Colossians 1:15-29
This crisis has somehow placed a spotlight on our faith and indeed true believers follow Jesus. However, there are some who questions why we follow Jesus. I think the better question is why not? Why don’t you follow Him if you know who He is?
And for some who is saying that Jesus was just a figment of imagination, you cannot just deny the fact that Jesus existed on earth more than a couple of thousand years ago. Writers have written about His existence like Josephus, Jewish historian and Tacitus a Roman historian between about the 1st and 2nd century A.D.
In this message, I will share 3 compelling reasons why, using Colossians 1:15-29 as we’ve been studying this letter of Paul to the early church in Colossae since last week.
1. The supremacy of Jesus in creation.
“15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
· Jesus is the creator God.
· He is the exact image of the unseen God. (see also v.19)
· He is the Son of God.
· He is supreme over all creation.
· He is the Lord.
Romans 10, “9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
2. The supremacy of Jesus in the church.
“18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”
· Paul uses the analogy of the human body to teach that Jesus gives life and direction to His church.
· Jesus has changed the way we do church today.
· Believers have been challenged to persevere. v.23.
3. The supreme authority of Jesus in the ministry.
26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”
· The goal of our ministries is to proclaim Jesus.
· We proclaim that Jesus has reconciled us to His Father.
· We proclaim to the world that there is forgiveness in Christ.
Friends, we believe that there will be more ministry opportunities that Jesus will open for each one of us, as He continues to direct and guide His church. But as I end this message, I encourage you to continue following Jesus. Yield to his direction and proclaim Him to those who have not known Him yet, especially now that we see the day of the Lord is quickly coming.