New Life, Real Change … The Power of God’s Word
- yolanditacolononli
- Dec 26, 2025
- 8 min read
In Colossians 3:1–17, the Apostle Paul delivers a powerful exhortation to believers who have been “raised with Christ.” This passage is a blueprint for Christian living, challenging us to align our thoughts, desires, and behaviors with our new identity in Christ. Let’s unpack the key principles Paul lays out for living a life worthy of our calling.
1. Seek the Things Above
Paul begins with a call to shift our perspective: “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is” (v. 1). When our attention is fixed on Christ—seated at the right hand of God—our values and priorities are transformed. Our life is now “hidden with Christ in God” (v. 3), and we live in anticipation of sharing in His glory.
2. Put to Death the Earthly Nature
Paul urges believers to “put to death what is earthly”—including sexual immorality, greed, and deceitful desires. These belong to the old self and invite God’s judgment. Following Christ means a deliberate break from our former way of life, not through human strength but by the Spirit’s power.
3. Put on the New Self
Having died to the old, we are to “put on the new self”, which is being renewed in the knowledge of our Creator. This new identity transcends all worldly divisions—ethnic, social, or cultural—because “Christ is all, and in all.” We now wear the virtues of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Forgiveness becomes our response, and love binds it all together in perfect unity.
4. Let Christ Rule and the Word Dwell Richly
We are called to let “the peace of Christ rule” and to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” This leads to unity in the body and a life of gratitude and worship. The Word is not only to be read but to inhabit our lives—guiding our wisdom, teaching, and worship.
For a moment, let’s go deeper into what it truly means to let the Word dwell richly.
Letting the Word Dwell Richly: Abiding in Truth
The Word Cleanses and Sustains – John 15:3–4
As Christians, this speaks directly to discipleship. A disciple must not only hear the Word but remain—abide—in it. Just as a branch cannot live without the vine, we cannot be fruitful apart from Christ’s Word dwelling in us. Abiding is a posture of continual dependence on His life-giving truth.
The Word Sanctifies – John 17:17
As Christians, we emphasize that sanctification is not about mere external behavior, but about internal transformation through God’s truth. His Word purifies our hearts, aligns our minds, and molds our character into Christ’s likeness.
The Word Is True and Enduring – Psalm 119:160
As children of God, we hold a high view of Scripture—as inspired, inerrant, and authoritative. Letting the Word dwell richly means embracing the entirety of Scripture, not just favorite verses. It forms the foundation of our worldview, ethics, and hope, anchoring us in truth amid a shifting culture.
The Word Inspires Worship – Psalm 119:169–172
Scripture fuels worship. The deeper we go into the Word, the higher we soar in praise. The richness of God’s commands brings joy, even when it convicts. True worshipers are Word-filled people.
Jesus affirms this in John 4:23–24:
“The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…”
Worship is not based on place or tradition, but on truth—God’s Word—and the inward work of the Spirit. When we sing Scripture, we echo heaven’s language, aligning our hearts with the will of God.
The Word Is a Person – John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This is the pinnacle of our understanding: the Word is Jesus Christ Himself. To let the Word dwell richly is ultimately to let Christ dwell in us richly. Scripture leads us not just to knowledge, but to a Person—the eternal Word made flesh.
As Christians, we believe in a Christ-centered reading of the Bible. Every passage, every promise, every command points to Jesus. Our relationship with the Word is relational, not just academic.
"To know the Word is to know Him."
The more we study His Word and abide in Him, the more we grow in our understanding of who God is. As the Scriptures unfold, so does the beauty of His divine character—His holiness, mercy, justice, faithfulness, and love. The deeper we go into the Word, the deeper our love grows for Him. We begin not only to learn His attributes but to experience His presence, allowing His truth to shape our thoughts, desires, and our true identity—in light of eternity and through His eyes.
Conclusion: Dwelling in the Word, Living in Christ
Letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly means more than daily devotions or memorizing verses (though both are valuable). It’s about submitting every part of our lives to the authority, presence, and person of Jesus Christ, revealed through Scripture.
It’s about:
Abiding (Remaining in Christ) – John 15
Being sanctified by the Word (John 17)
Trusting its truth (Psalm 119:160)
Singing His Word in worship (Psalm 119:172)
Meeting Jesus, the Living Word (John 1:1)
When the Word of Christ dwells in us, we are renewed, empowered, and united in Him. Our minds are transformed, our speech is seasoned, and our lives become a testimony of the truth we carry. And in everything—we do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17).
How Do I Let the Word Dwell Richly and Abide in the Truth?
(Practical Steps for Today)
In a world filled with noise, distractions, and ever-changing trends, how can we practically let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us? What does it really look like to abide in the truth?
Here are some real-life, relatable steps for today’s generation to live this out:
1. Read the Word with Intentionality – Not Just for a Verse of the Day
Make Bible reading more than a task or quick scroll. Start with one book (like John or Colossians) and read a few verses slowly. Ask:
What does this show me about God?
What is God saying to me personally?
How can I apply this today?
Tip: Use a study Bible app or audio Bible while commuting, walking, or even working out. If you're using your device, turn off all notifications (use Do Not Disturb) so you can consecrate that moment to just you and God.
2. Create Rhythms, Not Just Routines
Let the Word become part of your daily rhythm—like eating, sleeping, or checking your phone. You don’t need to read a whole chapter to be impacted. Let it sink in.
Try this: Pick one verse a week to memorize, meditate on, and journal about. Place it on your lock screen or mirror.
3. Talk About the Word in Community
Don’t keep Scripture to yourself. Share what God is teaching you with a friend, small group, or online Christian community. Ask questions. Process life through a biblical lens together.
Idea: Start a weekly “Bible + Chill” night with friends where you read, discuss, and pray over a passage together.
4. Worship with the Word
Let Scripture fuel your worship. The Bible tells us to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs—all reflections of God’s truth (Col. 3:16). One powerful way to let the Word dwell richly is to listen to or sing Scripture‑based worship songs, where the lyrics are drawn directly from the Bible or its truths. Songs like:
“Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” – People & Songs (feat. Josh Sherman)
“Isaiah 40 (Those Who Wait)” – Shane & Shane
“The Blessing” – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship
“Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” – UPPERROOM
“Worthy of It All” – Bethel Music
“Yeshua” – UPPERROOM
“Gratitude” – Brandon Lake
And full Scripture songs by Esther Mui on YouTube.
These aren't just songs—they’re tools for meditation, memorization, and spirit-led worship. Let them play as you go about your day and let truth take root.
5. Let the Word Shape Your Identity, Not Culture
The Word tells you who you are: chosen, forgiven, loved, and called. Culture will always try to redefine you, but the Bible gives eternal truth.
Ask this daily: “What does God’s Word say about who I am?” Write down one truth and speak it over yourself.
6. Obey What You Read, Even When It’s Hard
Abiding means living out the truth, not just knowing it. Forgive when it’s hard. Stay pure when the world doesn’t. Speak truth in love, even when it costs you.
Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Start small. Obedience builds momentum.
7. Be Real with God in Prayer and the Word
Abiding is a relationship. Talk to God honestly. Let His Word speak back to you. Use the Psalms as prayers. Be raw, be real—but stay rooted.
Practice: Pray Scripture out loud. For example, Psalm 119:105 – “Lord, let Your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path today.”
Scripture-Filled Worship Playlist – Let the Word Dwell Richly
Here’s a curated mix of worship music that helps you meditate on the Word, sing truth, and let Scripture shape your heart and mind.
Rooted in Scripture (Direct Quotes):
“Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” – People & Songs
“Isaiah 40 (Those Who Wait)” – Shane & Shane
“Psalm 34 (Taste and See)” – Shane & Shane
“Your Word” – Hillsong Worship
“The Blessing” – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship
Word-Saturated Worship (Truth-Based):
“Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” – UPPERROOM
“Worthy of It All” – Bethel Music
“I Will Exalt” – Amanda Cook
“Yeshua” – UPPERROOM
“Gratitude” – Brandon Lake
Meditative Scripture Memory Aids:
“Psalm 91” – Esther Mui (YouTube)
“Hide Me in Your Holiness” – Steve Green
Let these songs help you memorize, internalize, and live out the Word in the everyday rhythms of your life.
Final Encouragement: One Brick at a Time
Letting the Word dwell in you isn’t about being “super spiritual.” It’s about daily connection. It’s being rooted in truth when lies come, and choosing Scripture over social media when you're looking for answers. It’s trusting Jesus to speak, guide, and fill you—one verse, one moment, one day at a time.
Still, you might feel like you’re not advancing—or you may be tempted to feel disappointed with your spiritual growth. But take a moment and reflect: Where were you in your walk with God last year?
If you’ve made even the smallest intentional effort to grow, you’ll likely realize something powerful: you might not be where you want to be, but you’re not where you used to be. You're closer. You're growing. You're maturing—step by step.
This is how real transformation happens—not in big leaps, but in steady layers. Like a skyscraper, your spiritual life is built one brick at a time:
One verse,
One prayer,
One quiet surrender,
One obedient choice.
Patience, consistency, and determination are the tools God uses to build something lasting in you. So don’t despise small beginnings or slow progress. Every brick matters. Every moment in the Word counts. Every time you choose to abide instead of drift—you’re becoming more like Christ.
Stay faithful. God is not finished with you. The more His Word dwells in you, the more your life becomes a testimony of His power, grace, and goodness.
Start right now.
Embracing a Deeper Journey … with the Almighty I AM
Yolandita Colón