TEXT: Colossians 1:15-19
These verses comprise some of the most magnificent descriptions
of Jesus. There’s probably no other paragraph in the Bible that
contains more concentrated doctrine about Christ and His
preeminence - “exclusive”
JESUS IS EXCLUSIVE IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Jesus is the Image of God – vs. 15a
When you look at Jesus you look at God
Hebrews 1:3
Matthew 1:23
John 14:9
John 1:1,14
There are many other verses that declare the deity of Christ. No
other doctrine is more central or important to our faith than
the deity of Christ. Jesus is the image of God!
Jesus is the Essence of God – vs. 15b
“firstborn” does not refer to time- it doesn’t mean here that
God created Jesus than created the world (J W’s teaching) -
Jesus was not created, He created
“firstborn” simply means “of first importance” or “first rank”
Solomon was not the firstborn of David but he was named
firstborn - Psalm 89:27
God tells Pharaoh that Israel is His firstborn. What is he
saying? That Israel is of first importance to Him.
Jesus is the essence of God - If God were a man what would we
expect Him to be like?
Sinless
“He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.”
Pilate said, “I find no fault in this man.”
Speak truth & revelation
Every time Jesus spoke people were astounded.
Bring great change in lives
Just look at the disciples and yourself
Do miracles
Jesus did repeatedly and dramatically
Know the future
Jesus predicted many things about himself, the nation Israel and
the future of the world.
Show us what God is like
He did. We see in Jesus love, mercy, grace, peace and power
Jesus is exclusive in his relationship with God.
JESUS IS EXCLUSIVE IN HIS RELATIONSHIP TO GOD’S CREATION
Jesus is the Cause of Creation – vs. 16
Covers the whole spectrum here: 1) planets, people, places 2)
visible and invisible 3) principalities and powers
Jesus is the Cohesion of Creation – vs. 17
Four levels: 1) The Micro Level (the atom) 2) The Macro Level
(the universe) 3) The Mystic Level (the spirit realm) 4) The Me
Level - ever had days when life is spinning out of control? What
or WHO holds all this together? The Bible says it is Jesus, He’s
the cohesion force who holds everything together!
JESUS IS EXCLUSIVE IN HIS RELATIONSHIP TO GOD’S CHURCH
Jesus is the Foundation of the Church – vs. 18a
“head” means source and origin as well as leader and ruler
Our ORIGIN is in Him
Our OPERATION is in Him
Jesus is the Force of the Church – vs. 18b
“the firstborn from the dead” speaks of Jesus’ resurrection
Resurrection has to do with power - He conquered death, hell and
the grave - the Head is not dead!
Jesus is the Fullness of the Church – vs. 18c-19
Jesus is the life of the church - He’s our all in all!
CONCLUSION
Are you experiencing the fullness of Christ? How do you
experience His fullness? In His relationship with the church we
can connect. That’s where we meet Jesus. That’s why He
established the church, for us to know Him. He is the head. We
can be a part of His body. Are you connected to Christ through
the church?
