Christ Above All: The Preeminence and Power of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus is God in the Flesh

To see Jesus is to see God Himself, for He is the image of the invisible God, the exact representation of His being. This truth means that Jesus is not merely a wise teacher or a prophet, but God incarnate—fully divine, fully human, and worthy of all worship. When you consider the mystery of the incarnation, remember that God did not send an angel or a created being to redeem humanity; He came Himself, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. This changes everything about how we relate to Jesus: He is not distant or detached, but present and personal, inviting us to know Him as the living God who walked among us. [10:03]

Colossians 1:15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Reflection: In what ways does knowing Jesus is truly God in the flesh challenge or deepen your relationship with Him today?

Day 2: Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer

All things—seen and unseen, rulers and authorities, the vastness of the universe and the details of your life—were created by Jesus and for Jesus. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. This means your existence is not an accident; you were intentionally created by Christ, who sustains you every moment. Even when the world tries to make you feel irrelevant or insignificant, remember that you matter deeply to God. He formed you with purpose and intentionality, equipping you uniquely for His plans. Ask your Creator what He has made you for, and trust that your life is held together by His powerful word. [19:22]

Colossians 1:16-17
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.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust that Jesus, your Creator, has a purpose and is holding you together right now?

Day 3: Jesus is King and Lord of All

Jesus is not only the head of the church but the King over all creation, holding ultimate authority above every earthly power and institution. While human leaders and governments will fail, Jesus reigns eternally and righteously. Our first allegiance is to King Jesus, not to any political party or nation. This truth should shape every aspect of our lives, including how we make decisions, how we vote, and where we place our hope. Let your loyalty to Jesus as King guide your actions, values, and priorities, remembering that He alone is worthy of your ultimate trust and obedience. [26:55]

Colossians 1:18
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.

Reflection: How can you let Jesus’ kingship influence a practical decision you need to make this week, rather than defaulting to cultural or political loyalties?

Day 4: Jesus is the Reconciler and Redeemer

Though sin alienated us from God, Jesus came to reconcile all things to Himself, making peace by the blood of His cross. We cannot fix ourselves or earn our way back to God; it is only through Christ’s sacrifice that we are made holy, blameless, and above reproach. This reconciliation is not a license to live however we want, but a call to live as new creations, transformed by grace. God’s love is constant and unchanging, and because of Jesus, we are secure in Him—no longer defined by our failures, but by His righteousness. [39:25]

Colossians 1:21-22
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.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still trying to “fix yourself” instead of trusting in Jesus’ finished work? What would it look like to surrender that to Him today?

Day 5: Living as New Creations in Christ

The hope of the gospel is not just for eternity, but for today—calling us to continue in faith, steadfast and unshaken, living out our new identity in Christ. Being reconciled to God means we are no longer who we once were; we are called to live as disciples, letting God’s love and Spirit transform our actions, relationships, and desires. This is not about earning God’s love, but responding to it—choosing to walk in the Spirit, to pursue holiness, and to be sold out for the kingdom of God. Let this be a day of renewal, where you recommit to following Jesus wholeheartedly, leaving behind complacency and embracing the life He has for you. [45:21]

Colossians 1:23
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.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out your identity as a new creation in Christ this week, leaving behind an old habit or mindset?

Sermon Summary

Colossians 1:15-23 paints a breathtaking portrait of Jesus Christ—His identity, His authority, and His work on our behalf. As we celebrate three years as River Bend Church, it’s vital to remember that everything we are and everything we do must be centered on Christ above all. Jesus is not just a figure to be admired on Sundays; He is the living God, the Creator, the King, and the Savior who shapes every moment of our lives. Our faith is not a compartmentalized activity but a daily, all-encompassing relationship with the One who holds all things together.

Paul’s words remind us that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is not a distant deity or a mere moral teacher—He is God in the flesh, the very One who spoke creation into existence. This means our worth, our purpose, and our identity are found in Him. No one here is an accident or irrelevant; each of us is intentionally created and deeply loved by God. The world may try to convince us otherwise, but Scripture insists that every life matters, and every person is called to a unique purpose in Christ.

Jesus is also the head of the church and the Lord of all creation. Our ultimate allegiance is not to any political party, government, or human institution, but to King Jesus. While we may love our country and participate in civic life, our first loyalty is to the One who reigns over all. This should shape how we live, how we vote, and how we engage with the world around us. We are citizens of heaven first, called to reflect the values and priorities of our true King.

Most importantly, Jesus is our reconciler. Through His death on the cross, He has made peace between us and God, doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. We are not called to fix ourselves or earn God’s love; we are called to receive His grace and live out the new identity He has given us. This grace is not a license to live however we please, but a call to steadfast faith and transformed living. If we truly see Jesus as He is, our lives will be marked by ongoing change, deeper devotion, and a holy discontent with anything less than wholehearted discipleship.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus is God in the flesh Jesus is not merely a wise teacher or a spiritual leader; He is the visible image of the invisible God, the Creator who entered His own creation. This truth should shatter any small or casual view of Christ and invite us into awe and reverence. If Jesus is truly God, then He deserves our worship, obedience, and the central place in every aspect of our lives. [09:31]
2. Our purpose and worth are found in Christ Every person is intentionally created by Jesus, not as an afterthought but with purpose and love. The world may try to diminish our value, but in Christ, we are known, wanted, and equipped for a unique calling. When we seek our purpose from our Creator rather than from the world, we find true meaning and direction for our lives. [21:14]
3. Jesus is King—our ultimate allegiance is to Him While we may participate in earthly systems and love our nation, our first and highest loyalty is to King Jesus. Human leaders and institutions will fail, but Christ’s reign is eternal and just. This reality should shape our decisions, our politics, and our daily conduct, reminding us that we are citizens of a greater kingdom. [25:11]
4. Reconciliation is God’s work, not ours We cannot fix ourselves or earn our way back to God. Jesus has reconciled us through His cross, presenting us holy and blameless before the Father. This grace is not a license for complacency but a call to live as new creations, steadfast in faith and transformed in practice. [38:56]
5. God’s love is constant and transformative God’s love for us in Christ is unchanging—nothing we do can make Him love us more or less. Yet this love is not passive; it transforms us from the inside out, compelling us to live in a way that reflects our new identity and brings glory to our Savior. [49:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:29] - Reading Colossians 1:15-23
[02:45] - Three Years of River Bend Church
[03:44] - Christ Above All: More Than Sundays
[05:37] - Paul’s Praise for Jesus’ Preeminence
[06:31] - Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
[09:31] - Jesus: God in the Flesh
[16:03] - Jesus: Creator and Sustainer
[21:14] - Our Purpose and Worth in Christ
[23:33] - Jesus: Head of the Church and Lord
[25:11] - Allegiance to King Jesus
[33:47] - Jesus: The Reconciler
[38:56] - Reconciliation and New Identity
[49:24] - God’s Unchanging, Transforming Love
[55:58] - Living in Light of Christ’s Salvation
[58:29] - Invitation to Respond and Renew
[62:16] - Prayer and Closing Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 1:15-23 (ESV) — 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.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 1:15-17, what specific claims does Paul make about who Jesus is and what He has done?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say about how Jesus is not just a wise teacher or a spiritual leader, but God in the flesh? ([09:31])
What does Paul say Jesus accomplished through His death on the cross, according to verses 20-22?
How does the sermon describe the difference between Jesus’ authority and the authority of human leaders or institutions? ([25:11])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God” and the Creator of all things. What does it mean for our understanding of God that Jesus is not distant, but present and knowable? ([09:31])
The pastor mentions that our worth and purpose are found in Christ, not in what the world says about us. How does this challenge the way people often look for meaning or value? ([21:14])
The sermon talks about our “ultimate allegiance” being to King Jesus, not to any political party or nation. What are some practical ways this might affect a Christian’s daily life and decisions? ([25:11])
The pastor says that reconciliation with God is God’s work, not ours, and that we can’t fix ourselves. How does this truth impact the way we approach our failures and struggles? ([38:56])

Application Questions

The sermon says that if Jesus is truly God, He deserves the central place in every aspect of our lives. Is there an area of your life where Jesus is not at the center? What would it look like to put Him first in that area? ([09:31])
The pastor shared that every person is intentionally created and deeply loved by God. When you struggle with feelings of worthlessness or doubt, what truth from this passage or sermon can you remind yourself of? ([21:14])
The message challenged us to see our first loyalty as being to King Jesus, even above our country or political party. Has there been a time when your faith and your politics have been in tension? How did you respond, or how do you want to respond next time? ([25:11])
The sermon said that we don’t have to fix ourselves to earn God’s love, but are called to receive His grace and live out our new identity. Are there ways you’ve been trying to “fix yourself” instead of trusting in what Jesus has done? What would it look like to rest in His grace this week? ([38:56])
The pastor talked about God’s love being constant and unchanging, but also transforming us from the inside out. Is there a specific area where you sense God is calling you to change or grow? What step could you take this week to respond to His love? ([49:24])
The sermon ended with a call to “holy discontent”—not being satisfied with a lukewarm faith. Is there a place in your walk with Jesus where you’ve grown complacent? What is one thing you can do this week to pursue deeper devotion? ([01:02:16])
The pastor encouraged us to reflect the values and priorities of our true King. Think of one relationship or situation where you can intentionally live out the values of Jesus this week. What would that look like? ([25:11])

Sermon Clips

He didn't send one of them crazy creatures that we've been studying about that are around the throne of God. The ones with all the eyes and the wheels and all that stuff that we see in Revelation and we see in Ezekiel and Daniel. He didn't send one of those. He sent himself. He sent himself. The Creator became the creature. Jesus is God. [00:12:16] (31 seconds) #HeldTogetherByJesus

There's not a person in this room that wasn't intentionally planned and spoken into being by God. Now, I get it. This world wants us to feel irrelevant, doesn't it? Many of you in this room right now feel irrelevant today. You believe that if somehow you cease to exist that nobody would notice, nobody would even think anything about it because you really don't matter that much. Friends, you matter to God. You matter to God. You were created by Jesus intentionally because God wants to use you in His world. [00:20:38] (49 seconds) #NoThrowawayPeople

``There are no throw-away people. There are no illegitimate children. There's some illegitimate parents. But there are no illegitimate children. There's nobody in this room that's unwanted. There's nobody in this world that is unnecessary. You see, we find our purpose in Jesus. [00:21:39] (29 seconds) #JesusIsHead

We need to stop putting in mere men. And we need to start trusting Jesus. He's King. See, I think many of us are confused as to where our allegiances lie. I am a citizen of heaven first. My first allegiance is to King Jesus. And then I'm an American. A proud American. A patriotic American. An American that still gets chills when I see the flag going up on the mass and hear the national anthem being sung. I still get chills. I still feel that pride in my nation. But friends, here's the problem. We've begun to bow more to our nation than we're bowing to King Jesus. [00:28:38] (66 seconds) #RoyalInvitation

All of the unrighteousness that we see in the world today, all of the war, the inhumanity against humanity, all the suffering, all that we see, and there's a lot of it, isn't it? I mean, all of us have been touched by tragedy in this world, haven't we? All this unrighteousness was because everything was alienated from God through sin. What was God's response? And through him to reconcile to himself all things. Whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Jesus reconciles all things to himself through his cross. [00:34:41] (58 seconds) #JesusFixesUs

Jesus has died on a cross to cover the debt of sin that I owed so that now He can present me before God holy and blameless and above reproach. Steve renewed. Not Steve 2.0, but Steve renewed so that before God, the sinner is now called righteous. That's the best news you will ever hear in your life because that's hope. That is your hope. Christ has reconciled you to God through His death on the cross. He's done for you and me what we could never do. He's fixed what's broken. And now we're reconciled. [00:39:44] (65 seconds) #NewCreationLife

You're not going to be perfect. That's why you have a perfect Savior. But how should the fact that Jesus is our Savior, how should that change how we live? He redeemed you from hell forever. He snatched you out of the kingdom of darkness, and He implanted you into His kingdom of light. He changed your eternal destination. If you're in Christ, you're not going to hell. You get...a new heaven and a new earth for eternity. Can we even imagine what that's going to be like? No more sin. [00:52:18] (57 seconds) #JesusIsLord

How should that change how you live your life right now? Because Jesus is your Savior. How should that change how we relate to God? How should that change? You know, if you're here today and you've never been here, if you've never said Jesus is Lord, if you've never trusted the Gospel, this is who Jesus is. He's not the Sky Fairy. He's not somebody we've made up. This is Jesus. This is who He is. He's seated on the throne right now at the right hand of the Father right now. He's seated in just complete glory right now. And we're told one day He's coming back. And then every...Every eye is going to see Him as He is. They're going to see Him as the Son of God. They're going to see Him in all of His glory. And you know what Scripture says in that moment? Every knee is going to bow and every tongue is going to confess that Jesus is Lord. [00:55:51] (71 seconds) #HolyDiscontent

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