Who Is Jesus?

Colossians 1:15–20 (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.

DT:The believer must be confident in who Jesus is and teach others.

AIM: We will place our confidence in Jesus Christ and be grateful for His sacrifice.

Introduction: Identity is a buzz word in recent days. People are adamant about identity, whether it means who they are or whom they associate with. Lately it has become about gender, race and political affiliation.

We do not hear much about our Identity with Christ. In fact for many it is considered offensive to mention and acknowledge our identity with Jesus Christ.

Today, I want to help you stand firm in your confidence in your identity as a believer by understanding who Jesus is. I want you to leave today knowing who Jesus is and able to tell others who Jesus is.

Transition: We begin today with the description of Christ in verses 15-17. Jesus is God

Jesus Is God (vv.15-17)

“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.”

Paul begins to address some false teachings in the church about Jesus. These heretical teachings were that Jesus was only a man. They taught that angels were above Jesus.

Paul explains that Jesus is God in flesh because He is the image of God.

He Created All

He Sustains All

He Is to Be Glorified

Application: Seek fulfilment in Christ Jesus. Begin by glorifying Jesus. Worship Jesus with your entire heart. Know Jesus as God. The beginning and the creator of your life and the sustainer of your life. You are nothing without Jesus.

Transition: Paul further explains in the text before us that Jesus is the Head of the Church, look at verse 18.

Jesus Is The Head of The Church (v. 18)

“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.”

Paul points now to the order and the authority Christ has in the Church. Paul reminds them that this is Jesus’ church. Their reason for assembling is because of Jesus.

He founded the Church

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

He purposed the Church

Jesus is First and the Priority of the Church

Application: The Church is not a place for you to set up your own power base. The positions in the church are not of power but service. We are servants. We serve the Head of the Church Jesus! Begin seeing what you do in the church as a work for Christ.

Transition: Lastly, verses 19-20 shows us that Jesus is our Salvation

Christ Is Our Salvation (vv.19-20)

“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.”

God in flesh died for us

Reconciliation comes through Jesus

The Death of Jesus on the Cross is our substitution