GERM NOTES ON THE VERSE.
The Word of Christ: its Characteristics as the Saviour’s Book and the Sinner’s Book.
- It is simple.
- Significant.
- Saving.
- Sanctifying.
- Supporting.
- Suited to all.
Lessons.—1. Let its truths and realities inhabit your convictions. 2. Let its tone be infused into your temper. 3. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.—James Hamilton, D.D.
The Indwelling Word of Christ.
I. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you.—1. Implies a sense of the preciousness of Christ Himself. 2. The preciousness of Christ’s words, as well as of Christ Himself, is essential to its dwelling in you. 3. The felt preciousness of real present and living intercourse between Christ and you will cause the Word, as His Word, to abide in you.
II. Dwell in you richly.—1. It may refer to quantity. 2. It may have respect to quality. 3. The rich indwelling of the Word of Christ in you may be held to correspond to the riches of Him whose Word it is. 4. It is to dwell in you not only as rich receivers but as rich dispensers also.
Lessons.—1. Make sure of the first condition of Christ’s Word in you—the preciousness of Christ Himself. 2. Make full proof of all suitable helps for the indwelling of the Word of Christ in you.—R. S. Candlish.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF VERSE 17.
Suggestive Summary of the Law of Christian Duty.