Finding True Peace: The Supremacy of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Seeking True Peace in Jesus

Many of us look for peace in superficial securities like health, wealth, or digital media. However, true peace can only be found in Jesus. Paul’s message to the Colossians is a reminder that Jesus is sufficient, and we should not allow secular culture to make us think otherwise. [43:26]

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of things that promise peace and security but ultimately leave us feeling empty. Whether it's the latest technology, financial stability, or even relationships, these things can never truly satisfy the deep longing for peace that resides in our hearts. Paul wrote to the Colossians to address this very issue, reminding them that Jesus is sufficient and that true peace can only be found in Him. He warned against the dangers of syncretism, where the Colossians were mixing various beliefs with Christianity, diluting the truth of who Jesus is.

This message is incredibly relevant today. We must be vigilant not to let secular culture convince us that we need something more than Jesus for our peace and security. Jesus is supreme over all creation, holding everything together even when the world seems chaotic. By anchoring our faith in Him, we can find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Colossians 2:8-10 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: What superficial securities do you find yourself relying on for peace? How can you shift your focus to find true peace in Jesus today?

Day 2: The Supremacy of Jesus

Jesus is supreme over all creation, holding everything together even when the world seems chaotic. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and through Him, all things were created and reconciled. This truth should anchor our faith and give us peace. [51:02]

Understanding the supremacy of Jesus is crucial for our faith. He is not just a part of creation; He is above it all, holding everything together. This means that no matter how chaotic the world may seem, Jesus is in control. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and through Him, all things were created and reconciled. This profound truth should anchor our faith and give us peace, knowing that the One who holds the universe together is also holding our lives.

When we grasp the magnitude of Jesus's supremacy, it changes how we view our circumstances. We can face challenges with confidence, knowing that Jesus is in control. This understanding also deepens our worship and devotion, as we recognize that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the living God who reigns supreme over all.

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: How does understanding the supremacy of Jesus change your perspective on the challenges you face? What steps can you take to remind yourself of His control over your life?

Day 3: The Importance of Community and Confession

Paul emphasized the importance of living in the light and sharing our struggles within a supportive community. Confessional and biblical community is crucial for maintaining a strong faith and finding true peace. This is why life groups are so important. [01:03:00]

Living in the light means being open and honest about our struggles and sins within a supportive community. Paul encouraged the Colossians to share their burdens with one another, emphasizing that confessional and biblical community is crucial for maintaining a strong faith and finding true peace. In a world that often values independence and self-sufficiency, the biblical model of community reminds us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone.

Being part of a life group or a small community of believers provides a safe space to share our struggles, receive encouragement, and grow in our faith. It allows us to experience the love and support of the body of Christ, helping us to stay grounded in our faith and find true peace. By living in the light and being vulnerable with one another, we can experience the transformative power of God's grace and love.

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Are you part of a supportive community where you can share your struggles and receive encouragement? If not, what steps can you take to become part of such a community?

Day 4: New Life in Christ

Jesus’s death and resurrection have given us new life, making us holy and blameless in God’s sight. When God looks at us, He sees Christ’s payment and righteousness, not our sin and brokenness. This should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to live for Him. [01:05:42]

The death and resurrection of Jesus have profound implications for our lives. Through His sacrifice, we have been given new life, and we are now seen as holy and blameless in God's sight. This means that when God looks at us, He doesn't see our sin and brokenness; He sees the righteousness of Christ. This incredible truth should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to live for Him.

Understanding our new identity in Christ changes how we view ourselves and our purpose. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures; we are defined by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This new life in Christ empowers us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world. It also gives us the assurance that we are accepted and loved by God, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.

Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV): "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: How does knowing that you are holy and blameless in God's sight because of Jesus's sacrifice change the way you live? What are some practical ways you can live out your new identity in Christ today?

Day 5: Anchoring in the Gospel

Our peace and security should be anchored in the hope of the gospel, not in the fleeting securities of this world. Paul encourages us to remain in our faith, established and firm, and not to be swayed by superficial ideals. True peace comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. [01:07:15]

In a world that offers countless sources of temporary security, it's essential to anchor our peace and security in the hope of the gospel. Paul encourages us to remain in our faith, established and firm, and not to be swayed by superficial ideals. True peace comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The gospel reminds us of the unchanging love and faithfulness of God, providing a solid foundation for our lives.

When we anchor our lives in the gospel, we are not easily shaken by the uncertainties and challenges of life. The hope of the gospel gives us the assurance that we are loved, forgiven, and secure in Christ. It also motivates us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our ultimate hope is in Jesus. By focusing on the eternal truths of the gospel, we can experience a peace that transcends our circumstances and remains steadfast in the face of adversity.

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Reflection: What are some areas of your life where you have been seeking security in things other than the gospel? How can you intentionally anchor your peace and security in the hope of the gospel today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the book of Colossians, focusing on the theme "Jesus Is." We explored how Paul wrote to the Colossians to address their search for peace in the wrong places. They were mixing various beliefs—Jewish, pagan, and Greek—with Christianity, diluting the truth of who Jesus is. This syncretism led them to believe that they needed something more than Jesus for their peace and security. Paul’s central message was clear: Jesus is sufficient, and we should not allow secular culture to make us think otherwise.

We examined how this message is relevant today. Many of us seek peace in superficial securities like health, wealth, digital media, or relationships. However, true peace can only be found in Jesus. Paul’s letter emphasizes that Jesus is supreme over all creation, holding everything together, even when it seems like the world is in chaos. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and through Him, all things were created and reconciled.

Paul also highlighted the importance of community and confession. He encouraged the Colossians to live in the light, sharing their struggles and sins within a supportive community. This is crucial for maintaining a strong faith and finding true peace. Finally, Paul reminded us that Jesus’s death and resurrection have given us new life, making us holy and blameless in God’s sight. Our peace and security should be anchored in the hope of the gospel, not in the fleeting securities of this world.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Seeking Peace in the Right Place: Many of us look for peace in superficial securities like health, wealth, or digital media. However, true peace can only be found in Jesus. Paul’s message to the Colossians is a reminder that Jesus is sufficient, and we should not allow secular culture to make us think otherwise. [43:26]
2. The Supremacy of Jesus: Jesus is supreme over all creation, holding everything together even when the world seems chaotic. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and through Him, all things were created and reconciled. This truth should anchor our faith and give us peace. [51:02]
3. Community and Confession: Paul emphasized the importance of living in the light and sharing our struggles within a supportive community. Confessional and biblical community is crucial for maintaining a strong faith and finding true peace. This is why life groups are so important. [63:00]
4. New Life in Christ: Jesus’s death and resurrection have given us new life, making us holy and blameless in God’s sight. When God looks at us, He sees Christ’s payment and righteousness, not our sin and brokenness. This should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to live for Him. [65:42]
5. Anchoring in the Gospel: Our peace and security should be anchored in the hope of the gospel, not in the fleeting securities of this world. Paul encourages us to remain in our faith, established and firm, and not to be swayed by superficial ideals. True peace comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. [01:07:15]
### [67:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:00] - Introduction and Personal Story
[43:26] - Seeking Peace in the Wrong Places
[44:56] - Syncretism in Colossae
[46:33] - Modern-Day Syncretism
[48:06] - Paul's Poem on Jesus
[49:30] - The Perfect Relationship
[51:02] - Jesus's Supremacy
[52:34] - Holding All Things Together
[54:05] - Christ's Victory Over Sin and Death
[55:36] - Illustration of Mount St. Helens
[57:02] - Everlasting Thistles
[58:32] - Cosmic Battle on the Cross
[60:03] - Remembering Our Redemption
[61:33] - The Scene of the Crime
[63:00] - Importance of Community and Confession
[65:42] - New Life in Christ
[67:15] - Anchoring in the Gospel
[70:23] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the Colossians seeking peace from, and where were they looking for it? ([43:26])
How does Paul describe Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20? What titles and roles does he attribute to Jesus?
What does Paul say about the relationship between Jesus and creation? ([48:06])
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus holding all things together? ([52:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that Jesus is sufficient and supreme over all creation? How does this address the issue of syncretism in Colossae? ([44:56])
How does the concept of Jesus holding all things together provide comfort in times of chaos and uncertainty? ([52:34])
What does it mean to live in the light and share our struggles within a supportive community, according to Paul? How does this contribute to finding true peace? ([01:03:00])
How does understanding that Jesus’s death and resurrection have given us new life change our perspective on our own worth and identity? ([01:05:42])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are seeking peace in superficial securities like health, wealth, or digital media? How can you shift your focus to finding peace in Jesus instead? ([43:26])
In what ways can you remind yourself daily of Jesus’s supremacy and his role in holding all things together, especially when the world feels chaotic? ([52:34])
How can you actively participate in a supportive community where you can share your struggles and sins? What steps can you take to build or strengthen such a community? ([01:03:00])
Think about a time when you felt alienated from God due to your actions or thoughts. How does knowing that Jesus’s death and resurrection have made you holy and blameless in God’s sight change your view of that situation? ([01:05:42])
Identify one specific way you can anchor your peace and security in the hope of the gospel this week. What practical steps will you take to avoid being swayed by superficial ideals? ([01:07:15])
How can you cultivate a habit of confessing your sins and struggles within your life group or another supportive community? What benefits do you anticipate from this practice? ([01:03:00])
Reflect on the idea that when God looks at you, He sees Christ’s payment and righteousness. How does this truth impact your daily life and interactions with others? ([01:05:42])

Sermon Clips

1. "Have you ever looked for the right thing in the wrong place? Anybody? Ever looked for the right thing in the wrong place? I've done that. I've done that a lot. My mom used to always send me on missions, Miles, grab this. And I used to be like, mom, I can't find it. I can't find it. And she was like, why can you never find what's right in front of me? And she was so frustrated." [42:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "They were looking for peace because the world around them politically, socially, culturally was in chaos. We don't get that at all. But they were looking for it in the wrong place. They were looking for peace from the powers of the world in the wrong places. They were seeking peace from a chaotic culture." [43:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Do not allow secular culture to allow its education, its articulation, and its influence to make you, the people of God, think that you need something more than Jesus. Let me say that again. Paul was writing to let them know and to let us know, even now, years later, do not allow the secular culture to allow its education, its articulation, its influence, make you, the people of God, think that you need something more than Jesus. You don't." [46:33] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What are we finding our peace in apart from Jesus? Where are you finding peace in apart from Jesus? I think it's this thing I would categorize as superficial security, right? Because it really doesn't protect. Superficial security comes in all different shapes and sizes. It can be health and wealth. We think that, man, how healthy I am or how much money I have in the bank, I have peace in that." [48:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It means that evil may seem like it's winning for a little while, but it's not. And so what does that mean for us? But Jesus still sits on the throne. It means that cancer and weeping and hardship and difficulties may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. It means that hardship won't last always. It means that Jesus is still supreme, no matter what your circumstances feel like." [51:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "He's holding everything together and preventing it from falling into chaos. I know it may not feel that way, but you need to know that your God is holding all things together. And so when you turn on the news, teenagers, as you scroll through TikTok, as you see all kinds of stuff that pops up on your feed and on your timeline, and you're like, is that us or is that the Russians? Just know like Jesus is holding it together." [52:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "When Jesus resurrected from the dead, a new age dawned. The new man has now emerged from among the old humanity. And Jesus, in his flesh, shared in the life of the old man. That's why God came wrapped in flesh in the person of Jesus. He began to take our pain and he took our sin. And when he went to the cross, he nailed our sin to the cross with him. And he nailed our shame to the cross with him so that we could walk in this newness of life." [54:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Jesus took on our sin and he conquered death and he emerged from the grave with the keys of hell in his hands. And because of his grace, we have new life and we, my friends, are those everlasting thistles. We are the everlasting thistles that now can have no longer dead bodies due to sin. And we are now alive in Christ Jesus living to proclaim to the world that our King has defeated death, has defeated the grave, has defeated sin and the enemy of mankind has no longer has power or can conquer us." [57:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "When God looks at you, when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God does not see your brokenness. God does not see your sin. God does not see your pain and your shame and your trauma. You know what God sees when he looks at you? He sees Christ's payment. He sees Christ's blood. He sees you made whole in Jesus. He doesn't see you how you think God sees you. He sees you for Jesus's goodness." [01:05:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The only thing and the only place where you can find your peace is when you locate yourself in the truth of the gospel. And so he's like, find yourself there. Find yourself knowing and speaking to yourself constantly that he is the visible image of the invisible God, the firstborn from among the dead for by him, all things were created things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by him and for him." [01:10:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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