Jesus Is First! Colossians 1:15-20 The Son is the image of the - - PDF document

6/18/2018 1 Jesus Is First!

Colossians 1:15-20

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn

• ver all creation. For in him all things were created; things

in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or ruler or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold

• together. 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. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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.

First Things First!

Jesus is first because Jesus is God!

Colossians 1:15 & 2:9, NIV

The Son is the image of the invisible God…in Christ, all the fullness

• f the Deity dwells in bodily form.

John 14:9, NIV

Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.

6/18/2018 2 Jesus First…Universe Second!

The God who came down is above creation!

Colossians 1:15 &17, NIV

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the FIRSTBORN over all creation…He is before all things…

“Firstborn”

• As a human being, Jesus was literally a “firstborn.”

[Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths, and placed him in a manger.

Luke 2:7, NIV

• As God, Jesus was figuratively the “firstborn” –

exalted as first (supreme) “over all creation.” (v.15)

And I will appoint him [David] to be my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth.

Psalm 89:27, NIV

Why “Firstborn Over All Creation”?

As the original source, Jesus made everything!

Colossians 1:16, NIV

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…

6/18/2018 3 Why “Firstborn Over All Creation”?

As the ultimate goal, Jesus will get the glory and title deed for everything!

Colossians 1:16, NIV

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.

Why “Firstborn Over All Creation”?

As the sustaining force, Jesus upholds everything!

Colossians 1:17, NIV

He is before all things, and IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER.

Reversing The Curse

Jesus is also first because he is the Redeemer of fallen creation!

Colossians 1:19-20, NIV

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 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.

6/18/2018 4 Joy To The World!

Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing Joy to the World! The Savior reigns Let men their tongues employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found

“Firstborn From Among The Dead”

Jesus is exalted as the first one to conquer death, ensuring the resurrection and eternal life of all who follow him!

Colossians 1:18, NIV

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.

Go Higher!

Let your heart and mind soar to the One who is above all!

Colossians 3:1-4, NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts

• n things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things…your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Your attitude is affected by your altitude!