Sermons on Colossians 1:19

Colossians 1:19 Interpretation:

Discovering the True Treasure: Christ's Supreme Value (Open the Bible) interprets Colossians 1:19 by connecting the phrase "in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" to the supreme value and uniqueness of Christ. The sermon uses the metaphor of hidden treasure and the pearl of great price to illustrate that Christ is not only supremely valuable because of what he offers, but because of who he is: God incarnate. The preacher emphasizes that the fullness of God dwelling in Christ means that Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet, but the very embodiment of God—God "with a human psyche," experiencing human joys and pains. This interpretation is made vivid through the analogy of treasure hidden just beneath the surface, suggesting that many may be close to Christ without recognizing his true worth, and that the fullness of God in Christ is the reason he alone can offer what no one else can: reconciliation, forgiveness, and eternal presence.

Christ's Fullness and Cosmic Reconciliation Explained (Desiring God) offers a detailed linguistic and grammatical analysis of Colossians 1:19, focusing on the Greek text. The sermon notes that the phrase "of God" is not present in the original Greek, which simply reads "all the fullness was pleased to dwell." The preacher explains that while most translations add "of God" for clarity, it is an interpretive addition, not a literal translation. He justifies this addition by referencing Colossians 2:9, where "fullness of deity" is explicit, and John 1, which affirms Christ's divinity. The sermon also delves into the grammatical structure, arguing that "God" should be understood as the subject of "was pleased," making the translation "For God was pleased for all the fullness to dwell in Christ" more precise. This approach highlights the importance of the antecedent for "himself" in the following verse and clarifies the actor in the reconciliation described in verse 20. The sermon’s unique contribution is its close reading of the Greek and its insistence on grammatical clarity to avoid theological confusion.

Jesus: The Center of Creation and Our Satisfaction (Desiring God) interprets Colossians 1:19 by emphasizing the phrase "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" as the ultimate revelation of God in Christ. The sermon uses the metaphor of the "admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies" (from Jonathan Edwards) to describe how Christ uniquely combines seemingly opposite qualities—lion-like strength and lamb-like meekness. The preacher stresses that the fullness of God in Christ is not just for redemption but for the believer’s eternal satisfaction, making Jesus not merely the means but the end of all spiritual longing. The fullness is described as the very source of all divine joy, mercy, and goodness, accessible only through Christ. This interpretation is distinct in its existential and devotional focus, connecting the fullness of God in Christ to the believer’s deepest desires and satisfaction.

Anticipating Our Blessed Hope: Christ's Glorious Return (Desiring God) only references Colossians 1:19 in passing to affirm the deity of Christ and does not provide any unique or extended interpretation or application of the verse. Therefore, it is not included in this section.

Colossians 1:19 Theological Themes:

The Divine Nature and Sonship of Christ (Desiring God) introduces the distinct theological theme of Christ's pre-existence and the eternal relationship within the Trinity as it relates to Colossians 1:19. The sermon stresses that "fullness" is not a created or bestowed attribute but an eternal reality, and that Christ's sonship is not biological but ontological—he is the radiance and exact imprint of God's nature, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father. This theme is further nuanced by addressing common interfaith misunderstandings, especially with Muslims and Jews, and by articulating the mystery of the Trinity in terms of eternal generation and divine radiance.

Discovering the True Treasure: Christ's Supreme Value (Open the Bible) presents the theme of Christ's incomparable value, rooted in the fullness of God dwelling in him. The sermon adds a fresh angle by applying this fullness to the believer's identity and security: since Christ is the only treasure that cannot be taken away, his divine fullness guarantees the permanence of his promises and presence. The preacher also explores the transformative power of recognizing Christ's fullness, suggesting that it leads to joyful surrender and redefinition of all other values and identities.

Christ's Fullness and Cosmic Reconciliation Explained (Desiring God) introduces the theme of the grammatical and theological precision necessary for understanding the relationship between God the Father and Christ in the act of reconciliation. The sermon’s focus on the Greek grammar leads to a nuanced view of the Trinity’s roles: God the Father is the one who is pleased, and Christ is the one in whom the fullness dwells and through whom reconciliation is accomplished. This theme is distinct in its insistence that theological clarity depends on careful attention to the original language and grammatical structure, which in turn safeguards orthodox Trinitarian doctrine.

Jesus: The Center of Creation and Our Satisfaction (Desiring God) presents the theme that the fullness of God in Christ is not only the basis for redemption but also the source of the believer’s ultimate satisfaction and joy. The sermon uniquely applies Colossians 1:19 to the existential longing of the human heart, arguing that all of God’s attributes—delight, goodness, mercy—are found in Christ, and that believers are reconciled to Christ himself as the final goal, not merely to creation or to each other. This theme is further developed through the metaphor of Christ as the "admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies," which matches the complexity of human need and longing.

Colossians 1:19 Historical and Contextual Insights:

The Divine Nature and Sonship of Christ (Desiring God) provides historical context by addressing how early Christians and later theological traditions (including Orthodox, Muslim, and Jewish perspectives) have struggled with the concept of Christ's divinity and sonship. The sermon explains that misunderstandings about the term "Son of God" have led to significant doctrinal disputes and that the early church's articulation of the Trinity was, in part, a response to these challenges. The preacher also references the Greek philosophical background of the term "Logos" and its significance in both Hellenistic and Jewish thought, showing how John and Paul use this language to communicate Christ's divine status.

Discovering the True Treasure: Christ's Supreme Value (Open the Bible) offers historical insight by recounting the stories of 16th-century English martyrs who chose death rather than renounce their faith in Christ's supreme value. The preacher draws a parallel to contemporary Christian martyrs in the Middle East, highlighting that the recognition of Christ's fullness and value has historically empowered believers to endure persecution and loss, reinforcing the practical implications of Colossians 1:19 in the life of the church.

Jesus: The Center of Creation and Our Satisfaction (Desiring God) provides historical context by discussing the use of the term "firstborn" in the ancient world. The sermon explains that while "firstborn" originally referred to the one born first, it came to signify preeminence, significance, or being most prized, especially in the context of inheritance and status in ancient cultures. The preacher also notes the poetic structure of Colossians 1:15-20, suggesting it may have been an early Christian hymn or creed, reflecting the worship practices and theological formulations of the early church. This contextual insight helps the listener understand how early Christians articulated and celebrated the supremacy of Christ.

Colossians 1:19 Cross-References in the Bible:

The Divine Nature and Sonship of Christ (Desiring God) references several key biblical passages to support and expand on Colossians 1:19. John 1:1-14 is used to explain the concept of the "Word" (Logos) becoming flesh and the transition from "Word" to "Son," emphasizing the eternal pre-existence and divinity of Christ. Hebrews 1:3 is cited to describe Christ as the "radiance of the glory of God" and the "exact imprint of his nature," reinforcing the idea of fullness. Colossians 2:9 is also referenced: "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily," which the preacher uses to show Paul's consistent teaching on Christ's divine nature. The sermon also alludes to Galatians 4:4 ("God sent forth his Son, born of woman") to highlight the incarnation and pre-existence of Christ.

Discovering the True Treasure: Christ's Supreme Value (Open the Bible) connects Colossians 1:19 to several other passages. Philippians 3 is used as a practical example of "selling all" to gain Christ, with Paul listing his former identities and achievements as "loss" compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. The sermon also references Matthew 13:44-46 (the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl of great price) as the primary analogy for Christ's value, and John 1:14 ("the Word became flesh") to reinforce the incarnation and fullness of God in Christ.

Christ's Fullness and Cosmic Reconciliation Explained (Desiring God) references Colossians 2:9 ("in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily") to support the interpretation that "fullness" in 1:19 refers to the fullness of God. The sermon also cites John 1:1 and 1:14 ("the Word was God...the Word became flesh") to affirm the divinity and incarnation of Christ, reinforcing the idea that the fullness of God dwells in Jesus. Ephesians 2:16 is mentioned to clarify that reconciliation is between humanity and God, accomplished through Christ, and not a reconciliation of Christ to himself. These cross-references are used to establish the theological continuity of Christ’s divinity and the nature of reconciliation throughout the New Testament.

Jesus: The Center of Creation and Our Satisfaction (Desiring God) draws on several biblical passages to expand on Colossians 1:19. John 14 (Philip’s request to see the Father and Jesus’ response) and Revelation 21:23 (the Lamb as the lamp of the new creation) are used to illustrate that seeing Christ is seeing the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:10, 20-21 is referenced to show that the church is the pinnacle of God’s glory, and 2 Corinthians 4:4 is cited to affirm that Christ is the image of God. The sermon also references Genesis 1:27 (creation in the image of God) and alludes to the broader biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption to situate Colossians 1:19 within the grand story of Scripture.

Colossians 1:19 Christian References outside the Bible:

The Divine Nature and Sonship of Christ (Desiring God) explicitly references Jonathan Edwards, quoting from his essay on the Trinity to articulate the mystery of Christ's begottenness and divine sonship. The preacher acknowledges the complexity of Edwards' language but uses his philosophical and theological insights to deepen the congregation's understanding of the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son, and how this relates to the fullness of God dwelling in Christ.

Jesus: The Center of Creation and Our Satisfaction (Desiring God) explicitly references Jonathan Edwards, quoting his phrase "an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies" to describe the unique combination of qualities in Christ. The sermon also quotes John Piper’s book "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ," particularly chapter three, which elaborates on the lion-and-lamb metaphor and the fullness of Christ’s character. These references are used to deepen the listener’s appreciation of the theological and devotional significance of Christ’s fullness as described in Colossians 1:19.

Colossians 1:19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Discovering the True Treasure: Christ's Supreme Value (Open the Bible) uses the example of the U2 song "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" to illustrate the restlessness and searching that many experience, even when surrounded by good things. The preacher notes that the song is sung by musicians familiar with Christianity and references Jesus' death on the cross, making it a poignant cultural touchpoint for the sermon’s audience. Additionally, the sermon draws on the historical example of Alfred Hitchcock's cameo appearances in his own films as an analogy for Christ's presence in his parables, suggesting that just as Hitchcock appears briefly in his movies, Christ appears as the central figure in the stories he tells, though not always recognized by the audience.

Jesus: The Center of Creation and Our Satisfaction (Desiring God) uses the metaphor of a lion and a lamb, drawn from common knowledge of animal characteristics, to illustrate the unique combination of strength and meekness in Christ. The sermon describes the lion as admirable for its "ferocious strength and imperial appearance" and the lamb for its "meekness and servant-like provision of wool," then highlights the wonder of a "lion-like lamb and a lamb-like lion." This secular imagery is used to make the theological point of Christ’s fullness more vivid and relatable, showing how seemingly opposite qualities are perfectly united in Jesus.