ByMan cannot function without Christ. It is that simple. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says that man should live by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. As a believer, you are made to live a life that is not just influenced but deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. Colossians 3:16 exhorts us,
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
That is because, like a fish cannot live outside of water, Christians cannot live outside of Christ. His Word is our life! In this article, we will explore why and how you can let the message of Christ dwell in you richly and how you can practically live this way.
Spend time studying the Bible
Spending time studying the Bible is vital in allowing the message of Christ to dwell in you richly. The Bible is more than just a book. 2 Timothy 3:16 reveals it as the inspired, living Word of God, with the ability to renew our minds and hearts continually. To develop a relationship with God, you must know His will. That way, you live in the light of His will. That is how you can have a complete and purposeful life.
As a believer, you are made to live a life that is not just influenced but deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ.
Consistency is vital in personally studying the Bible. Set aside a specific time each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes, to engage with scripture. The Bible tells us God’s Word is food and that you must consume it daily because the daily bread He gives grants us the strength for each unique day. Every day comes with its unique problems.
Take group Bible study seriously
While personal study is essential, joining good fellowships and participating in Bible study groups is equally important. When you study the Bible with others, you have the opportunity to share insights, challenge assumptions, and learn from different perspectives. As Proverbs 27:17 states,
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
In a group setting, you can help each other on your faith journey, motivating one another to search deeper into God’s Word and apply it more faithfully in our lives. Each member brings their unique experiences, knowledge, and spiritual gifts to the table, enriching and edifying everyone. This is because it exposes you to different interpretations and applications of scripture that you might not have considered on your own.
Pray the Word
Praying the Word is a powerful practice that combines our Bible study with our prayer life, allowing the message of Christ to dwell in you even more richly. To pray about the things you read in the Bible, you must be led to study the Bible better to understand God, His will, and His ways. As you immerse yourself in scripture, you will begin to see how you can derive prayer topics directly from the Bible. This knowledge then naturally flows into your relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you pray the Word, you align your prayers with God’s revealed will. Also, as you speak God’s Word back to Him in prayer, you are reminded of His promises and the truth about our situations.
In conclusion, letting the message of Christ dwell in you richly is essential for a life deeply rooted in His teachings. By spending time studying the Bible, participating in group Bible studies, and praying the Word, you can allow Christ’s message to transform your life and help you live according to God’s will. As you immerse yourself in scripture and seek to apply its wisdom, you will find that you cannot function without Christ, which is beautiful. For in Him, you find life, strength, and purpose.
