Jesus: The Central Figure of Our Faith
Summary
The sermon begins with the speaker sharing a personal testimony of recent illness and recovery, humorously noting the tendency of men to exaggerate their sicknesses. He then transitions to the main topic, focusing on the significance of Jesus Christ, particularly in the context of the Christmas season. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the reason for the season and that understanding who Jesus is can be deepened by reading Colossians 1:13 and beyond.
Addressing common fears and questions about sin and death, the speaker explains that Jesus took upon himself the sins of humanity and offers eternal life to those who call on his name. Jesus' authority over the church is affirmed, as he is fully God, Supreme, Creator, and the sustainer of the world. The speaker underscores the reconciliation Jesus provides between God and humanity, bringing peace through his sacrifice on the cross.
The identity and significance of Jesus are further emphasized, with the speaker highlighting Jesus' role in delivering believers from darkness and transferring them to his kingdom. Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation, through whom and for whom all things were created. The speaker warns against the influence of false teachings that obscure Jesus' true identity and stresses the importance of the Church being grounded in the truth of who Jesus is.
The sermon also touches on the power of God to hold everything together, encouraging trust and obedience in God's commands. The church is portrayed as the body of Christ, with each member having a unique role and function, contributing to the growth of the body and the advancement of God's kingdom.
The speaker addresses the Colossian church's belief in angelic mediators, emphasizing that worshiping angels demeans Jesus, who is above all and intercedes for humanity at the right hand of the Father. The power of God's word in creation and in our lives is highlighted, with the speaker suggesting that the universe is sustained by the sound waves of God's breath.
Celebrating the true essence of Jesus is deemed important, with the speaker reminding that Jesus is not confined to the manger or the cross but is the resurrected and eternal Lord. Jesus' role as the head of the church is also discussed, with his authority over death setting the Church of Jesus Christ apart from other organizations or world religions.
The speaker reflects on Jesus as the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity, who came to save humanity from sin. Personal anecdotes are used to illustrate the transformation in Christ and the idea that Jesus perfectly represents the Father. The speaker asserts that Jesus and the Father are one, with Jesus revealing God to humanity.
Finally, the speaker asks the audience to consider Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?" and presents six truths about Jesus from Colossians 1:15, including his identity as God and the visible image of the invisible God. The role of Jesus as the agent of creation is explained, with all things created by and for him, and his supremacy over the spiritual realm is affirmed. The speaker concludes by discussing the concept of atoms and matter, introducing string theory and the mystery of what powers the vibrations of energy at the subatomic level.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus Christ's role as the reconciler between God and humanity is central to the Christian faith. His sacrifice on the cross brought peace and transformed the relationship between the divine and the mortal, offering a path from enmity and separation to unity and love.
- The true identity of Jesus is foundational to the Church's existence and mission. Recognizing Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the head of the church is essential for maintaining the integrity of Christian doctrine and practice.
- The diversity within the church reflects the multifaceted nature of God's kingdom. Each believer's unique background, experiences, talents, and gifts are not only celebrated but are integral to the body of Christ's growth and the furtherance of the Gospel.
- Jesus' supremacy over all creation, including the spiritual realm, is a profound truth that shapes Christian worship and worldview. His preeminence as the Creator and sustainer of all things calls for exclusive devotion and the rejection of any practice that elevates other beings or concepts to a similar status.
- The power of God's word is not limited to the act of creation but extends to sustaining the universe and our lives. Trusting in God's ability to hold everything together, even in times of trouble, provides a foundation for faith and hope amidst life's challenges.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 1:13-20
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:13-14, what has Jesus done for believers? How does this relate to the concept of redemption and forgiveness of sins?
2. In Colossians 1:15-17, how is Jesus described in relation to creation? What titles and roles are attributed to Him?
3. What does Colossians 1:18-20 say about Jesus' role in the church and His work of reconciliation? How does this passage describe the peace He brings through His sacrifice?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon mentions that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15). What does it mean for Jesus to be the "image of the invisible God"? How does this shape our understanding of His divinity? [09:35 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
2. The speaker emphasized Jesus' supremacy over all creation, including the spiritual realm (Colossians 1:16-17). How does recognizing Jesus' authority over all things impact our daily lives and worship? [18:35 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
3. Reflecting on Colossians 1:18-20, how does Jesus' role as the head of the church influence the way we view our participation and responsibilities within the church community? [37:10 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon highlighted the importance of understanding Jesus' true identity. How has your understanding of who Jesus is changed over time? What steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of Jesus this week? [07:33 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
2. Jesus' supremacy calls for exclusive devotion. Are there any practices or beliefs in your life that might be elevating something or someone to a status similar to Jesus? How can you address this to ensure Jesus remains supreme in your life? [26:14 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
3. The speaker mentioned the diversity within the church and the unique roles each member plays. What unique gifts or experiences do you bring to your church community? How can you use them to contribute to the growth of the body of Christ? [37:47 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
4. Trusting in God's ability to hold everything together was a key point in the sermon. Is there a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God? What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him? [34:18 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
5. The sermon concluded with the question, "Who do you say that I am?" How would you personally answer this question about Jesus? How does your answer influence the way you live out your faith daily? [07:33 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
6. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is not confined to the manger or the cross but is the resurrected and eternal Lord. How does this understanding of Jesus' eternal nature affect your perspective on the Christmas season and beyond? [44:36 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
7. Considering Jesus' role as the reconciler between God and humanity, how can you be an agent of reconciliation in your own relationships and community? What specific actions can you take to promote peace and unity? [42:33 <6VUWVXWomDk>]
Devotional
Day 1: Reconciliation Through the Cross
Jesus Christ's sacrifice is the bridge that reconciles humanity with God, transforming enmity into a loving relationship. Through His death on the cross, Jesus made peace possible, offering us a way to be united with the divine. This act of love is the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us that no chasm is too wide for God's grace to bridge. [07:40]
Colossians 1:20-22 - "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."
Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross influence your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 2: Christ, the Image of God
Recognizing Jesus as the visible representation of the invisible God is crucial for our spiritual integrity. He is the firstborn over all creation, not just in time but in preeminence. This truth anchors our faith and shapes our understanding of God's nature and our place in His creation. It is a call to see Jesus as the lens through which we view all things. [14:25]
Hebrews 1:3 - "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: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Jesus as the image of the invisible God in your personal spiritual journey?
Day 3: Unity in Diversity
The church is a tapestry of diverse individuals, each with unique gifts and roles that contribute to the body of Christ. This diversity is not a source of division but a reflection of God's multifaceted kingdom. As believers, we are called to celebrate and utilize our differences to further the Gospel and build up the church. [21:05]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - "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."
Reflection: What unique gifts do you bring to your church community, and how can you actively use them to serve others?
Day 4: Jesus' Supremacy and Devotion
The preeminence of Jesus over all creation calls for our exclusive devotion. As believers, we must reject any practice that elevates other beings or concepts to a status comparable to Christ. His supremacy as Creator and sustainer of all things is a profound truth that shapes our worship and worldview. [28:30]
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: Are there any areas in your life where you might be giving undue importance to something other than Jesus? How can you refocus on His supremacy?
Day 5: The Sustaining Word of God
God's word is not only creative but also sustaining. Trusting in God's ability to hold everything together, even in times of trouble, provides a foundation for faith and hope. This belief encourages us to rely on God's word in every aspect of our lives, recognizing that His breath continues to sustain the universe and our very existence. [35:50]
Hebrews 1:3 - "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 can you more fully trust in God's sustaining word during a current struggle or uncertainty in your life?
Quotes
"We say it's all about Jesus and Jesus is the reason for the season, but who exactly is this Jesus that we celebrate? Because a baby changes your life, doesn't he? A baby changes your world, but this was no ordinary baby; this baby didn't just change his parents' world but changed the whole world." [03:34 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"If you want to know what God is like, if you want to know what God thinks about Humanity, then look to Jesus. If you want to know God's heart for mankind, then look no further than Jesus." [17:07 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and he is supreme over all creation." [18:35 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"The most diverse community in the world is the Church of Jesus Christ because diversity is to do with different people with different backgrounds, different life experiences, different talents, different giftings, fulfilling different roles and functions, working alongside each other with the same vision to see his kingdom." [38:23 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"The God who can hold the universe together can hold you together if you let him and just obey what he says tells you to do and just walk in the truth of who he is. He holds all things together; that includes you, that includes me." [35:57 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"Before Jesus put on flesh, what had existed between God and man was not peace but enmity, strife, separation, and conflict. Making peace with God through the blood of his cross." [42:33 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"All creation, including the spiritual realm, stands in a place of submission to the authority and supremacy of Jesus. He's the Creator, he's the source, he's above all." [28:18 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"If Jesus is holding the whole universe together at an atomic nucleus level, then the same truth is true of you and your situation; that he can hold you together too, by the word of the very same power that holds the universe together." [34:18 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"This is what sets the Church of Jesus Christ apart from any other organization or any world religion because we have the answer to man's deepest need—the eternal life given by Christ, who has authority over death." [41:23 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
"Jesus can reveal God because he is God. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature." [17:48 <6VUWVXWomDk>] (Download)
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