Giving Christ The Preeminence Colossians 1 18 Colossians

Giving Christ The Preeminence Colossians 1: 18

Colossians 1: 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” 2

Introduction We must give Christ the “preeminence” This is our primary responsibility This is theme of Colossians He is preeminent (first in rank or influence) He is the firstborn over all creation - vss. 15 -17 He is the firstborn of the dead - vs. 18 We must acknowledge this and give Christ the preeminence in our lives 3

Give Christ Preeminence In Our Salvation Only “in Christ” can we … Be delivered from the power of darkness - vs. 13 Be translated (conveyed) into His Kingdom - vs. 13 Be redeemed or forgiven of our sins - vs. 14 Be reconciled to God - vss. 19 -23 Have hope in heaven - Colossians 1: 3 -5 Our salvation & hope in Him are conditional Colossians 1: 23; 2: 11 -13; Acts 2: 38 4

Give Christ Preeminence In The Church Christ is the Head of the church Colossians 1: 18; 2: 19 All authority comes from the Head - Matthew 28: 18 His word must be final in any controversy We will be judged by His word - John 12: 48 Christ, not man, is to be glorified in the Church Ephesians 3: 21; Romans 11: 36 5

Give Christ Preeminence In Our Teaching, Preaching & Practice We must not yield to… Human philosophy - Colossians 2: 1 -10 The Old Testament Law - Colossians 2: 14 -17 Human traditions or religious regulations Colossians 2: 18 -23 We must “hold fast” to the Head - Colossians 2: 18 -19 Hebrews 2: 1 -3; 1 Thessalonians 5: 21; 2 Timothy 1: 13 Hebrews 3: 6; 4: 14; 10: 23; Revelation 2: 24 -25; 3: 3 6

Give Christ Preeminence In Our Minds and Hearts Paul contrasts the results of… An earth-centered mind - Colossians 3: 5 -9 A Christ-centered mind - Colossians 3: 12 -17 Which mind do you have? - 1 Corinthians 2: 16 Is the “mind of Christ” in you? - Philippians 2: 5 -11 Have a mind of humble obedience - James 4: 7 -10 7

Give Christ Preeminence In Our Homes In the husband-wife relationship Behave as “it is fitting in the Lord” - Colossians 3: 18 -1 In the parent-child relationship Behave “well pleasing to the Lord” - Colossians 3: 20 -21 “bring up” children to please God - Eph. 6: 4; 1 Tim. 5: 10 Children are to honor and obey parents “in the Lord” Ephesians 6: 1 -3 8

Give Christ Preeminence In Our Workplaces Servants, behave as to the Lord Colossians 3: 22 -25; cf. Ephesians 6: 5 -8 Masters, knowing you have a Master in heaven Colossians 4: 1; cf. Ephesians 6: 9 9

Give Christ Preeminence In Our Salvation The Church Our Teaching, Preaching & Practice Our Minds and Hearts Our Homes Our Workplaces 10

Colossians 3: 17 “Do All In The Name Of The Lord” Alien sinners must… § § § Hear the Gospel – Romans 10: 17 Believe the Gospel – John 8: 24 Repent of Your Sins – Acts 17: 30 Confess Your Faith in Christ Before Men – Matthew 10: 32 Be Baptized in Water to Wash Away Thy Sins – Acts 2: 38 Erring children of God must… § Repent & Pray for Forgiveness – Acts 8: 21 -23 Christians must live “faithful unto death” § Revelation 2: 10 11