The Preeminence of Christ

Jeremy Bell
Colossians 1:15-20
December 11, 2022
Sermon Recap PDF

Main Theme: Christ is preeminent over all things; He is Lord of all creation and He is Lord of all salvation.

• In this text notice seven times that Paul says that Christ is head over all
  • Firstborn of all creation
  • By Him all things were created
  • He is before all things
  • In Him all things hold together
  • He’s wanting us to see the supremacy of Christ in every corner of life!
• v.15 – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” The author of the Hebrews says it this way: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3)”
• When we want to know what God is like, we look at Christ!
• Christ is…“The firstborn of all creation.” This means that Christ is of the highest rank.
• v.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.”

“From all eternity, God sovereignly ordained all that exists and all that occurs in His creation, in order to display the fulness of His glory…Yet God, in His foreordination, is not the author of sin, nor do His decrees negate the will of His creatures, who act with the power of willing choice in accord with their nature.” — Sovereign Grace Statement of Faith, p. 16

• v.17 – “And He is before all things…” Christ is before all things, which means that nothing comes to Him as a surprise.
• v. 17 – “In Him all things hold together” Christ is not only creator of all things, but He extends His almighty power over all things by holding them together.
• The author of the Hebrews says it this way ”He upholds the universe by the word of His power” – Heb. 1:3
• God keeps that which He has created, which includes you! He doesn’t just create us and let us go. He holds all things in your life together.

When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast – He Will Hold Me Fast

“God works all things together for your good. If the waves roll against you, it only speeds your ship towards the port.” — Charles Spurgeon

• Sometimes we feel tossed around by the storms of life. But Christians can rest in the sovereign hand of Christ, who is before all things, and holds all things together.
• v.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.”
• Christ is the head of His bride, the church. Christ loves His church, He died for His church, He comforts His church, He protects His church, He will see His church prevail. The church receives its nourishment from our head, Christ.
• v.18 – “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent”
• Christ is preeminent over death!  Christ defeated death and the grave. He rose again, victoriously.
• Christ is the firstborn from the dead. He is leading the way out of the grave. Praise God believers will rise from the dead to eternal life!
• He’s the firstborn from the dead, He’s leading the way!

“I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” — Revelation 22:13

“As the exalted Lord, Christ reigns with all authority as universal king, and head of His church, governing the affairs of men and nations and empowering His people to be victorious over sin and Satan.” –Sovereign Grace Statement of Faith

• v.19 – “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” This reminds us of John’s words — “And we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).”
• v.20 – “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.” Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!

Questions for Discussion/Application

• Re-read the text, Colossians 1:15-20. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage?
• Take a few moments, and look closely at the passage.  What truths about who Christ is that we see in this passage, resonate most deeply with you?
• Re-read verse 17. As an application of that verse, Jeremy mentioned “Sometimes we feel tossed around by the storms of life. But Christians can rest in the sovereign hand of Christ, who is before all things, and holds all things together.” What does it look like practically for us to rest in the sovereign hand of Christ?
• When we have a “big vision” of the glory and preeminence Christ, what can that do for us practically?
• In what situations are you finding yourself today where you need to really trust in the sovereign Christ who reigns over all?
• Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us by faith to behold the glory of Christ and thereby to trust him more.