THE ABSOLUTE SUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST

Colossians 1:15-20 "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 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. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

INTRODUCTION: The book of Colossians is about Jesus Christ. It is the most Christ-centered Book in the Bible. Its message is built around the theme of the supremacy if Christ. “Supremacy” means “a position of authority or authority over all others.” “Absolute” means “unbounded” and “out-and –out.” He is the exalted Christ, the sovereign Christ, the supreme Christ, and the One who is the Lord of all and over all. Christianity is a about a Person and that Person is Jesus Christ. Salvation in the plan of God is inseparably linked to the Lord Jesus Christ. When you come to experience God's salvation, you are brought into a relationship with Him. Acts 4:12 says, 'And there is salvation in no one else;' - in no other person. 'Jesus Christ is totally unique from every other human being who has ever existed or ever will exist. It is natural, then, for Satan to constantly distort and twist the truth concerning Jesus Christ as he opposes and attacks the work of God in salvation. Satan desires that men, women and young people will be confused regarding Jesus Christ - who He really is and what He really accomplished in His death and resurrection.

I. A PORTAIT OF REPRESENTATION: He is the Manifestation of God (v. 15) “He is the image of the invisible God”

1. His image as God (v. 15a) “He is the image of the invisible God”

2. His identity as God “the first-born over all creation”

II. A PORTRAIT OF REVELATION: He is the Creator of Life (vvs. 16-17) ”All things were created through Him and for Him.”

1. His procedure as the Originator (v. 16a) “for by Him all things were created”

1). Christ caused “For by Him all things were created”

2). Christ centered “All things were created through Him”
3). Christ controlled “All things were created…for Him”

2. His process as Sustainer (v. 17) “In Him all things consist”

1). The priority (v. 17a) “He is before all things”

2). The preservation (v. 17b) “In Him all things consist”

III. A PORTRAIT OF RELATIONSHIP: He is the Head of the Church (vvs.18-19) “He is Head of the body”

1. His leadership “He is the Head of the church"

2. His life “The firstborn from the dead”
3. His loyalty ”That in all things He may have the preeminence”
4. His likeness (v. 19) “In Him all the fullness should dwell”

IV. A PORTRAIT OF RECONCILIATION: He is the Peacemaker (vvs. 20-23) “Having made peace”

1. The plan of reconciliation (v. 20a) “To reconcile the world to Himself”
2. The price of reconciliation (v. 20b) “Having made peace through the blood”
3. The power of reconciliation (v. 21) “Who once were, alienated and enemies of Your mind by wicked works”

4. The purpose of reconciliation (v. 22) “To present you holy”
5. The proof of reconciliation (v. 23) “grounded & steadfast”

CONCLUSION: In closing, remember:

1. Christ is present in many lives through redemption.

2. Christ is prominent in several lives through consecration.

3. Christ is preeminent in a few lives through a full commitment.

By Gerald Steffy