The Supremacy of Christ

Supremacy: the state or condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, or status.

In Christ dwells all the fullness of the invisible God.

GOLDEN TEXT:

Colossians 1:15,17  [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature……He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

If “In Christ dwells all the fullness of the invisible God”, and Christ dwells in those who are saved, then the fullness of the invisible God must dwell in us! What a thought, that the most supreme, all powerful, all knowing and all loving God desires to dwell in the hearts of all humanity! The first and the last, the I am that I am, who was and is to come wants you!

THE CREATOR

A. Christ: Lord and Redeemer

Col 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Col 1:2  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

…….Paul began this letter directly to the believers at Colosse, due to there being so much false teaching that denied Jesus Christ as the son of God.

That’s the power that only comes from God, bringing various people that have so many different tastes, and to be able to join together in unity and love.

Those who have nothing in common, after salvation have everything in common!

Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (qualified) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

…….We can’t be qualified without His supremacy. When we learn to surrender to His power, He makes us qualified!

Col 1:13  Who hath delivered (rescued) us from the power of darkness, and hath translated (exchanged) us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

…….Christ literally exchanged all of our baggage for a life everlasting. The darkness is a life of shame. No one wants to bring their mess into the light, but God sees us, brings us and cleans us, then causes us to desire to live in the light! He rescues from captivity and thrusts us to serenity.

Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption (deliverance) through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

…….How many of you can testify that salvation has delivered you from something; whether it be an addiction, a mental struggle, covetousness, anger, pride, jealousy…..and the list could go on…

I love how he emphasizes with “even”. Until Christ there was really no forgiveness of sins. To pardon sin there had to be a sacrifice, a method that never changed the heart. Only those who experience salvation can truly experience the delivering power of the forgiveness of sins!!!

B. Christ: God and Creator

Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

……This is the difference in Christianity and all other so called religions. Some religious groups believe that Jesus was simply a prophet. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only son of God who has been with God from the beginning. His power and authority is equal with God.

HEAD OF THE CHURCH

A. Christ is Preeminent

Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (to be first).

…….In order to be parallel with the Bible, Jesus Christ must be the head of all things.

With this in mind, we must only focus on the head. Many people get off track because they put their focus on the body and it’s minor flaws. While the body must be in line with the head, those who cannot keep focus on the head are just as out of line as any other part that isn’t in compliance. While it is so easy getting wrapped up in controversy with the body, it is merely impossible to miss the mark with our focus on Jesus Christ.

Col 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness (completeness) dwell;

…….Think about all there is in all creation that God is in authority to keep in order. There are stars, other planets and universes, seasons and times, weather patterns, oceans and rivers, and everything that has life. With all of this in mind, we must know that His greatest concern is people!

When I look at people, at times I see nothing but chaos. When Christ looks at people he sees another chance, redemption and salvation.

With all that is in His possession He still unconditionally loves people. How much more with our own small worries, should we love those around us!

B. Christ is Reconciler

Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Col 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

…….While studying this scripture I can’t help but think of how judgmental I used to be towards others by simply looking on outward appearance.

How many times have I judged a person in the church or an entire congregation only because of one outward personally opinionated flaw.

I must remember that there was a day that I myself was an alienated enemy of God that has now been reconciled, not by my own accomplishments, but only by God.

Col 1:23  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

…….”If you continue in the faith”.

This is proof that there is no point of arrival, no finish line on this side of heaven. We are all equal at the foot of the cross. When we walk around condemning others, we are subliminally saying that Jesus Christ isn’t powerful or supreme enough to save and change, so just get rid of them!

What is the “hope of the gospel”?

This is the Hope of the gospel: John 3:16  For God so loved the “world”, that he gave his only begotten Son, that “whosoever” believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joh 3:17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

…….It is not our duty to condemn everything we don’t agree with in our carnal sight, but to love and help every person that has a need by pointing them to the cross of Christ!

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

…….When we really get to the peak of ministry there may be afflictions in the path. When they do come let’s not forget about the purpose, but being like Paul let us rejoice knowing that there is reasoning. When the enemy attacks, may we continually praise God in all things!!!

OUR HOPE OF GLORY

A. Christ in Us, Our Hope of Glory

Col 1:25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

…….What a thought, that almighty God would share with His saints His mystery’s. No one could ever understand the blessings of living and ministering in salvation without experiencing it first.

B. Proclaiming Christ the Savior

Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

……. proclaiming Christ includes both warning…..and teaching…..in all wisdom to lead people to faith in Christ. The warning is that continuing in San will bring spiritual, physical, and everlasting death. The teaching is Jesus Christ is the savior of sinners, and all need to repent and believe in him to be saved. Proclaiming Christ effectively is done and wisdom given by God. The goal of proclaiming Christ is so people will be saved by Christ, and be made whole in relation to God “in Christ Jesus.”

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