My First, My Last, My Everything!

English Standard Version Introduction

Paul wrote to the church in Colossae to fortify it against false teachers who might try to impose strict rules about eating and drinking and religious festivals. Paul shows the superiority of Christ over all human philosophies and traditions. He writes of Christ’s deity (“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” [1:15]) and of the reconciliation he accomplished with his blood. He explains that the right way of living in this world is to focus on heavenly rather than earthly things. God’s chosen people must leave their sinful lives behind and live in a godly way, looking to Christ as the head of the church (1:18). Paul wrote while in prison, probably about the same time as he wrote to the Ephesians.

It is here in Colossians that we are reminded Christ is to have preeminence.

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 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: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 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. (Col 1:15–18).

What is preeminence? surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way. When we consider this word lets see what words are synonymous

synonyms: greatest · leading · foremost · best · finest · chief · outstanding · excellent · distinguished · prominent · eminent · important · major · star · top · top-tier · topmost · famous · renowned · celebrated · illustrious · towering · supreme · superior ·

I listed those words so we can get a picture of how we should see Christ.

The issue is we don’t see Christ that way!

When we see Christ correctly it will affect every area of our lives!

I have my priorities and my preferences but Christ is Preeminence!

First He is the Invisible Image of God

Paul establishes Christ preeminence by reminding us he is the image of invisible God. The God who we cant see has sent his son in the flesh to be born of a virgin. Paul suggested to the Corinthian Church in 2 Cor 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord ...(2 Co 4:3–5). Not only the image of God but the first born. what does that mean for us? Well he is what we are striving to be like! 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Ro 8:29–30).

Secondly By Him All things were created

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. (Col 1:16).

Thirdly He his the Head of the Church

18 And he is the head of the body, the church.

Surprise! Christ is the Head of the church. The church needs to let Christ do the thinking! The head as with our head everything flows. You hand does not move unless you first think it to move. All of our body parts are controlled by our head. So a man think so is he! So we must learn to appreciate the Head of the church. That first goes on to say:

He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. He died and on the first day of the week rose from the grave. His resurrection gives him preeminence. Barry white said it this way You're My First, The Last, My Everything" by Barry White

What does that all mean?

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, Jesus is so special that the fullness of God dwells. 100% God and 100% Humanity Jesus is so special God was pleased to dwell in him!

Look at verse 20

20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Col 1:18–20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Yes he is preeminence

16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (Jn 1:16).

We need to recognize where we once were. Alienated and Hostile!

The Works of the Late Reverend Robert Murray McCheyne, Volume 2 I. The past Condition of All Who Are Now Believers

1. Alienated.—This word is used three times: “Ye were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.” Eph. 2:12. “Alienated from the life of God.” Eph. 4:18. And again here. In all, it paints to the life the true character of every unconverted man.

The Works of the Late Reverend Robert Murray McCheyne, Volume 2 I. The past Condition of All Who Are Now Believers

2. Enemies in your minds.—This is more than estrangement. You may be strange to a man, and yet not hate him; but unconverted souls hate God.

I so glad he saved me.

Well, I don't posses houses or land Fine clothes or jewelry Sorrows and cares in this whole world my light seems to be But I have a Christ who paid the price Way back on Cavalry And, oh, He's all, all and all this world to me (this world to me)

Christ is all (Christ is all) Well, He's everything to me Don't you know that He's all (Well just 'ruse the world and see) He's all, He's all, He's all All and all this world to me (this world to me)

Well, there are some folk who look and long For this world's riches, oh, yes There some folk who look for power Position too, oh, yes But I have a Christ, all in my life This makes me happy And oh, He's all, all and all this world to me (this world to me)

Christ is all (Christ is all) Well, He's everything to me Don't you know that he's all Christ, just rules the land and sea He's all, He's all, He's all All and all this world to me (this world to me)

Well Christ is all Means more to me than this world's riches, oh, yes He's my sign, my God and light Through pathless seas It's might nice to have a Christ Who will your friend be, tell you He's all, all and all this world to me (this world to me)

Christ is all (Christ is all) Well, He's everything to me Don't you know that He's all Christ, He just rules the land and sea He's all, He's all, He's all All and all this world to me (this world to me)eminate he becomes your priority and Preference!