Admonishing one another in all wisdom. – Colossians 3:16
Do you have any favorite words? Most people do. Slang words can really get your point across, like “just chillin’ “or “no big deal.” One of the regular comments from new followers of Christ is their challenge with the language used in the Bible. Many times, the words of translated scripture can seem antiquated or even frightening! If you did not already know exactly what it means, would you ever really want to be “admonished” … ever? It sounds like something possibly very unpleasant.
Paul the apostle had favorite words in his vocabulary just like you. The word “noutheteo” translated “admonish” is used 8 times in the New Testament, and always by Paul! The connotations vary a bit, but the general meaning is to instruct, caution, reprove gently, or warn. At times, it goes deeper to include the idea of pleading with heartfelt emotion. It may also be layered with disapproval for one inviting distress or danger onto themselves and others. But in all nuances, it is an exhortation for safety and benefit. The bottom line is Paul cared for the people, cared enough to speak up when he saw disaster on the horizon!
Specifically, he wrote to the church of Colossae because he received reports they were adopting ideas leading them away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Colossians were susceptible to religious philosophies enslaving them in hopeless striving for righteousness outside of grace. Paul urged them to admonish each other back to the Christian faith.
Today, pray for America, a nation founded on Godly principles, to be filled with wise and caring people who will point to the horizon and, if necessary, sound the alarm. Do your part, praying and participating, living in a manner that brings God’s blessing to the nation. Pray for God to encourage those in government who are seeking to follow the Lord.
Today’s Verse: Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 2:1-8
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
