Encourage One Another...Part II

In my previous post on Encourage One Another - I covered:

Eph_5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Speaking (active voice - subject doing the action) - yourselves (me, myself and I) singing (active voice) making melody (active voice) in (not motion into or out - standing firm) heart (thoughts, feelings, mind).

I'm going to work on the Colossians verse today - this was the verse I originally misquoted, thinking the wording said to encourage, when in fact it states admonish...the question is, what does that mean?

Col 3:16  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. 

With the Strong's numbering:

Col 3:16  Let the G3588 word G3056 of Christ G5547 dwell G1774 in G1722 you G5213 richly G4146 in G1722 all G3956 wisdom; G4678 teaching G1321 and G2532 admonishing G3560 one another G1438 in psalms G5568 and G2532 hymns G5215 and G2532 spiritual G4152 songs, G5603 singing G103 with G1722 grace G5485 in G1722 your G5216 hearts G2588 to the G3588 Lord. G2962 

Before I can even get to the admonishment section (which has teaching before it!) I've got to address the wording prior to...what's leading up to teaching and admonishing?

Let the...what? or is that a who?

Many would recognize this Greek word - Logos.

Word - G3056 - From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that is, Christ).

Christ - G5547 - From G5548; anointed, that is, the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

What are we supposed to be doing with the Word of Christ?

dwell - G1774 (pim - present, imperative, active 80, see 1, 45, 79) - From G1722 and G3611; to inhabit (figuratively).

• G1722 - (en) - A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); “in”, at, (up-) on, by, etc.
• G3611 - From G3624; to occupy a house that is, reside (figuratively inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication to cohabit.

Present Imperative The present imperative occurs only in the active and middle voices in the New Testament. In the active voice, it may indicate a command to do something in the future which involves continuous or repeated action, or when it is negated, a command to stop doing something.

1 - The Active Voice represents the action as being accomplished by the subject of the verb: arti ginosko ek merous, tote de epignosomai, kathos kai epegnosthen, "now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Cor 13:12). In Greek it is to be distinguished from the Middle Voice (50) and Passive Voice (60). See also 95.

This means I'm supposed to be allowing the Word of Christ to be IN me, not once, but like a stream of water, continually replenishing my soul.  I find it interesting that the root of dwell contains IN (G1722) and then is used immediately after.  Am I getting what He's saying to me?

in - G1722 (see above) (preposition)

I am ecstatic!  We've used the graphic below in our inductive studies before; however, I've never seen it online before!  This gives a good overview of the Greek Prepositions.  Check out the little mouse residing IN (en) the cheese.  For those who want an interactive diagram check out this site.

It's you in this passage (G5213) while the Ephesians passage had yourselves.  Pondering.  And how is this Word of Christ to dwell?  Richly.  That makes me think of something sumptuous.

richly - G4146 (adverb) - From G4145; copiously.

• G4145 - From G4149; wealthy; figuratively abounding with.
• G4149 - From the base of G4130; wealth (as fulness), that is, (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specifically) valuable bestowment.
• A prolonged form of a primary word πλέω pleō (which appears only as an alternate in certain tenses and in the reduplicated form of πίμπλημι pimplēmi to “fill” (literally or figuratively [imbue, influence, supply]); specifically to fulfil (time).

I'm still dwelling on:  copiously - what a word!  From Dictionary.com:

adjective

1.

large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful: copious amounts of food.

2.

having or yielding an abundant supply: a copious larder; a copious harvest.

3.

exhibiting abundance or fullness, as of thoughts or words.

in (en - preposition) all - what?

wisdom - G4678 (noun) - From G4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual).

• G4680 - Akin to σαφής saphēs (clear); wise (in a most general application).

teaching - G1321 (pap - present, active, participle 58, see 1, 57) - A prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω daō (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application)

PAP = Subject doing continuous or repeated action. So where else is this 'teaching' done? My!

G1321 is used 97 times in 91 verses.  That was a pretty amazing mini-word study review.  I highly encourage you to take a few moments to skim through all the instances where this particular word is used.  In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are primarily speaking of Jesus teaching.  Two verses which captured my attention:

Heb 8:11  And they shall not teach (G1321) every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach (G1321) you: but as the same anointing teacheth (G1321) you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

I suppose those verses intrigue me because in the Colossians passage we're to be teaching and admonishing one another, yet, the verses above appear to say the opposite.  I know there isn't any conflict in the Word of God.  Just because I don't understand or fully grasp all that He's written doesn't mean He or His Word is or are in error.  I'm still looking through the glass dimly.

admonishing - G3560 (pap - present, active, participle) - From the same as G3559; to put in mind, that is, (by implication) to caution or reprove gently.

• G3559 - From G3563 and a derivative of G5087; calling attention to, that is, (by implication) mild rebuke or warning.
• G3563 - Probably from the base of G1097; the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning.
• G5087 - A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate).

That's an interesting word - when I see or hear the word admonish, I immediately think I'm about to be bludgeoned.  This word is used 8 times in 8 verses.  A few samples:

Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn (G3560) every one night and day with tears.

Rom 15:14  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish (G3560) one another.

I find this encouraging - not only is Paul admonishing us (or others for our benefit), what we're to do for/to one another.  We're not traveling this road alone - yes, I know we have the Lord on our side, filled with the Holy Ghost; however, the Lord did not intend for us to dwell solitarily.  The toe does not abide without the rest of the foot.  Which is a rich word picture (for me) - a part 'cut off' from the body doesn't thrive, it dies.  Our Father wants us to be part of a thriving, vibrant body. Community.  Thought provoking.

I didn't 'tear' apart the words Psalms, hymns or spiritual songs in the Ephesians verse...so I'll do it here.

psalms - G5568 - From G5567; a set piece of music, that is, a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a “psalm”); collectively the book of the Psalms.

• G5567 - Probably strengthened from ψάω psaō (to rub or touch the surface; compare G5597); to twitch or twang, that is, to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes).

hymns - G5215 - Apparently from a simpler (obsolete) form of ὕδέω hudeō (to celebrate; probably akin to G103; compare G5567); a “hymn” or religious ode (one of the Psalms).

spiritual - G4152 - From G4151; non-carnal, that is, (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious.

• G4151 - From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spiri.
• G4154 - A primary word; to breathe hard, that is, breeze.

songs - G5603 - From G103; a chant or “ode” (the general term for any words sung; while G5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and G5568 still more specifically a Hebrew cantillation.

• G103 - A primary verb; to sing.

I have to admit, that on the surface trying to understand a passage seems, sometimes, 'easy' - however, once I begin to dig, I realize the depth of the language God chose to use to convey His message.  I'm only scratching the surface of understanding.  Like glimmering, bouncing starlight, faintly visible...I'm straining to see and understand.

Both passages used the same Greek words - I find it interesting how there is an overlap, if you will, with this word being based on that word or as a root of this - they are all interconnected.

singing - G103 (pap - I'll get this yet - present, active, participle) - see above.

Both the Ephesians and Colossians verses exhort us to sing and...

...and what?

Here it's with grace in your hearts, in the Ephesians passage its making a melody in your heart, and both have to the Lord.  Our praise, our psalms, hymns and spiritual songs aren't to 'entertain' rather to glorify Him.  I fear far too often some 'worship' music is more about emotion and feelings and how the subject 'feels' versus a 'sacrifice' unto the Lord.  How often have I sung or listened to 'pop' 'Christian' music and been more focused on myself?  Far too often.  The object of adoration shouldn't be anyone other than the Lord.

with - G1722 (preposition) - (en) - A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); “in”, at, (up-) on, by, etc.

grace - G5485 (charis) - From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude).

• G5463 - A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well.

Charis - G5485 - grace is used 156 times in 147 verses - that's a bit more of a study than what I'm able to give at this moment.  Okay, I typed that and then began scanning through. :-)

A little bit of a perspective for me:

Mary, who found favour.

Jesus, who found favour with God and man.

Thank - sinners do the same to one another.

Paul and Barnabas persuaded Jews and proselytes to continue in grace.

Felix had pleasure in leaving Paul bound.

Grace (and peace) are given to us by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace abounds more than sin.

Paul found God's grace to be sufficient.

We're all given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Other words used: Liberality ~ benefit ~ gift ~ thankworthy ~ acceptable and joy.

in - G1722 (en)  :-) How many times has this been used in this verse?

your hearts to the Lord.

Grace in the heart, causes singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to teach and admonish one another, because the Word of Christ dwells richly in all wisdom.

Is that acceptable to paraphrase the verse that way...I wonder...how its written in the Greek.  Ah, another study for another time.

Be encouraged my brethren - spend time in His Word - let it richly dwell within you.  To cause you to teach and admonish (yourself) as well as others about Him.  May HE richly bless each of you as you draw closer and more intimate with Him.  Pray for the saints, that we might give a proper estimate of HIM to one another, but also to those who are without.