There are three distinct exhortations. First, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;" secondly, "In all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another;" thirdly, "In psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God."

The first exhortation is individual; we are each to be instructed in the mind of Christ. Then, having the mind of Christ for ourselves we are to teach and admonish one another. Here the exhortation does not appear to contemplate public ministry by one specially gifted to teach; but rather teaching and admonishing one another individually, as the outcome of each one having the word of Christ, through having sat at His feet and heard His word.

The third exhortation gives the proper attitude of praise to God. If we sing to God it should be with grace in our hearts, not simply with melody on our lips.

In verse 17, we pass to "doing." Whatsoever we do in word or deed is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. What a simple but searching rule of life! How beautiful will be the life in which nothing is ever said or done but what is suitable to that blessed and holy name. How many questions that perplex us in daily life would at once be solved by this simple test: "Can I do or say this in the name of the Lord Jesus?"

The closing exhortation is, "Giving thanks to God the Father by Him." In the midst of all circumstances we are to give thanks. The Lord, when rejected by Israel, could say, "I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth;" and Paul could sing in the inner prison with his feet fast in the stocks.

We learn from these exhortations how intimately the character of Christ in the saints, and the practical life they lead, are linked together. The character we put on must affect the life we live, expressed in our words and deeds.