Zambia Hunt

Colossians 3:16-17

In our fast-paced world where individualism often reigns supreme, the biblical call to grow together as believers has never been more needed. The apostle Paul’s words to the Colossian church offer insights into how we can build genuine Christian community and live lives that honor Christ.

The Power of Christ’s Word in Community

The foundation of Christian growth isn’t found in self-help strategies or human wisdom, but in allowing “the word of Christ to dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). This isn’t just a personal calling – notice that Paul uses the plural “you.” He’s speaking to the entire church community. When God’s Word takes deep root in our hearts collectively, it transforms how we relate to one another and how we worship.

I witnessed this truth recently in our teen ministry here at Kitwe Church. Our international group of 45+ teenagers from countries as diverse as Zambia, Russia, South Africa, Congo, China, Germany, India, the US, Canada, Serbia, and Romania gathered for their final Bible study of the year. The focus was on Kingdom Life: Living Heavenward. These young people discussed the biblical truth: in our old life, we lived for self; in our new life in Christ’s kingdom, we live for Jesus.

Three Ways the Word Shapes Our Community

When Scripture truly dwells in us, it naturally flows outward in three compelling ways:

You are teaching one another. This isn’t just the pastor’s job. As Romans 15:14 affirms, all believers are capable of instructing one another. Like the Levites in Nehemiah’s time who “read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and gave the sense, so that the people understood” (Nehemiah 8:8), we’re called to help each other grasp God’s truth. This happens “line upon line, precept upon precept” (Isaiah 28:10), as we patiently build understanding together.

You are admonishing one another. God’s Word isn’t just for information – it’s for transformation. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, Scripture is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” When we lovingly correct one another based on God’s Word, we help each other grow more like Christ.

You are worshipping together. Our worship should overflow in “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). This variety suggests there’s room for both traditional and contemporary expressions of worship, as long as they’re biblically grounded and focused on building up the church rather than creating personal spiritual experiences. From ancient psalms to doctrinally rich hymns to spirit-filled new songs, our worship should express hearts overflowing with gratitude.

Living All of Life for Christ

Paul concludes with a comprehensive command: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). This transforms every aspect of life into an opportunity for worship and witness.

Whether we’re speaking (Colossians 4:6), serving (Ephesians 6:7), or making life decisions, everything should reflect Christ’s character and advance His glory. As Paul declared in Philippians 1:20-21, our goal should be that “Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

The Heart of Gratitude

Throughout Colossians, thankfulness emerges as a crucial theme. When we truly grasp the gospel – that we’ve been transferred from darkness to light (Colossians 1:12-13) – gratitude becomes our natural response. This thankfulness persists “in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), whether in life’s mundane moments or its major milestones.

Moving Forward Together

Growing together in Christ occurs when His Word profoundly shapes our community, leading us to minister to one another and live our lives for His glory with grateful hearts. This challenges us to:

• Make Scripture central in our daily lives through reading, meditation, and memorization
• Take responsibility for each other’s growth through teaching and gentle correction
• Join wholeheartedly in corporate worship
• Examine our daily choices in light of Christ’s lordship
• Cultivate genuine thankfulness in all circumstances

As we embrace these practices together, we’ll find ourselves growing not just as individuals but as a gospel community that reflects Christ’s character and advances His kingdom in our world.