FOUR SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR LIVING

Col. 3:15-17 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 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."

Paul calls attention to four important guideline to use in our walk with the Lord.

THE PEACE OF GOD ACTING AS UMPIRE

Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

The word translated peace is “eirene” and when used of Christianity it refers to the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.”

The words “let rule” translate “brabeuo” and means, “to be an umpire.” It is a present tense verb and refers to present action, it is active voice which means they are to do this of their own volition and the imperative mood is a command expressing urgency.

Serving the Lord is the Christians primary purpose in this life. If, when we go about our duties as believers, we begin to feel uneasy, it is time to examine what we are doing. Peace within is the umpire calling the moves. When we let the peace of God rule, we take immediate action, and yield to the Holy Spirit Who brings the peace of God back into our daily lives. Next,

THE WORD OF GOD DWELLING AND CONTROLLING THE LIFE

Colossians 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."

The words, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,” is another imperative command. It is urgent that the Christian not act outside the guidelines that we find here. The “word of Christ” refers to the Scriptures. He speaks to us through His Word. The word “richly” means “abundantly.” The believer is not to work on his own. Paul gives specific guidance in this verse. The words, “in all wisdom,” are referring to the proper use of the Scriptures. It is not uncommon for one to be in a service where a text is read by the speaker and what follows is a message totally removed from the text. That is frustrating and a very little good is accomplished as far as the spiritual use of the Scriptures.

The intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures is necessary. We can memorize the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit can reach into our memory-bank and pull out what we need. Christians who seldom read their Bibles are left in a state of confusion because of their neglect. Next,

PRAISE IS T0 BE THE CONSTANT EXPERIENCE OF HIS LIFE WITHIN

Colossians 3:16 says, "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 we live from the inside out, it will not be difficult for us to praise Him in all things. Religion goes from the outside in. Christianity is lived from the inside out. Praise is a great river flowing from the depths of one's soul and is a ministry not only to the one doing it but also to others. The Word of Christ, and the ministry of song, is something the regenerated life feeds on. It is able to bring us out of depression and crown us with the gladness of God. Next,

EVERY WORD AND ACT IS TO BE DONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS

Colossians 3:17, "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."

We are sent into all the world with the saving gospel of Christ. It is not our invention. "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,