The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Date: Dec. 22, 2016

Passage

Colossians 1:15-23 (ESV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 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. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 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, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:18b

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

First, Jesus, the creator, the head of the church (15-19). Jesus is supreme as the Son, the image of God invisible. No one has ever seen God, but Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (Jn 14:9b). He is the creator. All things were created in him, through him and for him. He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, through his resurrection. Thus he became the head of the church appointed by God (Eph 1:22). For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, Jesus alone is sufficient.

Second, Jesus, the reconciler (20-23). Through Jesus God reconciled to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once we were alienated from God and were enemies in our minds because of our evil behavior. But now he has reconciled us by Christ's physical body through death to present us holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. This is the good news that should be proclaimed for every creature under heaven.

Prayer: Lord, you are supreme and sufficient to save us through your death and resurrection. Help us to proclaim this gospel to all nations.

One Word: Jesus is supreme and sufficient for our salvation!

Take Words with You

Hosea 14:1-9

Key Verse: 14:2

  Take with you words
    and return to the LORD;
  say to him,
    “Take away all iniquity;
  accept what is good,
    and we will pay with bulls
    the vows of our lips.

Today's Question

Where is the moral law summarized?

See answer and references