Today’s verb is very interesting.

Maybe even a little “risky,” too!

Paul is suggesting that we become proficient at “admonishing” one another, Christian to Christian!

Colossians 3:16 provides the warrant for such an idea. “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.”

The Greek word used here for “admonishing” is a participle. That basically means it is a verb serving as an adjective. Like this: “As God’s Word ‘dwells’ in us … ‘copiously inhabiting our hearts and minds’ … then let us be an “admonishing” people.

So, technically, “admonishing” is NOT an imperative, not a stark command. Not here. It is more a suggestion, an ideal, a perfect scenario.

But still … what does it mean, “admonishing?”

The Greek is “noutheteo.”

It’s a compound word, linking “nous” (the human “mind”) and a form of “tithemi” (a verb meaning “to put, to place, to set”) … thus “to put someone in mind” of a certain truth … or a more Biblical pattern of life.

To remind them, however, with some sternness, if need be.

In fact, in 4 of the word’s 8 appearances in the New Testament (King James Version) it is translated “to warn” someone! Then the other 4 times it is rendered “to admonish.” (In Latin, “monere” means “to advise” someone! The prefix “ad” means “to, toward” them as well, face-to-face!”)

Now, here are the 4 “warning” verses:

Paul, in Acts 20:31, said to a group of Ephesian Christians: “Remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not TO WARN (“noutheteo”) every one night and day with tears.”

Then to the Corinthians, Paul (as their Pastor) communicated: “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I WARN (“noutheteo”)  you.” 1st Corinthians 4:14

Then to the Colossians, different than our Text, too. “Whom (our Lord) we preach, WARNING (“noutheteo”)every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 1:28

Then, to the Thessalonians! “Now we exhort you, brethren, WARN (“noutheteo”) warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 1st Thessalonians 5:14

Wow, to 4 different congregations! (The Ephesians, the Corinthians, the Colossians and the Thessalonians too!) Paul taught this “admonishing one another” idea everywhere he went, apparently.

And what a strong verb this is!

” … teaching and ADMONISHING one another ….”

“Keep people in mind” … of certain facets of Bible Truth!

And if you see that Christian man or woman begin to “drift,” to “err,” ADMONISH him! WARN her of the dangers that likely are ahead!

Seriously remind them of the pitfalls of drifting from the Lord.

By the way, “admonish” them carefully.

Not like you are “better” than they are, more holy, or superior!

Caution them meekly, having an humble, lowly spirit.

Like Galatians 6:1 teaches us. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one … in the SPIRIT OF MEEKNESS; CONSIDERING THYSELF, LEST THOU ALSO BE TEMPTED.” Galatians 6:1

Love them enough … to warn them!

Our very DUTY one to another!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

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

 

This one goes contrary to today’s contemporary mindset.

Where most folks look out for “number one,” themselves!

Galatians 5:13, in part, commands us Christians to: “By love serve one another.”

Five short words in English.

Uncharacteristically, six words in Greek!

Everything (nearly) hinges on the verb “to serve.”

Since we already know the “one another” phrase means “fellow Believers in Jesus.” It’s “allos,” meaning “others of like kind.” Those with whom we have so much in common, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And since we too know that “love” here is “agape.” An unselfish, giving attitude that always considers the welfare of the recipient above that of the donor! Unselfish love! Even sacrificial love! The kind of love the New Testament most often uses of God, when the Lord Himself “loves.”

“By love serve one another.”

Then we must define “to serve.”

We are “servants” one to another, by divine command!

Because here “douleuo” is an imperative!

We MUST serve one another, if Christianity is going “to work” anyway.

Here’s “douleuo” defined: “to be a slave!”

Or, “to be in bondage!”

Here it is willing bondage, of course. A debt I owe to my fellow Christians!

A voluntary (based on the giver’s heart’s desire) meeting of the other person’s needs!

In Greek, “doulos” (the noun form of our word) means “slave.”

Paul has used here (under the Holy Spirit’s Guidance) a very strong verb!

It’s only found 25 times in the whole New Testament!

The first occurrence, is back when Jesus said: “Ye cannot serve (“douleuo”) God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Its last occurrence, Titus 3:3, where our old lives apart from Christ were characterized: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving (“douleuo”) divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”

Wow!

What a far cry from today’s simple verse: “By love serve one another.”

Serving others in God’s “family,” because we love Jesus so much!

And consequently, we love them, all the “one another” folks at Church!

And love, “agape” love … ALWAYS “serves” those it adores!

Think of a (needy, in some way) Brother or Sister in Christ today … and DO something for him or her. In the spirit of Christian service!

“And so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

It sounds so simple.

Romans 15:7, the words of the Apostle Paul to the Christians of Rome, Capital City to the world. “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

The verb “receive” is interesting.

And the example that follows the command is captivating too.

Let’s get started.

“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

“Receive,” an imperative mood verb, is “proslambano,” a complex blend of both a preposition and a major New Testament verb. First, “lambano” means “to accept, to take (with the hand), to claim, to associate with a person as a companion.” It is not perhaps as emotional as its relative “dechomai.” But still it never harbors any hesitancy. Then the prefix “pros” means “to, toward,” almost “face-to-face” (with something or someone being the “focus”)!

Put it all together and we have a picture of … us in love, in Christ, opening our arms to those who are newly saved. Or those who have erred but returned. Or those whose personalities do not exactly “blend” with ours, but apparently love Jesus!

If they are “in Christ” … they should be “in our circles” of fellowship!

Maybe the earlier context will help illustrate here, Romans 15 begins … “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself.” This is somewhat clarifying, to me anyway. Often the Bible interprets the Bible!

Perhaps then “receiving” them means also “bearing (putting up) with their weaknesses, their little idiosyncratic quirks!” And trying “to please” them as well, literally keeping them “interested, excited” about the various things of God!

Do not think you’re “too good” to receive them, either.

If the person in question has repented of his or her sins, and turned to Jesus … we have no choice. “Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

Now to the parallel thought, the example given me for “receiving” others who are “in Christ.” Here it is: “As Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

Amazing!

Did Christ Jesus “receive” you?

He sure did me!

In like manner, to the depth humanly possible, I am then to “receive” my fellow Christians into my heart … into my sphere of friendship!

So much for “cliques” and “clubs” and “walls and barriers” in our local Church environs, then! No more “holier than thou” attitudes either. (Isaiah 65:5 uses that exact phrase!)

No wonder Church is good for a  newborn child of God!

All that acceptance and love and warmth there.

Ideally so, anyway.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

 

Sounds strange, doesn’t it?

“Provoking” one another!

But that’s exactly Paul’s advice in Hebrews 10:24, something us Christians should be doing “one to another.”

Here are his words, verbatim from the King James Version. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

Wow!

But not “provoking” to anger.

Or to some other sin.

Rather, inciting each other to acts of “love and good works!”

I love this thought!

But first, let’s study the verb “to provoke.”

In Greek it is spelled “paroxusmos,” which really is a noun.

It means, in our context here “an encouragement.” A fresh “motivation” to do good. Maybe even a little friendly “kick in the pants” in the right direction!

Also … it can at times (not here) mean “an irritation, a provocation.”

An “argument!”

In Acts 15:30 (to give you an idea of the pungency of the word) “paroxusmos” is translated “sharp contention.” Look … “And the CONTENTION was so SHARP between them (Paul and Barnabas), that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus.”

Basically the idea here is that we who are saved should constantly “police” (“watch, consider”) one another. And if we see a Brother or Sister “getting lazy” on God … we are to try (energetically if necessary) to “uge” them to more love and good works, for Jesus’ Sake.

This is astounding!

Trying to devise ideas about how you can “charge” fellow Christians to (forget about arguing and contention) love more and do more for one another, thus for the Lord.

What an idea!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell