| Spiritual warfare Lesson#17 How to walk in peace Would you like to experience more peace in your life? Paul tells us how to have this. He says Colossians 3:15, 15. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Naturally speaking, there are not too many people who experience this "ruling" peace of God in their hearts. Because of hectic schedules, and because of the rush by day and hour that we live in, most people experience inner turmoil and constant frustration. Rather than have the "peace of God" ruling in their hearts, the vast majority of believers have lots of flip-flop emotions, emotions that you can't depend on to lead and guide you, emotions that can deceive you. Therefore, you must allow the peace of God to rule in your heart. The word "rule" used in this verse, is taken from the word "brabeuo", and it was used to picture an "umpire" or "one who called the shots in a public game." He was the one who decides who has won the game. So by employing this word, Paul is actually says, "Let the peace of God umpire or call the shots in your life." How do you come to this place where peace is prevalent in your life? How do you come to the place where your mind, emotions, fears and frustrations cease to control you? Paul continues in Colossians 3:16 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. Let's look at Colossians 3:16 in the Living Bible 17. Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts. But in order to remember what Christ has done for us, You first would have had to study his Word in order to bring it back to your remembrance. Especially notice the command " let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. The two key words here are "dwell" and "Richly". The word dwell is taken from the word enoikeo, and is the Greek word which means "to take up residence." It means to make ones self feel at home. In this case we should make Jesus feel at home. The word "richly" is from the word "plousious" And it carries the ideas of "extreme extravagance" and "luxurious living." So what Paul is actually saying is let the Word of Christ take up residence in your life and come to feel completely at home in you, give it the most extravagance and luxurious reception that is possible. What happens when you give the Word of God this kind of priority in your life? The peace of God will begin to rule, umpire and call the shots in your daily life. |