Embracing the Supremacy of Christ in Our Lives

Devotional

Day 1: The Supremacy of Jesus' Name

Jesus' name is above every name, a truth that divides history and defines our faith. This supremacy is not just a theological assertion but a reality that empowers believers to withstand the challenges of the world. By placing Jesus at the center of our hearts, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and experience His transformative power. In a world where many things vie for our attention and allegiance, recognizing the supremacy of Jesus' name helps us focus on what truly matters. This focus is crucial for our spiritual vitality, enabling us to live out our faith with conviction and strength. [01:13]

Isaiah 45:22-23 (ESV): "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 2: The Call to Confess Jesus as Lord

Philippians 2:9-11 invites us to bow our knees and confess Jesus' lordship, not just in the future but now. This act of submission is a present invitation to experience the abundant life God intends for us. By confessing Jesus as Lord, we free ourselves from the grip of transient earthly things and embrace the eternal hope found in Christ. This confession is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but a heartfelt commitment that transforms our lives. Embracing Jesus' lordship brings eternal hope and fulfillment, allowing us to live with purpose and joy. [06:43]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you struggle to acknowledge Jesus' lordship. How can you begin to submit this area to Him today?

Day 3: Enlightenment of the Heart

Ephesians 1:18-23 speaks of the enlightenment of our hearts, enabling us to grasp the riches of His glorious inheritance. This enlightenment helps us overcome the pressures of the world and align our lives with God's eternal purpose. It is a call to forsake earthly distractions for the glory of God. By seeking this enlightenment, we open ourselves to the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe. This power transforms our perspective, allowing us to see beyond the temporary and focus on the eternal. [08:39]

Psalm 119:18 (ESV): "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that prevents you from fully experiencing God's enlightenment? How can you minimize this distraction to focus more on His eternal purpose?

Day 4: Jesus' Preeminence in the Church

Colossians 1:18-20 declares Jesus as the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead. His preeminence should shape our daily lives, leading us to wholehearted adoration and service. Recognizing His supremacy transforms our faith from a mere form of religion to a vibrant relationship with God. As the head of the church, Jesus unites believers in a common purpose and mission. This unity is essential for the church to fulfill its role as the body of Christ, expressing His love and truth to the world. [13:48]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and mission of your local church, recognizing Jesus as the head? What specific actions can you take this week to serve and support your church community?

Day 5: The Great Exchange

Romans 3:23-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 remind us of the great exchange—our sin for His righteousness—made possible by Jesus' atoning sacrifice. This exchange satisfies the justice-mercy conundrum, offering us forgiveness and new life. Embracing this truth empowers us to live in the fullness of God's grace. The great exchange is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that impacts every aspect of our lives. By accepting this exchange, we are freed from the burden of sin and empowered to live as new creations in Christ. [35:15]

Isaiah 61:10 (ESV): "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Reflection: Reflect on the reality of the great exchange in your life. How does understanding this exchange change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? What steps can you take to live more fully in the grace and righteousness that Jesus offers?

Sermon Summary

In the beginning of 2024, I emphasized the centrality of Jesus Christ, and as we conclude the year, I return to this theme, underscoring His supremacy over all earthly powers. Philippians 2:9 reminds us that Jesus' name is above every name, a truth that divides history and defines our faith. In a time when evangelicalism seems to have lost its supernatural power, we must remember the grandeur and glory of Jesus. His obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross, exemplifies His humility and sacrificial love. This mindset is crucial for us as believers, for without placing Jesus at the center of our hearts and lives, we cannot hope to withstand the challenges of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The exaltation of Jesus by God the Father, as described in Philippians 2:9-11, calls us to bow our knees and confess His lordship. This act of submission is not just for the future but is a present invitation to experience the abundant life God intends for us. The transient nature of earthly things, as depicted in Revelation 20, urges us to release our grip on worldly substitutes and embrace the eternal hope found in Christ. Ephesians 1:18-23 speaks of the enlightenment of our hearts, enabling us to grasp the riches of His glorious inheritance and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe.

Jesus' preeminence is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should shape our daily lives. Colossians 1:18-20 declares Him as the head of the church, the firstborn from the dead, and the one in whom all things hold together. Our response to Jesus should not be one of mild approval but of wholehearted adoration, recognizing that He alone satisfies the justice-mercy conundrum through His atoning sacrifice. Romans 3:23-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 remind us of the great exchange—our sin for His righteousness—made possible by His death on the cross.

In conclusion, Jesus' name is above every name, and His power is supreme over all. As we reflect on His preeminence, let us reestablish His lordship in our hearts, allowing His transformative power to guide our lives and witness to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. 11 invites us to bow our knees and confess Jesus' lordship, not just in the future but now. This act of submission leads to the abundant life God intends for us, freeing us from the grip of transient earthly things. Embracing Jesus' lordship brings eternal hope and fulfillment. [06:43]
3. Enlightenment of the Heart: Ephesians 1:18-23 speaks of the enlightenment of our hearts, enabling us to grasp the riches of His glorious inheritance. This enlightenment helps us overcome the pressures of the world and align our lives with God's eternal purpose. It is a call to forsake earthly distractions for the glory of God.

4. Jesus' Preeminence in the Church: Colossians 1:18-20 declares Jesus as the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead. His preeminence should shape our daily lives, leading us to wholehearted adoration and service. Recognizing His supremacy transforms our faith from a mere form of religion to a vibrant relationship with God.

5. The Great Exchange: Romans 3:23-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 remind us of the great exchange—our sin for His righteousness—made possible by Jesus' atoning sacrifice. This exchange satisfies the justice-mercy conundrum, offering us forgiveness and new life. Embracing this truth empowers us to live in the fullness of God's grace.

** [06:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Remembering Jesus' Supremacy
[02:02] - Jesus' Obedience and Sacrifice
[03:03] - The Importance of Jesus in Our Lives
[03:56] - Aligning Our Lives with Jesus
[04:28] - Exaltation of Jesus
[05:29] - Releasing Earthly Attachments
[06:43] - Confessing Jesus as Lord
[08:39] - Enlightenment of the Heart
[09:39] - The Challenge of Lordship
[10:14] - Immeasurable Greatness of God's Power
[11:13] - Jesus' Victory Over Death
[12:19] - The Church's Purpose
[13:48] - Jesus' Preeminence in the Church
[14:48] - The Call to Love God and Neighbor
[15:43] - Jesus' Preeminence in Our Lives
[16:52] - The Reality of Faith
[17:35] - The Fullness of God in Jesus
[18:15] - Reestablishing Jesus' Preeminence
[19:06] - Reconciliation Through Jesus
[20:10] - The Church as Jesus' Expression
[20:57] - Jesus' Central Role in Creation
[22:13] - Responses to Jesus
[23:11] - The Holy Spirit's Conviction
[24:45] - Frustration and Faith
[25:31] - Cultural Influence on Truth
[26:29] - Personal Reflection and Growth
[27:57] - Fear and Adoration of Jesus
[28:46] - Mild Approval vs. True Worship
[29:50] - The Justice-Mercy Conundrum
[30:45] - The Gospel of Grace
[31:47] - Justification Through Christ
[32:33] - The Reality of Sin
[33:36] - Redemption in Christ
[34:26] - The Atonement's Significance
[35:15] - The Great Exchange
[35:54] - Applying Grace Today
[37:02] - The Righteousness of God
[37:53] - Mercy and Truth United
[38:56] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Philippians 2:9-11 say about the name of Jesus and its significance? How does this passage describe the response of creation to Jesus' name? [04:28]
According to Ephesians 1:18-23, what are believers encouraged to understand about their faith and the power available to them? [08:39]
In Colossians 1:18-20, how is Jesus described in relation to the church and creation? What does this imply about His role and authority? [13:48]
How does the sermon describe the current state of evangelicalism, and what is identified as the reason for its lack of power? [01:13]

Interpretation Questions

How does the exaltation of Jesus in Philippians 2:9-11 challenge believers to live differently in their daily lives? What does it mean to confess Jesus as Lord now, rather than waiting for the future? [06:43]
What does the "enlightenment of the heart" in Ephesians 1:18-23 suggest about the transformation that occurs in believers? How does this enlightenment help believers align with God's eternal purpose? [09:39]
In what ways does Colossians 1:18-20 emphasize the preeminence of Jesus in the church? How should this understanding affect the way believers view their role within the church? [13:48]
The sermon mentions the "great exchange" described in Romans 3:23-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. How does this concept of exchanging our sin for Jesus' righteousness impact a believer's understanding of grace and salvation? [35:15]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Is Jesus truly at the center of your heart and decisions? What specific steps can you take to ensure His preeminence in your daily life? [18:15]
Consider the transient nature of earthly things as described in Revelation 20. What are some worldly attachments you need to release to fully embrace the hope found in Christ? [06:43]
How can you actively confess Jesus as Lord in your current circumstances? What might this look like in your workplace, family, or community? [06:43]
The sermon challenges believers to move beyond mild approval of Jesus to wholehearted adoration. What changes can you make in your worship and service to reflect this adoration? [28:46]
How can the enlightenment of your heart, as described in Ephesians 1:18-23, help you overcome specific pressures or distractions in your life? What practical steps can you take to focus on God's eternal purpose? [09:39]
Reflect on the "great exchange" of your sin for Jesus' righteousness. How does this truth empower you to live in the fullness of God's grace today? [35:15]
In what ways can you contribute to making Jesus' preeminence known within your church community? How can you encourage others to recognize His authority and role in the church? [13:48]

Sermon Clips

Philippians 2 .9 speaks to us of a name that is above every name. I began the year 2024 with a message about Jesus' centrality of Himself, His personhood, His glorious nature. I'll conclude the year with the same. Jesus is supreme over every earthly power. [00:00:10] (20 seconds)

No name given among men can a man be saved except the name of Jesus. His name is available to all who will call upon Him. It is the greatest name in human history. It divides B .C. and A .D. It divides time itself. History hinges upon the greatness of His character and the power of His miracles and the message of His voice and the teaching of His glory. Of His doctrine. [00:00:31] (27 seconds)

Jesus was so in tune with the Father that death on the cross was not something He thought to avoid, but pursued readily and rapidly, sacrificially and humbly. Most of us avoid suffering at all costs. Jesus did not. He said, I've come to do the will of the Father. And how so? [00:02:29] (21 seconds)

How could Jesus have this mindset that He came to do the will of God, though sacrificial? Crucial, hurtful, painful. How could He do it? Because He knew the glory of the Father. This is why I'm speaking on this subject. Jesus supreme over every earthly thing. Jesus' name above every earthly name. [00:02:50] (21 seconds)

Therefore, God has highly exalted Him, Jesus, and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. Oh, He earned it, didn't He? So that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [00:04:45] (21 seconds)

Every earthly thing that you're holding on to as a poorer substitute for the glory of God in your life, every earthly thing that you're holding on to, it is going to fly away and fleet away. And there was no place to be found for them. And therefore, your grip upon it is going to be necessarily loosed. At the judgment, your grip upon this present world will be necessarily loosed. [00:07:03] (29 seconds)

Having the eyes of our hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you. Now stop right there. The eyes of your heart. Your heart doesn't have eyes, but it has a sense of being. Having eyes of your hearts enlightened. [00:08:39] (24 seconds)

We need an enlightenment that overcomes the pressures of this present world, the calling, the loud sounds that says worship, self, be rich and famous and important. We need our minds and hearts tuned into our Creator. So we're going to do what? We're going to replace a few years on the earth, apparently striving to be more of whatever we desire to be, in exchange for an eternity available to us through the grace of Christ. [00:09:03] (36 seconds)

He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead and is everything. And that in everything, he might be preeminent. I underline with my little pencil drawer thing. And it's come to my attention that some of you are frustrated by my little hand -drawn crinkly lines. All of you probably have math degrees. [00:14:36] (26 seconds)

Jesus is preeminent. If he's not preeminent, then something's wrong. It's not scriptural faith. You can very well say to God, I'm struggling. I'm discouraged. I'm tired. I'm sick. I'm lonely. I'm afraid. I don't feel like going to church. I don't feel like doing what I should do. I don't feel like praying. [00:16:02] (22 seconds)

He satisfied the justice -mercy conundrum. A conundrum, by the way, is something that can't really be settled. But I pronounce to you today that on the cross of Christ, he settled the justice -mercy conundrum. Conundrum meaning, how can there be justice and mercy? How can someone be rightly punished and freely forgiven? This is the gospel. [00:30:56] (31 seconds)

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