Colossians 1:15-23
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.
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. 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, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (ESV)
Theme:
Christ is Lord over all creation and Head of the Church.
Doctrine:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God; supreme in creation, reconciliation, and resurrection.
Focus:
Christ’s cosmic Lordship, the glory of His person, and the assurance of reconciliation.
1. The Pre-eminence of Christ in His Person (vv 15-17):
1.1 Christ reveals the Invisible God,
1.2 Christ is supreme over Creation,
1.3 He Created all things, and
1.4 He Sustains all things.
Application: You are not held together by your achievements, your career, or your circumstances. You are held together by Christ. When your world feels like it’s falling apart, remember—He is still holding you.
2. The Pre-eminence of Christ in Redemption (vv 18-20)
2.1 Christ is Head of the Church,
2.2 Christ is the Firstborn from the Dead, and
2.3 Christ reconciles all things.
3. The Power of Christ’s Reconciliation in the Believer (vv 21-23):
3.1 Who we were.
3.2 What Christ has done.
3.3 What Christ will do.
3.4 Our Response.
Conclusion:
Behold Your Pre-eminent Savior
Do you see who Jesus really is?
He is God revealed.
He is Creator and Sustainer.
He is Risen and Reigning.
He is Reconciler and Redeemer.
You don’t need to add anything to Him — and you dare not subtract anything from Him.
He is enough. He is all.