I have found another “double” verse, showing us what we’re to do “one to another.”
Remember Hebrews 10:24? “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Both “consider” and “provoke” (in a good sense, to incite to faithful living for the Lord).
Now today 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.” (Obviously, “teaching” and “admonishing!”)
This Text will occupy more than a single day of our time!
(By the way, Colossians 3:16, see that reference? Have you ever thought of studying the 3:16 passages of the Bible? Third chapter, sixteenth verse … most of the Books of Scripture have such a text! The crowning thought likely being John 3:16, of course. But there are others! I will say no more. Let eager minds enquire!)
First, let me show you this. Colossians 3:16 has a “companion” verse(s), both being from the pen of the Apostle Paul. They are “parallel” It’s Ephesians 5:18-21. “Be ye FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Now look.
In Ephesians I am to be filled with the “Holy Spirit!” Then … I will joyfully serve the Lord!
In Colossians I am to be filled with the “Word of Christ” (the Word of God, the Bible, the Scriptures)! Then … I will joyfully serve the Lord!
The point is … “Holy Spirit” and “Word of God” are equated in these two Texts! (Made equal!)
I strongly suspect, actually I believe … to be filled with the “Word” either is (or will eventually become) synonymous with being filled with the “Spirit!”
That’s a fact, an insight, well worth remembering!
But now back to our Text, our “one another,” instructions for today. “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.”
First, “teach” one another!
Then, tomorrow, “admonish” one another.
“Teaching one another … in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
The Greek verb “to teach” is “didasko,” meaning “to instruct” others. It is apparently developed from the root verb “dao,” meaning “to learn.”
Teaching one another! Helping another to learn!
Every growing Christian knows something I do not know, something you do not know! Hence, in that sense, he or she can be my teacher! Oh, to have a “learning spirit!”
Even of our Lord (the Very Son of God) Luke writes: “And Jesus INCREASED IN WISDOM and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52
A Learner!
Jesus, again: “Though he were a Son, yet LEARNED he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Hebrews 5:8-9
Every Christian is to be willing “to teach” a younger (in Christ) Brother or Sister the things of God! “Teaching one another.”
But look at the verse once again.
This is not always traditional teaching! Not with a classroom and chalkboard and lectern! “Teaching one another … in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
I think it means teaching “by our lifestyles!”
By “living for Jesus” … as examples to all those who are around us!
By singing.
By testifying.
By being faithful.
And, ladies and gentlemen, that is something every Child of God can do!
Yes, people are watching!
TEACH them well.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell