Between The Word Of Christ and The Words Of Moses, David, Solomon And Others

Pastors preach and teach from the Bible for people to know and learn to do the will of God on earth.

The Bible as most Christians have it today is a collection of 66 books. It is generally referred to as the Word of God spoken and written by different servants of God.

Thus, we can have the word of job, the word of Abraham, the word of Moses, the word of Elijah, the word of John the Baptist, the word of Jeremiah, the word of David, the word of Solomon, the word of the apostles among others in the Holy Book.

Now, in his letter to Colossian believers, Paul made a profound appeal which must be seriously considered by today’s Christians especially pastors.

The apostle wrote: “Let the WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16).

Paul knew about the words of Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses or David, but he never encouraged believers to ensure that the words of those servants of God dwelt in them richly.

The apostle did not say that the Law of Moses, the Psalms or the Prophets should dwell richly in Christians. Though these Scriptures are very important for Christians, Paul never said they should dwell in us richly.

He rather said: “Let the WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16).

The word of Christ refers to the personal teachings of the Lord which are recorded in the books of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, Acts and Revelation.

It may also refer to the messages written by the early apostles by the inspiration of the Spirit of Christ who was with them, enabling them to preach the gospel.

Thus, Paul could say, “…the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12).

This is not to say Christians should not read or study the Law of Moses, the Prophets or the Psalms. We should study them and live by their teachings that agree with the doctrines of Christ Jesus.

But Paul knew that a large portion of the Old Testament scriptures which was written about Jesus Christ had been fulfilled.

So, Jesus Christ has become the central theme or message for preaching and teaching to the New Testament believers.

That is why Paul said the Apostles fought hard to destroy arguments that were raised against the gospel of Christ and captured rebellious thoughts of antichrists to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Clearly, the early apostles realized and recognized that the word of Christ was supreme, high and above all other men who had spoken and written for God.

We must also have the same mindset they had about the word of Christ and devote ourselves to preaching, teaching and living by the word of Christ.

By James Quansah