The word "dwell" is taken from the word enoikeo. The word "enoikeo" is
a compound of the words en and oikos. The word en means in, and the word oikos is
the Greek word for a house. When the two words are compounded together, they form
the word enoikeo, which means to dwell in a house. This is the same Greek word used
in both New Testament literature and secular literature to signify someone who takes
up permanent residency in a home. The person is so at home and contented in this
new location that he has chosen to make it his permanent dwelling place for the
rest of his life.
So when Paul tells us to let the word of Christ "dwell" in us, he is strongly urging
us to give God's Word such a grand, welcoming reception that it literally feels
at home in us and therefore comes to take up permanent residency!
The word when allowed not only takes up residence but helps us in our hearing and discerning the voice of the spirit. The more the Logos (written) word has a place the more we are prepared to hear the gentle leading, guidance and voice of the spirit. Ephesians tells that word is the sword, it is a weapon in the spiritual warfare we face. The word "word" used in that specific passage is the word "rhema," the logos when at home in our hearts prepares us for the rhema needed when we face the difficulties of life.
Does the Word have this kind of place in your life? Does it really "dwell" in you
richly? Does it feel at home and comfortable in your life? Or is the Word of God
treated like a stranger that is occasionally welcomed into your life as a visitor?
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