He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-23
And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:15-23
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, Colossians 1:15-23
which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Colossians 1:15 23, ESV) Colossians 1:15-23
Main Idea Since Jesus Christ is preeminent, He therefore has total authority to rule the church as He wills, and we His church must respond in obedience.
Preeminent to be first
1. Jesus is Preeminent in Creation Colossians 1:15-17
The Resource to Create: Image of the Invisible God (vs 15) 1. Jesus is Preeminent in Creation
Image: Looks like God The Resource to Create: Image of the Invisible God
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the Heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. Image: Looks God
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1 3, ESV) Image: Looks God
Image: Looks like God Invisible: Attributes of God The Resource to Create: Image of the Invisible God
For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, ESV) Invisible: Attributes of God
The Right to Create: Firstborn of all Creation (vs 15) 1. Jesus is Preeminent in Creation
Firstborn the one to whom belongs the right, authority, and dignity of the firstborn child, inheriting all things from the Father
the link between heaven and earth the authority to originate The Right to Create: Firstborn of all Creation
The Resolve to Create: Creator of all Things (vs 16-17) 1. Jesus is Preeminent in Creation
Created through Him: His power Created for Him: His purpose The Resolve to Create: Creator of all Things
2. Jesus is Preeminent in Redemption Colossians 1:18-20
The Ability to Redeem: Fullness of God 2. Jesus is Preeminent in Redemption
The Authority to Redeem: Firstborn from the dead 2. Jesus is Preeminent in Redemption
the link between earth and heaven the right to carry out redemption The Authority to Redeem: Firstborn from the dead
The Aim to Redeem: Reconcile and Head His Church 2. Jesus is Preeminent in Redemption
Ultimate Authority over the church Ultimate Unity of heaven and earth The Aim to Redeem: Reconcile and Head His Church
3. Jesus is Preeminent in Restoration Colossians 1:21-23
Restored holiness to the unholy Jesus is Preeminent in Restoration
For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV) Restored holiness to the unholy
Restored stability to the unstable Jesus is Preeminent in Restoration
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22, ESV) Restored stability to the unstable
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25, ESV) Restored stability to the unstable
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1, ESV) Restored stability to the unstable
So What?
1. Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? 2. Is your identity found in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master? So What?
3. Do you know His commands and are you desiring to follow them? 4. Are you making disciples as Jesus commands in Mathew 28? So What?
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV) Remember: