Preeminent

Introduction

Colossians 1:15–23 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. 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. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 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, 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.

Christ is Preeminent

Preeminent- Above all others, first.

Paul is making a claim here that Christ above all else

Prototokos - The concept of firstborn, particularly in biblical times.

This claim of preeminence comes after listing why he is preeminent. We go on to further validate this claim that Christ is the highest that there is.

Christ is Creator

The first indication that Christ is higher than all else is that he is creator!

Christ is the creator of all things.

This is remniscient of John 1:3

John 1:3 ESV

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

He knows his creation.

He loves his creation.

He owns his creation.

Not only did he create all of these things, all of these things exist for him.

Christ is Sustainer

Not only did he create, but he is still in charge over all things.

This reminds me of the children’s song “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

All things hold together

Christ is before his creation

In time

In importance

In leadership

Christ is sovereign over his creation.

This is not a “create and run loose” scenario.

Christ is working in and through his creation.

Christ is Head of His Church

At this point the church was forming, but the reminder was necessary that the whole reason the church exists is because of and for Christ.

Not only is the church about him, but he is the leader of it.

He is a leader that cannot and will not be replaced.

Some founders of companies get ousted.

Steve Jobs most famously.

He founded the church

He is the goal of the church

He leads the church

Christ is Fully God

This is more of a culminating statement rather than a

Again we see the tie in and connection to John chapter 1. John 1:1-2

John 1:1–2 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

Trinity and Divinity of Christ

Christ is Redeemer

After seeing all of these things, this is where you realized that this is the Christ who died for you!

We must understand who he is, to understand the full extent of what he has done for us.

This shows us both:

His worthiness and ability to do such a thing for us.

Our inability to cover such a debt.

Scene of someone offering to cover a check at a fancy restaurant before they realize how much it is.

His great love that he has for us.

Christ is Our Goal

Because of all of these things, after gaining a correct view of who Christ is, he should be preeminent in our lives.

If we understand that Christ is higher than all things.

That he is our creator.

Our Sustainer

That he is the reason for and the head of the Church

That he is God.

That he died for us. That he is our redeemer.

HOW could he be anything other than the most important thing to us!?

This is what we strive for.

To hold fast to what we have heard.

That we continue in the faith.

This is a matter of proving our salvation rather than earning it.