Teach and admonish one another

“Teach and admonish one another.” We often think

that these tasks are reserved for the teachers and

leaders of the congregation. Paul often uses these

words in this manner, telling spiritual leaders that

their role is to teach and admonish the congregation

so that they can grow in wisdom, love, and service.

But in Colossians 3 Paul uses these words very

differently: “Let the message of Christ dwell among

you richly as you teach and admonish one another

with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs

from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in

your hearts” (v. 16). This was Paul’s command for

the entire church, not just the leadership. As

Christians, we are called to “teach and admonish

one another.” We all have a role to play in helping

one another grow in wisdom, love, and knowledge.

Paul also tells them a unique way to teach one

another: through music. The congregation sings in

order to teach and encourage each other. Our songs

give glory to God, but they also build one another

up. The words that we sing reflect our faith, and

these words can inspire, strengthen, and lift up our

brothers and sisters in Christ.

Today’s worship will flow differently than normal.

Our sermon will be stretched out throughout our

time together, and we will intersperse our service

with singing. The goal is to let the songs reflect the

text and enlighten its meaning. We also pray that

our songs will encourage you and that you, in turn,

can encourage others. May we “teach and

admonish” one another today.