What role does teaching and admonishing play in Christian community according to Colossians 3:16? The passage “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” — Colossians 3:16 Why the verse matters • The Spirit-inspired pattern for healthy Christian life together • A blueprint for how truth flows through every member, not just leaders • A reminder that worship and instruction are inseparable Teach and admonish: two complementary actions • Teach (didaskō) – communicate truth positively, explain doctrine, pass on what Christ commanded • Admonish (noutheteō) – warn, correct, call back from error or sin, urge repentance Together they keep believers both informed and formed—shaping minds and guarding hearts. The source of authority • “The word of Christ” must “dwell… richly.” Scripture isn’t an occasional visitor; it takes up residence. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” • Teaching and admonishing gain power and safety only when anchored in the written Word. Where teaching and admonishing happen • “One another” – reciprocal; every believer both gives and receives • Small groups, family worship, casual conversations, corporate gatherings—no arena is exempt • Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages meeting together so this ministry can flourish. The heart posture • “With all wisdom” – sensitivity to timing, tone, and individual needs (James 3:17) • “With gratitude in your hearts to God” – prevents harshness; keeps correction loving and worship-filled. • Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Worship as a teaching tool • “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” embed doctrine in melody. • Ephesians 5:18-20 shows a similar link: Spirit-filled people teach and sing simultaneously. • Songs carry truth into memory and emotion, reinforcing what is taught and admonished. Connected roles in the wider body • Ephesians 4:11-12: leaders “equip the saints,” but every saint then speaks truth in love (v. 15). • Matthew 28:19-20 – the Great Commission includes “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” highlighting continual instruction. Practical rhythms for today • Let Scripture saturate gatherings—read aloud, discuss, memorize. • Invite mutual accountability: give trusted friends permission to warn you when you drift. • Sing rich, Bible-saturated songs that reinforce doctrine and foster thankfulness. • Balance encouragement with correction; both express love. • Measure every word by the written Word so Christ, not opinion, shapes the community. Teaching and admonishing, fueled by the indwelling Word, form the twin currents that keep Christ’s body both anchored in truth and advancing in holiness. |
    |