Christ's Preeminence: Our Call to Thankfulness and Worship
Summary
In the epistle to the Colossians, Paul emphasizes the preeminence of Christ in all things. This is the ultimate answer to the question, "What shall I give Him?"—we are to give Him preeminence. This is not just a matter of preference but a recognition of His rightful place due to who He is and what He has done. The Apostle Paul, in his letter, underscores that the true test of our Christian faith is our thankfulness to God for our salvation, which is made possible through Jesus Christ. This thankfulness is not just a feeling but a recognition of the profound truth of Christ's identity and work.
Paul's message to the Colossians was a response to false teachings that were diminishing the glory and majesty of Christ. These teachings suggested that Jesus was merely one of many intermediaries between God and man, thus denying His deity. Paul refutes this by affirming that Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and that in Him all things were created. This means that Christ is not a created being but the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.
The Apostle further explains that Christ is the head of the church, the beginning of a new humanity, and the firstborn from the dead. This new humanity is made possible through Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection. He is the first to conquer death and rise triumphant, making Him the head of the church and the source of its life and power.
Finally, Paul emphasizes Christ's all-sufficiency. He has done everything necessary for our salvation, requiring no assistance or supplement. To add anything to Christ is to detract from His preeminence. Therefore, we are called to give Him the preeminence in all things, recognizing His unique and unparalleled role in creation, redemption, and the sustenance of the universe.
Key Takeaways:
- The Preeminence of Christ: Christ's preeminence is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should shape our lives. Recognizing His preeminence means acknowledging His rightful place as the eternal Son of God, co-equal with the Father, and the head of the church. This understanding calls us to live lives of thankfulness and worship, giving Him the glory due to His name. [00:31]
- The Danger of False Teachings: False teachings that diminish the glory of Christ are not just theological errors but spiritual dangers that can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. These teachings often sound plausible and sophisticated but ultimately detract from the preeminence of Christ. We must be vigilant in holding to the truth of who Christ is and what He has done. [06:48]
- Christ as the Image of the Invisible God: The incarnation of Christ is the greatest revelation of God to humanity. In Christ, we see the fullness of the Godhead bodily, the exact likeness of the Father. This truth should lead us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the mystery of the incarnation and the majesty of Christ. [12:47]
- The All-Sufficiency of Christ: Christ's work of salvation is complete and requires no addition. He is the all-sufficient Savior who has done everything necessary for our redemption. To seek salvation or spiritual fulfillment outside of Christ is to deny His sufficiency and detract from His glory. [42:06]
- Our Response to Christ's Preeminence: Our response to the preeminence of Christ should be one of worship, adoration, and submission. We are called to give Him the preeminence in all things, recognizing His unique role in creation, redemption, and the sustenance of the universe. This involves a wholehearted commitment to live for Him and to proclaim His glory to others. [47:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Colossians 1:18
- [01:04] - The Test of Thankfulness
- [02:11] - The Preeminence of Christ
- [03:39] - Christ as the Image of God
- [05:15] - The Challenge of False Teachings
- [07:33] - The Deity of Christ
- [09:00] - The Necessity of Trinitarian Belief
- [11:00] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [12:31] - Christ's Relationship to Creation
- [14:07] - The Meaning of "Image"
- [17:11] - Christ's Eternal Nature
- [19:47] - The Fullness of the Godhead
- [24:29] - Christ's Role in the Universe
- [36:22] - Christ as Head of the Church
- [42:06] - The All-Sufficiency of Christ
- [47:50] - Our Response to Christ's Preeminence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Preeminence of Christ
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:18 - "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."
- 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."
- John 1:1-3 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 1:18, what roles does Christ hold within the church, and why is this significant? [04:11]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Christ and creation, as mentioned in Colossians 1:16-17? [24:43]
3. What does Hebrews 1:3 reveal about the nature of Christ and his role in sustaining the universe? [16:19]
4. In John 1:1-3, what is the significance of describing Christ as the "Word," and how does this relate to his preeminence? [25:27]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Christ's preeminence challenge the false teachings mentioned in the sermon, which suggest that Jesus is merely one of many intermediaries? [06:48]
2. What does it mean for Christ to be the "firstborn from the dead," and how does this establish his authority over the church? [39:56]
3. How does the sermon explain the importance of recognizing Christ's all-sufficiency in our salvation? What are the implications of seeking spiritual fulfillment outside of Christ? [42:06]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our thankfulness to God is a test of our Christian faith? How does this relate to recognizing Christ's preeminence? [01:18]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you struggle to give Christ preeminence? How can you begin to change this? [47:50]
2. The sermon warns against false teachings that diminish Christ's glory. How can you remain vigilant in holding to the truth of who Christ is? [06:48]
3. Consider the role of thankfulness in your faith. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for your salvation through Christ? [01:18]
4. How does understanding Christ as the "image of the invisible God" impact your view of the incarnation and the majesty of Christ? [12:47]
5. In what ways can you actively give Christ the preeminence in your relationships, work, and personal life? [47:50]
6. The sermon emphasizes Christ's all-sufficiency. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you seek fulfillment outside of Christ? How can you address this? [42:06]
7. How can you share the message of Christ's preeminence and all-sufficiency with others in your community or circle of influence? [47:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Preeminence Shapes Our Lives
Christ's preeminence is not merely a theological concept but a practical reality that should shape every aspect of our lives. Recognizing His preeminence means acknowledging His rightful place as the eternal Son of God, co-equal with the Father, and the head of the church. This understanding calls us to live lives of thankfulness and worship, giving Him the glory due to His name. Our daily actions, decisions, and attitudes should reflect this truth, leading us to a life of devotion and service to Him. By giving Christ the preeminence, we align ourselves with His purpose and plan, allowing His presence to transform us from the inside out. [00:31]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you give Christ preeminence in your daily routine this week? Consider one change you can make today to prioritize Him.
Day 2: Guarding Against False Teachings
False teachings that diminish the glory of Christ are not just theological errors but spiritual dangers that can lead us away from the truth of the gospel. These teachings often sound plausible and sophisticated but ultimately detract from the preeminence of Christ. We must be vigilant in holding to the truth of who Christ is and what He has done. This requires discernment and a commitment to studying Scripture, ensuring that our beliefs are rooted in the truth of God's Word. By doing so, we protect ourselves from being swayed by deceptive doctrines and remain steadfast in our faith. [06:48]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: What are some teachings or beliefs you have encountered that might subtly detract from Christ's preeminence? How can you equip yourself to discern and refute these false teachings?
Day 3: Christ Reveals the Invisible God
The incarnation of Christ is the greatest revelation of God to humanity. In Christ, we see the fullness of the Godhead bodily, the exact likeness of the Father. This truth should lead us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the mystery of the incarnation and the majesty of Christ. By contemplating the reality that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, we are invited into a profound relationship with the Creator, who has made Himself known to us in a personal and tangible way. This revelation calls us to worship and adore Him, recognizing His divine nature and His love for us. [12:47]
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 the understanding that Christ is the image of the invisible God impact your view of Him? Spend time in prayer, asking God to deepen your appreciation of this truth.
Day 4: The All-Sufficiency of Christ
Christ's work of salvation is complete and requires no addition. He is the all-sufficient Savior who has done everything necessary for our redemption. To seek salvation or spiritual fulfillment outside of Christ is to deny His sufficiency and detract from His glory. This understanding calls us to rest in the finished work of Christ, trusting that He has accomplished all that is needed for our salvation. By embracing His all-sufficiency, we find peace and assurance in our relationship with Him, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [42:06]
Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV): "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment outside of Christ? How can you intentionally rest in His all-sufficiency today?
Day 5: Responding to Christ's Preeminence
Our response to the preeminence of Christ should be one of worship, adoration, and submission. We are called to give Him the preeminence in all things, recognizing His unique role in creation, redemption, and the sustenance of the universe. This involves a wholehearted commitment to live for Him and to proclaim His glory to others. By aligning our lives with His purposes, we become vessels of His love and grace, sharing the hope of the gospel with those around us. Our response to Christ's preeminence is a daily choice to honor Him in all that we do. [47:50]
Romans 11:36 (ESV): "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can proclaim Christ's glory to someone in your life this week? Consider a practical step you can take to share His love and truth with others.
Quotes
"Paul tells us that the test as to whether we are Christians or not is that we give thanks unto the Father. That is the ultimate test which we must all apply to ourselves: to what extent are we thanking God for what he has done for us and our salvation? Thankfulness is beyond any question the acid test of any true profession of the Christian faith." [00:59:08]
"False teachers arose and these false teachers began to go around and to say that they had got a much better message, much more wonderful gospel than that. This man Paul, they said, he's nothing to look at, his presence is weak and his speech contemptible, but he keeps on saying the same thing all along, always preaching about that cross." [05:54:36]
"These false teachings were detracting and derogating from the preeminence and the glory and the majesty and the wonder of the Son of God, our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that was something the Apostle would not tolerate. That was something he would never stand. He said some very plain and mighty things about it." [06:40:28]
"The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the exact likeness, the express image, the very embodiment of the Father and is a complete revelation of him and of his nature. Now, this is a term that is used so constantly in the scriptures." [15:01:12]
"All things were created by Him and for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. What a statement! All I can do is to give you some headings about it, my friend, and to plead with you to go home and think about it and meditate upon it." [24:50:15]
"He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may have the preeminence. This is the third reason then for giving him the preeminence: that he, as he is eternal Son of God, as he is supreme and sovereign in the whole universe, he is also the head of the body which is the church." [35:19:44]
"He is the first to conquer death and the grave finally and rise triumphant over it so that it can't touch him anymore. The first, and he ascended into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God, the first new man, the first to give God's law perfect obedience, the one and only person who could make atonement." [39:57:83]
"Give him the preeminence also because of his all-sufficiency. What do you mean, say someone? Well, I mean this: that in all things he might have the preeminence. Don't put anybody near him as B, don't add anybody to him. He's done it all, he's done it alone, he needs no assistance, he requires no help." [41:17:20]
"He did everything that needs to be done for our salvation. He left nothing undone. He did it all, he did it alone, born alone, misunderstood, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief in his life, a lonely man. He died, he trod the winepress alone, nobody with him. He did it all himself." [42:23:04]
"Mary, his mother, can't add to what he's done. She is no co-redemptrix. He needs no co-redemptor. He is the Redeemer, and he is it alone. You need pray to Mary, go to him. He's done everything. He's all and all in himself. Give him all the preeminence." [42:56:59]
"He's all-sufficient. He is one. He is everything. He's the beginning, he's the end, the Alpha, the Omega, the all and in all. Don't add to him, you're detracting from him. He needs no assistance. All things are included in this preeminence." [43:55:20]
"Give him the preeminence in all things, that we look at him and say, 'My Lord and my God,' that you're in no doubt about what happened at Bethlehem, that you say, 'Yes, you are the Eternal Son of God, the image of the invisible God, and you were born miraculously of a virgin.'" [44:55:24]
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