Exploring the Supremacy of Christ in Colossians
Summary
In embarking on a new series focused on the book of Colossians, we delve into the profound truths and teachings that Paul shared with the church in Colossae. This series is an expository journey, where we will explore the text verse by verse, allowing the Word of God to illuminate our hearts and minds. The book of Colossians, written by Paul during his imprisonment, is a rich source of understanding about the supremacy of Christ and the fullness of life found in Him. It is a letter that addresses the core of Christian faith, emphasizing the preeminence of Christ in all things and the completeness we have in Him.
The city of Colossae, located in Asia Minor, was a place where Paul had never visited, yet he wrote to them with deep affection and concern. Epaphras, a faithful minister, was instrumental in leading the church there, and Paul’s letter serves to encourage and instruct the believers in their faith journey. The central theme of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ, who is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. This term "firstborn" signifies Christ's authority and preeminence, not a reference to being created, but rather His position as the heir of all things.
Paul emphasizes the importance of understanding the will of God, which is revealed through His Word and Spirit. As believers, we are called to walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. This journey of faith is marked by a deep love for the saints and a commitment to live in a way that pleases God. The letter also addresses the reconciliation that Christ has accomplished through His death, bringing peace and redemption to those who believe.
In our exploration of Colossians, we are reminded of the incredible inheritance we have in Christ, being qualified by God to partake in the kingdom of His Son. This series invites us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to live a life fully devoted to Him. As we continue this journey, may we be filled with the knowledge of His will, strengthened by His power, and rooted in His love.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Supremacy of Christ: Christ is the image of the invisible God and holds the position of preeminence over all creation. This understanding challenges us to recognize His authority and align our lives under His lordship, acknowledging that He is not a creation but the Creator Himself. [30:10]
2. Understanding God's Will: We are encouraged to seek the knowledge of God's will through His Word and Spirit. This pursuit is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God, as it empowers us to execute His will with confidence and clarity, rather than uncertainty. [15:09]
3. Walking Worthy of the Lord: Our conduct as believers should reflect our faith in Christ. We are called to walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, which requires a continual transformation and growth in our spiritual journey. [19:09]
4. Reconciliation and Redemption: Through Christ's sacrifice, we have been reconciled to God and redeemed by His blood. This profound truth assures us of our forgiveness and the eternal inheritance we have in Him, freeing us from the power of darkness. [25:10]
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: As members of the body of Christ, we are called to love and support one another, recognizing that we are all part of one family. This unity is vital for the health of the church and reflects the love of Christ to the world. [09:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:26] - Introduction to Colossians
- [05:45] - Paul's Greeting and the Trinity
- [08:26] - Faith and Love for the Saints
- [11:20] - Hope in Heaven
- [13:15] - The Role of Epaphras
- [15:09] - Knowing God's Will
- [17:00] - Praying with Purpose
- [19:09] - Walking Worthy of the Lord
- [21:16] - Qualified by God
- [25:10] - Redemption Through His Blood
- [28:52] - The Power of Jesus' Blood
- [30:10] - The Supremacy of Christ
- [32:43] - Jesus as Creator
- [36:36] - Understanding Firstborn
- [38:02] - New Creation in Christ
- [40:30] - Fullness of God in Christ
- [42:50] - Reconciliation Through Christ
- [44:17] - Perseverance in Faith
- [46:33] - Closing Prayer and Homework
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Exploring Colossians
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:1-23
2. Ephesians 1:18-23
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about his role as an apostle in Colossians 1:1, and how does he describe his relationship with Timothy? [05:45]
2. How does Paul describe the faith and love of the Colossian believers in Colossians 1:4? What two key elements does he highlight? [08:26]
3. According to Colossians 1:15-16, how is Christ described in relation to creation? What does the term "firstborn" signify in this context? [30:10]
4. What does Paul say about the reconciliation and redemption through Christ's blood in Colossians 1:20-22? How does this affect believers? [42:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Paul’s description of Christ as the "image of the invisible God" challenge common misconceptions about Jesus' nature and role? [30:10]
2. How does Paul’s prayer for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will (Colossians 1:9) reflect the importance of spiritual wisdom and understanding in a believer's life? [15:09]
3. What does it mean to "walk worthy of the Lord" as described in Colossians 1:10, and how might this look in the life of a modern believer? [19:09]
4. How does the concept of being "qualified" by God in Colossians 1:12-13 impact a believer's understanding of their identity and inheritance in Christ? [21:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the supremacy of Christ in your life. Are there areas where you struggle to recognize His authority? How can you align these areas under His lordship this week? [30:10]
2. Consider your current understanding of God's will. What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of His will through His Word and Spirit? [15:09]
3. Think about your daily conduct. In what specific ways can you "walk worthy of the Lord" and bear fruit in your life this week? [19:09]
4. How can you actively participate in the reconciliation and redemption that Christ offers? Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about the peace and forgiveness found in Jesus? [25:10]
5. Reflect on the unity within the body of Christ. How can you contribute to fostering love and support among fellow believers in your church community? [09:26]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the power of Jesus' blood for victory. How can you remind yourself of this truth daily? [28:52]
7. Consider the inheritance you have in Christ. How does this understanding influence your perspective on earthly challenges and your eternal hope? [21:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Preeminence in Creation
In the book of Colossians, Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, portraying Him as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. This term "firstborn" is not about being created but signifies Christ's authority and preeminence. He is the Creator, not a creation, and holds the position of ultimate authority over everything. Recognizing Christ's preeminence challenges believers to align their lives under His lordship, acknowledging His divine authority in all aspects of life. This understanding calls for a deep reverence and commitment to live in a way that honors His supreme position. [30:10]
Colossians 1:15-17 (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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to recognize Christ's authority? How can you begin to submit those areas to His lordship today?
Day 2: Seeking God's Will
Understanding God's will is a central theme in the book of Colossians. Paul encourages believers to seek the knowledge of God's will through His Word and Spirit. This pursuit is essential for living a life that pleases God, as it empowers believers to execute His will with confidence and clarity. Rather than living in uncertainty, knowing God's will provides direction and purpose, enabling believers to walk in alignment with His desires. This understanding requires a commitment to prayer, study, and openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit. [15:09]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of God's will for your life? How can you incorporate prayer and study into your daily routine to seek His guidance?
Day 3: Living Worthy of the Lord
Paul calls believers to walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. This journey of faith requires continual transformation and growth, reflecting one's faith in Christ through conduct and actions. Living worthy of the Lord involves a commitment to spiritual growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform one's character and actions. It is a call to live a life that reflects the love and grace of Christ, impacting others positively and glorifying God in all things. [19:09]
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect Christ's love and grace in your interactions with others this week? What specific actions can you take to bear fruit in your daily life?
Day 4: Reconciliation Through Christ
Through Christ's sacrifice, believers have been reconciled to God and redeemed by His blood. This profound truth assures believers of their forgiveness and the eternal inheritance they have in Him, freeing them from the power of darkness. Reconciliation through Christ brings peace and redemption, restoring the broken relationship between humanity and God. It is a reminder of the incredible grace and love that God extends to those who believe, offering a new life and hope in Him. [25:10]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take the first step towards healing that relationship, reflecting the reconciliation you have received through Christ?
Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ
As members of the body of Christ, believers are called to love and support one another, recognizing that they are all part of one family. This unity is vital for the health of the church and reflects the love of Christ to the world. Unity in the body of Christ involves embracing diversity, fostering a spirit of cooperation, and working together for the common good. It is a call to live in harmony, supporting and encouraging one another in the faith journey, and demonstrating the love of Christ to those around us. [09:26]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and health of your church community? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage your fellow believers this week?
Quotes
"We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. So God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. So the Father in Jesus, all right? Praying always for you since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus. I love this. There's going to be two things he mentions. He said, I heard about you guys, and ever since I heard about you guys, I've been praying for you. I mean, that's awesome. Now, he's going to mention two things that he's thankful for them in. He goes, praying always for you since we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus. I love this. There's going to be two things he mentions. He goes, faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints. Listen to that. Two things. Your what? Faith and your? Come on, talk to me. Your what? Faith and your what? Love. Your faith and your love. And it's not love just for anything. It's your love for the saints. It's your love for God's people. It's your love for the house of God. It's your love for other believers." [00:07:15] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"How about this? It doesn't take anyone spiritual to point out problems within the church. It takes spiritual people to fix problems in the church. Amen? Isn't that the truth? I mean, seriously, we don't, it's not spiritual to go, oh, they jacked that up. Yeah, okay, we got it. You see what I'm saying, guys? Okay. All right. Your love for all the saints because of the hope which is laid up for you in, laid up for you in where? Listen, the hope laid up for you in heaven. Listen to this. I've been, you know, first of all, let me say this." [00:10:45] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I ask to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will. That you may be filled with the knowledge of his will. Well, Pastor Troy, we just don't know the will of God. Stop that nonsense. That's not what your Bible tells you. Your Bible says that you should pray to be filled with the knowledge of his will. Well, we just can't know the will of God. Yes, you can. The word of God is the will of God. The spirit of God will give you the will of God. You have to know the will of God to execute the will of God in your life. Listen to this, everybody. This idea of, well, let me say it this way. You should never pray." [00:14:19] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Walk worthy of the Lord. You call yourself a Christian? You say you're a believer? You love Jesus? Okay, walk worthy of that, praise God. I've used this story for years about the example of when I came out of the military, I was at an orientation day over at Wabash National in Lafayette. And an incredible, incredible, incredible, incredible, incredible, because there's about 60 of us in this room. And I don't know what happened, but there was this lady there who had a WWJD bracelet on, all right? Back when those were popular. This is 97 when I got out of the service. 98. I think it was the beginning of 98 when I got that job there. Anyway, so I'm over there and there's 60 of us in this room and this lady, and somehow they messed up on her paperwork, her name tag or something, it's orientation. And she's up there at the counter for like cussing them." [00:19:33] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Through whom also he has made the what? Worlds, all right? You're going to see that in the next verse, that Jesus is the creator, amen? Listen to this, everybody. Paul did not use the term first created, which is in the Greek, that word. He used the term firstborn, which is that word in the Greek. A different word even in the Greek. Firstborn versus first created. Jesus is not first created. He wasn't created at all. He is the creator, amen?" [00:32:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Listen, Jesus is before all things, period. Okay? All things, period. There is no other things that he didn't rule over. Come on, are y 'all picking up what I'm saying? I hope that makes sense. So I think it's important that we understand that because, again, you get into talking to other people and other religions. You get into religious circles and they start using words and you're like, what? That doesn't sound right. Always check it out. Always check it out. Here's all I'm going to say and I'm going to move on. Jesus is the creator. He is above all things. He rules over all things. Our father, God the father, has made him both Lord and Christ over all. End of it. Hebrews chapter one. All right? So Jesus rules over it all. Okay, you got it. Here we go. Let's look at the next verse. Ephesians 1 .18. And he is the head of the body. Everybody say, that's me. All right? If you're born again, you're a part of the body. All right? He is the head of the body. The church was just the beginning. The firstborn from the?" [00:36:47] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It is so unique that you and I are born again. We are a new creation, 2 Corinthians 5, 17. We are, anyone who comes to Christ, we are born again. Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. You are an absolutely new creation according to the word of God. Y 'all hearing what I'm saying? Amen? And because of that, you're in the body of Christ. Jesus is the head, and you are the body, and he has authority over all, and he is the heir of all, which makes you a co -heir with Christ." [00:38:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Listen to this. Whenever it comes to the blood of Jesus, it does some amazing things, the blood of Jesus. Listen to this. It gives believers boldness. It cleanses us from all sin. It enables us to overcome the devil. It provides justification. It provides remission. I got, I had a list, a whole list, about 10 or 20 of these things. I cut it down to this one. But it provides remission. It provides sanctification. It provides eternal redemption. The blood of Jesus is what makes you right before God. Nothing else, praise God. Nothing else. This was the conversation with my dad. My dad, you know, growing up Catholic in that world, and I'm not beating up on Catholics, I'm just saying. When my dad and I were talking, my dad was like, he's like, no, there's purgatory." [00:27:22] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"He's done everything to save everybody that would ever want to be saved. The only question is, why do you want to be an enemy of God, not God an enemy of you? Hope that makes sense. Look, it goes on, and now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh, talking about Jesus' death, through death to present you as an enemy of God. you, you are this. And I know you are holy, blameless, and above reproach. To everybody? Nope. In his sight." [00:42:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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