The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians 1:15-22

Colossians 1:15-22

 

 

The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians 1:15-22

8 Ways of Identifying Christ

1. The Visible Image of the Invisible God

•      Vs. 15  “He is the image of the invisible God”

•      The invisible God expressing Himself in a physical, tangible, visible way

•      Not just a symbol or a representation of God, but God expressing Himself

 

1. The Visible Image of the Invisible God

•      Vs. 15  “He is the image of the invisible God”

•      The invisible God expressing Himself in a physical, tangible, visible way

2. The Uncreated Creator

•      Vs. 15-16 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”

2. The Uncreated Creator

•      Vs. 15-16 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”

 

2. The Uncreated Creator

•      Vs. 15-16 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”

 

2. The Uncreated Creator

•      Vs. 15-16 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”

 

3. He has Seniority

•      Vs. 17  “For by him all things were created” Because He was here before there was anything else, He comes first.

 

4. Sustainer of the Universe

•      Vs. 17  “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth,”  

•      Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being,” sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

5. Head of the Church

•      Vs. 18 “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

 

6. Prototype of the Resurrection

•      Vs. 18“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

 

 

6. Prototype of the Resurrection

•      Vs. 18 “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

7. The Fullness of God in a Body

•      Vs. 19  “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,

•      2:9   “For in Him the entire fullness    

    of God’s nature dwells bodily”

 

8. Reconciler of a World at War

•      Vs. 19-21”For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.”

3 Implications for Our Lives

1. Blameless Before Christ

•      Vs. 22 “But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—”

2. Christ in You

•      Vs. 27 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

3. Mature in Christ

•      Vs. 28  “The gospel is not a system, hierarchy, or just a set of regulations. It is the good news of the person and work of Jesus; His death, burial, & resurrection.”

The Supremacy of Christ