Centering Our Lives on the True Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound impact of placing Jesus at the center of our lives, as highlighted in Colossians 1:15-20. We began by reflecting on the power of a simple invitation, which can lead someone to a transformative encounter with Christ. This led us to the core of our discussion: understanding who Jesus truly is. We delved into the concept of the Mandela Effect to illustrate how easily we can misremember or misunderstand important details, emphasizing that we must not let this happen with our understanding of Jesus.
Paul's letter to the Colossians addresses a young church struggling with false teachings that were distorting their view of Christ. Paul reaffirms that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the one through whom all things were created and are sustained. This passage is almost poetic, celebrating Jesus as God, Creator, Sustainer, and Leader.
We discussed the significance of Jesus being the exact imprint of God's nature, emphasizing that this truth sets Christianity apart from other religions. Jesus is not just a man or a prophet; He is God incarnate. This understanding is crucial because it shapes how we live and whom we worship. We also explored the idea that Jesus, as Creator, made everything visible and invisible, and that all things were created through Him and for Him.
Furthermore, we examined how Jesus sustains the universe, holding all things together. This sustaining power extends to our personal lives, offering us hope and stability in times of struggle. Finally, we recognized Jesus as the head of the church, our leader who reconciles us to God through His sacrifice on the cross.
In conclusion, we are called to place our faith in Jesus, making Him the center of our lives. Whether we are new to the faith or long-time believers, we must continually refocus on Jesus, ensuring that He remains at the heart of everything we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Invitation: A simple invitation can lead someone to a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Just as Cannon was invited to church and found salvation, there are people in our lives waiting for that same invitation. Be bold and extend that invite, knowing that God is already at work in their hearts. [31:55]
2. Jesus as the Image of God: Jesus is the exact imprint of God's nature, fully embodying the essence of the invisible God. This truth is foundational to our faith and sets Christianity apart from other religions. Understanding Jesus as God shapes our worship and our lives, calling us to a deeper relationship with Him. [37:52]
3. Jesus as Creator: All things were created through Jesus and for Him, both visible and invisible. This means that everything in existence is meant to bring glory to Him. Recognizing Jesus as Creator helps us see the world and our place in it through the lens of His divine purpose. [42:33]
4. Jesus as Sustainer: Jesus holds the universe together, sustaining all creation by His power. This same sustaining power is available to us in our personal lives, offering hope and stability in times of struggle. Trusting in Jesus as Sustainer means relying on Him to keep us together, even when life feels overwhelming. [46:53]
5. Jesus as Leader: Jesus is the head of the church, guiding and leading us in our faith journey. He reconciles us to God through His sacrifice, making peace by the blood of His cross. Following Jesus as our leader means dedicating ourselves to Him, learning from His word, and allowing Him to transform our lives. [49:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:55] - The Power of Invitation
[32:25] - Introduction to Colossians
[32:58] - The Mandela Effect
[33:25] - Forgetting the Details
[34:17] - Who is Jesus?
[35:16] - Reading Colossians 1:15-20
[36:06] - The Colossian Church
[37:14] - Jesus is Central
[37:52] - Jesus is God
[40:01] - Jesus as the Firstborn
[42:33] - Jesus as Creator
[45:05] - Jesus as Sustainer
[49:00] - Jesus as Leader
[50:35] - Church Revitalization
[54:49] - Action Steps
[58:23] - Making Jesus the Center
[01:00:55] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 1:15-20
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he describes Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" in Colossians 1:15? How does this description set Jesus apart from other religious figures? [37:52]
2. According to Colossians 1:16, what are the different realms and authorities that Jesus created? How does this emphasize His power and authority? [42:33]
3. In Colossians 1:17, Paul states that "in Him all things hold together." What does this imply about Jesus' role in the universe and in our personal lives? [46:53]
4. How does Paul describe Jesus' relationship to the church in Colossians 1:18? What does it mean for Jesus to be the "head of the body"? [49:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as the "firstborn of all creation" in Colossians 1:15? How does this title relate to His authority and preeminence? [40:40]
2. How does understanding Jesus as both Creator and Sustainer (Colossians 1:16-17) impact our view of the world and our place in it? [42:33] [46:53]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to reconcile "all things" to Himself through His sacrifice on the cross, as stated in Colossians 1:20? How does this shape our understanding of salvation and redemption? [52:20]
4. How does recognizing Jesus as the head of the church (Colossians 1:18) influence the way we approach church leadership and community? [49:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the power of a simple invitation. Who in your life might be waiting for an invitation to church or a conversation about faith? How can you be bold in extending that invitation this week? [31:55]
2. How does understanding Jesus as the exact imprint of God's nature challenge or deepen your current view of Him? What steps can you take to ensure your understanding of Jesus aligns with the Bible? [37:52]
3. In what ways can you recognize and honor Jesus as the Creator in your daily life? How can this perspective change the way you interact with the world around you? [42:33]
4. When life feels overwhelming, how can you remind yourself of Jesus' sustaining power? Share a personal experience where you felt Jesus holding things together for you. [46:53]
5. Jesus is described as the head of the church. How can you contribute to making sure Jesus remains at the center of your church community? What specific actions can you take to support this focus? [49:00]
6. Think about a time when you felt distant from Jesus. What practical steps can you take to refocus and make Him the center of your life again? [01:00:28]
7. How can you live out the truth that Jesus reconciles us to God through His sacrifice? What changes might you need to make in your relationships or daily habits to reflect this reconciliation? [52:20]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon and apply its teachings to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and be prepared to share your own experiences and insights as well.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Invitation
A simple invitation can lead someone to a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Just as Cannon was invited to church and found salvation, there are people in our lives waiting for that same invitation. Be bold and extend that invite, knowing that God is already at work in their hearts. The act of inviting someone to church or a faith-based event may seem small, but it can have a profound impact. It opens the door for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives, leading them to a transformative relationship with Christ. Remember, God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Reflect on the story of Andrew, who invited his brother Simon Peter to meet Jesus. This simple act of invitation led to Peter becoming one of the most influential apostles. Your invitation could be the catalyst for someone else's spiritual journey. Trust that God is already preparing their hearts and that your role is to extend the invitation with love and faith.
John 1:40-42 (ESV): "One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter)."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who might be open to an invitation to church or a faith-based event. How can you extend that invitation this week in a loving and non-pressuring way? [31:55]
Day 2: Jesus as the Image of God
Jesus is the exact imprint of God's nature, fully embodying the essence of the invisible God. This truth is foundational to our faith and sets Christianity apart from other religions. Understanding Jesus as God shapes our worship and our lives, calling us to a deeper relationship with Him. When we see Jesus, we see God. This profound truth means that every action, teaching, and miracle of Jesus reveals the heart and character of God.
This understanding challenges us to align our lives with the teachings of Jesus, knowing that in doing so, we are aligning with God's will. It also calls us to worship Jesus not just as a great teacher or prophet, but as God Himself, deserving of our highest praise and devotion.
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the exact imprint of God's nature change the way you view His teachings and actions? How can this understanding deepen your worship and relationship with Him? [37:52]
Day 3: Jesus as Creator
All things were created through Jesus and for Him, both visible and invisible. This means that everything in existence is meant to bring glory to Him. Recognizing Jesus as Creator helps us see the world and our place in it through the lens of His divine purpose. Every aspect of creation, from the vastness of the universe to the intricacies of a single cell, reflects His power and creativity.
This understanding calls us to steward creation responsibly, knowing that it belongs to Jesus and is meant to glorify Him. It also invites us to find our purpose in Him, understanding that we are created for His glory and to fulfill His divine plan.
Colossians 1:16 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the Creator of all things influence the way you view the world and your place in it? What steps can you take to steward creation responsibly and glorify Him in your daily life? [42:33]
Day 4: Jesus as Sustainer
Jesus holds the universe together, sustaining all creation by His power. This same sustaining power is available to us in our personal lives, offering hope and stability in times of struggle. Trusting in Jesus as Sustainer means relying on Him to keep us together, even when life feels overwhelming. His sustaining power is not just a cosmic force but a personal presence that upholds us in our daily challenges.
When we feel like we are falling apart, we can turn to Jesus, knowing that He is holding us together. This truth provides comfort and strength, reminding us that we are not alone and that His power is sufficient for our needs.
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed or unstable? How can you actively rely on Jesus' sustaining power to uphold you in these areas? [46:53]
Day 5: Jesus as Leader
Jesus is the head of the church, guiding and leading us in our faith journey. He reconciles us to God through His sacrifice, making peace by the blood of His cross. Following Jesus as our leader means dedicating ourselves to Him, learning from His word, and allowing Him to transform our lives. As the head of the church, Jesus provides direction, purpose, and unity for His followers.
This leadership is not just about authority but about sacrificial love and service. Jesus leads by example, showing us what it means to live a life of obedience and devotion to God. By following His lead, we become more like Him and fulfill our calling as His disciples.
Ephesians 1:22-23 (ESV): "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."
Reflection: How can you more fully dedicate yourself to following Jesus as your leader? What specific steps can you take to learn from His word and allow Him to transform your life? [49:00]
Quotes
1. "I promise you right now where you're at, there's somebody that's waiting for that invite. There's somebody that's waiting for that invite in your life. Go invite them. They wanna hear it. Be bold." [31:55] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Guys, we can't do this with Jesus. Often in our lives, we have a picture of who Jesus is, but is it the right Jesus? Is it the one that the Bible actually talks about? Is it the one that's described to us that has saved us? Sometimes it's not. And we're going to look at a church where it wasn't. But I can tell you this, that if you're not confident in who Jesus is, I promise you, you'll make him into things that he isn't." [34:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you are saved and redeemed, if you've experienced the Holy Spirit in your life, you know what it feels like to want to go home and desperately want to tell your friends, your families, and your neighbors. And so this is what Epaphras does. Epaphras tells Paul, hey, Paul, we got this church going. It's going real good. We're excited about it." [36:06] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is God completely, the one that's always existed, never created, that rules the universe, the almighty, the alpha, the omega, the second person of the eternal trinity. Hebrews 1.3 puts it this way. He is the radiance of the glory of God, the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. What is he? He's God. He is God." [38:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we trade Jesus for anything, it is worthless and he is everything. But so often we'll trade him in for the cares of the world. We'll say, yes, we think you're God, but I'd rather go here. I'd rather worship this. I'd rather be a part of this. And it's worthless. And it tears us down and destroys us. See, Jesus is God from the foundation God, the only thing worth holding onto." [42:33] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus was the one that breathed out the universe. He created by his word. He created everything. Part of the Trinity, all three aspects of the Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, had influence and took over. Part in creation. And John says this in 1.3, all things were made through him and without him, not anything made that was made. creates it all." [43:19] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "He is before all things. And church, in him all things hold together. He sustains creation. Our all powerful God. Jesus, the man who walked the earth 2,000 years ago, sustains this. Scientists have theories of how the universe holds together. It's through a process called gravity. We know what gravity is. The inertia of matter and mass spinning at a rate that everything holds together." [46:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you want to be sustained by Christ, you need to follow Christ. You need to follow him. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the groom of the church. We are his bride. Now, I'll tell you what. You hear other implications in Scripture of what we are. We're the hands and feet of Scripture. If we cut off hands of the body, most of the time the body will make it, right? If we cut off the head, I didn't do a lot of research on this, but I'm almost sure 100% of the time, what happens? We die." [49:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you're not confident in who Jesus is, you will try to make him into things that he isn't. Instead. I want to be a church. That just seeks Christ. With everything we have. That every year. Every moment. Every second. We see Jesus get bigger. In our lives. That we love him more. That we seek him more. And the only way that happens. Is if he is the center of everything." [58:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I promise you right now where you're at, there's somebody that's waiting for that invite. There's somebody that's waiting for that invite in your life. Go invite them. They wanna hear it. Be bold." [31:55] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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