Let The Word Of Truth Dwell In You
Issues – December 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine
Let The Word Of Truth Dwell In You
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ continually when praying for you, having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and the love which ye have towards all the saints, on account of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens; of which ye heard before in the word of the truth of the glad tidings, which are come to you. —Colossians 1:3-6 JND
The assembly at Colosse, to whom Paul was writing, was in great danger of being swept away by philosophies and instructions of men. The apostle reminded the saints of the love he had toward them, for he loved all who belonged to the body of Christ.
In his letter, Paul wrote to the believers about the hope laid up for them in heaven. He could not write about “the hope of His calling” or “the riches of glory of His inheritance” (Eph. 1:18). Instead, he limited himself to the hope kept for them in the heavens. This was enough for the situation of that assembly, for the enemy was there and the spiritual need was urgent. Paul reminded them of heaven, the place where Christ is and from where they would receive their instructions. Heaven would be their hope for the future rather than the immoral society that was present.
The Word of Truth had come to saints – the blessed good news of salvation we have heard and accepted. It totally condemned us because of sin and at the same time showed the love of God in Christ Jesus. That word is still active and authoritative. The truth as revealed to the apostles is the same for us. It is the only power against the attacks of the enemy, and it will stand forever because it is from God. Dear friends, the Word of Truth came to us; let it dwell in us richly that it may produce fruit for our glorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
By Klaas Rot
Then shall Thy word, the living seed, Accomplish that for which it came, Spring up a hundredfold indeed, A harvest worthy of Thy name. —Hazel Dixon (1923–2015)