Jesus Above Everything- Overview of Colossians
Colossians - Jesus Above Everything • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 3 viewsAn overview of the Book of Colossians
Notes
Transcript
Introduction and Background:
Introduction and Background:
Opening Illustration:
Imagine standing at the foot of a majestic mountain, its peak piercing the sky. As you take in its grandeur, every other hill and ridge fades into insignificance.
That’s how the book of Colossians presents Jesus—not just a part of life, but supreme over all creation, over all philosophies, and all religions.
This letter is a call to lift our eyes above the clutter and confusion of life to see Jesus for who He truly is: above everything.
Today, as we begin our journey through Colossians, I want to start with the story behind this letter
In your notes you see some of the details about this book,
it was written by the apostle Paul while He was in Prison in Rome sometime between AD 60 & 62.
It was written to the church in Colossae
The City:
Colossae was a small, culturally diverse city in Asia Minor, located along a major trade route.
It was once a prominent city but By Paul’s time it had declined.Historians say that there were only about 8,000 people living in this town,.
I love this… Colossae was like small town Iowa—
and yet that is where God ordained that His inspired letter should be delivered. Pretty Cool,
God doesn’t reserve His work for the big and impressive.
He often chooses to move in the quiet, overlooked places, reminding us that no city, no person, is too small for the gospel and for God to use in Great ways.
This church in Colossae was Unlike all the other churches Paul wrote to.
He wrote letters to many churches including the Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Thessalonians, and even the church of Rome - All of which are churches that he personal had a hand in planting and discipling,
But Colossians is the exception.
In fact, Paul had never even visited this city (Colossians 2:1).
In Acts 16:6-7, the Holy Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia Minor, redirecting them away from their planned route.
This divine guidance ultimately led to the gospel's expansion into Europe, demonstrating God's sovereign timing in the spread of His message.
But guess what Happened?
During Paul’s ministry in Ephesus -the place God told Him to Go(Acts 19:10), God’s Soverign Plan came to fruition, A Man from Colossea named Epaphras heard the gospel, believed, and took it back to his hometown of Colossae.
In Colossians 1:7-8,We see that it was Epaphras who shared the gospel, discipled new believers, and founded the Colossian church.
This church in this little small town was a beautiful picture of discipleship in action.
Epaphras wasn’t an apostle or a pastor. He was an ordinary believer who shared the gospel where God had placed him.
And through his obedience, an entire community was transformed and the world was impacted for Jesus.
So why did Paul write this letter?
Like many churches in the Roman Empire, the Colossians faced significant challenges:
So why did Paul write this letter?
Like many churches in the Roman Empire, the Colossians faced significant challenges:
Their community was a cultural crossroads, blending Greek philosophy, Roman paganism, and Eastern mysticism, with A strong Jewish presence pushing Old Testament legalism.
Sound familiar church?
The Colossians were being pulled in multiple directions. They were tempted to add human traditions and philosophies to the gospel. They were tempted to accept other peoples false doctrines into the truth of the gospel,
Paul wrote this letter to remind them—and us—that Jesus is enough.
He wanted to refute false teachings. To reaffirm the supremacy of Christ, and To encourage believers to live out their faith in light of Jesus’ preeminence.
He wanted the church to fall in Love with Jesus- and to place Him Above Everything else
He wanted the church to fall in Love with Jesus- and to place Him Above Everything else
Paul uses this letter to exalt Jesus, showing that He is:
Supreme over creation (Colossians 1:15-17).
Supreme Over Salvation (Colossians 1:13-14).
Supreme over the church (Colossians 1:18-23).
and Supreme over our lives (Colossians 2:9-10).
Paul’s message in Colossians is timeless. In a world full of distractions and competing ideologies, Colossians calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who is truly above everything.
Now that we’ve explored the background, let’s look at a fly over view of the letter itself.
Paul’s Introduction and Prayer
Paul’s Introduction and Prayer
[Chapter 1: 1-2: A Greeting of Grace and Peace]
Paul opens his letter with a warm greeting, addressing the Colossian believers as faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.
He says Grace to you and Peace from God our Father, immediately He sets a tone of encouragement and unity in the gospel.
[Chapter 1: 3-14: Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession]
Paul Then in the next 9 verses prays, thanking God for the Colossians’ faith and their love for one another
His prayer for them is rich and specific:
In verses 9-14 He prays for the church
That they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (v. 9).
That their lives would be pleasing to the Lord (vv. 10-11).
and That they would be thankful for their salvation(vv. 12-14).
Transition:
This prayer sets the stage for the heart of Paul’s letter: a declaration of Christ’s supremacy.
look with me at Paul’s stunning portrait of Christ in the next verses.
Christ’s Supremacy Over Creation (Colossians 1:15-20)
Christ’s Supremacy Over Creation (Colossians 1:15-20)
He writes:
Colossians 1:15–20 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
This passage is one of the most profound declarations about Jesus in the entire Bible.
In these verses Paul paints a picture of the supremacy of Jesus in three different roles:
His relationship to God,
His relationship to creation,
and His role in holding all things together.
1. Christ: The Image of the Invisible God
1. Christ: The Image of the Invisible God
Paul begins by declaring, “He is the image of the invisible God” (v. 15). The Greek word we translate into image is eikōn.
This word does not mean a mere reflection or likeness, but the exact representation and manifestation of God himself.
There are many religions out there that want you to beleive that Jesus was not God himself, Dont be fooled - Jesus is not a shadow or replica—He is the very essence of God made visible to humanity.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.
The Word is Jesus and then in verse 14 we read
John 1:14 (ESV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 1:3 expands further: “He [JESUS] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature.”
What Paul is saying is that Jesus is supreme because He is equal with God- becausde He IS GOD.
Church- If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus—He is the exact representation of God, the visible image of the invisible Creator, radiating His glory and upholding the universe by His power.
2. Christ: The Firstborn Over All Creation
2. Christ: The Firstborn Over All Creation
Paul continues in verse 15 and says, “He is the firstborn of all creation” .
This doesn’t mean Jesus was created first—Paul is not suggesting He had a beginning.
In ancient cultures, the firstborn son held the place of honor and inheritance.
The term “firstborn”refers to rank, authority, and preeminence.
~Paul uses this term to declare that Jesus is supreme over all creation—He is the rightful heir and ruler of everything.
John again clarifies this for us in John 1:3 :
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
What Paul and John are saying is that Jesus is supreme because He is not a part of creation; He is over creation in rank in order and in supremacy.
3. Christ: The Creator of All Things
3. Christ: The Creator of All Things
In verse 16 Paul explains what it means for Jesus to be over creation:
Col 1:16
Colossians 1:16 (ESV)
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.
This statement leaves no room for doubt: There is nothing in creation that Jesus did not Create
Everything exists because of Him
But Not only is Jesus the Creator—He is also the purpose for all creation.
All Creation was designed by Christ, breathed into existence through Christ, and created for the glory of Christ.
Friends what this means is that Every star that shines, every wave that crashes, and every breath we take exists to glorify Christ.
Romans 11:36 proclaims this truth:
Romans 11:36 (ESV)
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
4. Christ: The Sustainer of All Things
4. Christ: The Sustainer of All Things
Paul continues to build upon the supremacy of Jesus over all things in verse 17
Colossians 1:17 (ESV)
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Not only is Creation from Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus- it is also held together By Jesus.
He didn’t create the world and leave it to run on its own.
Every moment, Every speck of creation- He upholds and sustains by His Own power.
The laws of physics work because Christ holds them in place.
The planets orbit the sun because He commands it to be so.
Your heart beats, your lungs fill with air, and your cells function because of His sustaining power.
Christ is supreme Because He is the one who holds all things together!
5. Christ: The Fullness of God and the Reconciler
5. Christ: The Fullness of God and the Reconciler
Paul concludes this section on the supremacy of Christ with a stunning declaration in verses 19-20:
Colossians 1:19–20 (ESV)
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Jesus is supreme over all creation because He is not partially divine or simply a reflection of God. He is fully God in every way.
and It was through this supremacy that He was qualified to reconcile sinful creation back to God!
Transition
Transition
Chapter one gives us a breathtaking foundation for Christ’s supremacy:
He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Purpose of all things, He is the Fullness of God, and the Reconciler of all creation through His blood.
Everything exists because of Him, and through Him, and for Him.
Church- if that doesn’t make you want to fall in love with Jesus I dont know what Will?
From this foundation, we now turn to chapter 2, where we see Christ’s supremacy in our salvation.
Chapter 2: The Supremacy of Christ Over Salvation
Chapter 2: The Supremacy of Christ Over Salvation
In the first few verses of chapter 2, Paul warns the Colossians about the danger of losing sight of Jesus: Listen to what He says in verses 6-8
Col 2:6-9
Colossians 2:6–9 (ESV)
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,
Paul knows how easily the heart can be led astray by false teachings, empty philosophies, and traditions that distract from the gospel
and so He reminds the church that in Christ, we have already received the fullness of God—there is nothing more we need.
In the next few verses Paul reminds the church of the TRUTH
He wants them to remember
The Breathtaking Reality of Salvation
The Breathtaking Reality of Salvation
Colossians 2:13–15 (ESV)
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Church -Jesus is supreme over your Salvation- meaning there is no salvation without Christ!
look at the gospel message in these verses
We Were Dead in Sin:
verse 13 reminds us of our total depravity- We were dead in our sins,”
Before Christ, we were spiritually lifeless, incapable of responding to God or saving ourselves.
Paul is reminding the church of how destitute they once where before Jesus,
He is saying “you who once were dead- you who once were incapable of ever saving yourself…..
We Are Made Alive in Christ:
“…God made [you] alive together with CHRIST, having forgiven us all our SINS.” (v. 13).
What an amazing truth,,,,
Through Jesus, God did the work of salvation in your life-he did what you could never do- He brought you from death to life.
then in verse 14 it tells us how …..“By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (v. 14).
Our Debt Is Canceled:
The record of our sins—every failure, every rebellious act , and every ounce of guilt and shame —has been paid for in full!
Why- Because Jesus was supreme over our salvation.
Jesus nailed every one of your sins to the cross, taking the punishment we deserved.
Christ Triumphed Over Evil:
In verse 15 Paul drives this point home
Colossians 2:15 (ESV)
15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
The cross was not a defeat but a victory. Jesus conquered sin, death, and every power of darkness.
Christ was supreme over all evil
This passage in chapter 2 leaves no room for doubt: our salvation is entirely the work of Christ.
He is supreme because only He could take us from death to life,
Only He could cancel the debt of our sin,
and only He has the authority and Power to defeat the powers of darkness in this world.
If you have trusted in Jesus ads your savior that You can have total peace in your life Because You can be sure- the Jesus was supreme over your salvation!
This truth is the turning point in Paul’s letter.
If Jesus is supreme over all creation and is supreme in our salvation, then He must also become supreme in the way we live our lives as his church.
In chapter 3, Paul challenges the redeemed church to put off the old self and put on the new.
Chapter 3: The Supremacy of Christ in our Lives
Chapter 3: The Supremacy of Christ in our Lives
he begins with a powerful call in verses 1-2
Col 3:1-2
Colossians 3:1–2 (ESV)
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
If we truly belong to Christ, if we’ve been raised with Him, then our lives must be focused on Him.
Paul is urging believers to shift their perspective from earthly desires to heavenly priorities.
Skip: In verse 1 he said “Seek the the things that are above…and then in verse 2 He says to Set your mind on things above not on the things of this earth.
"To ‘seek the things above’ is to value what Christ values.
To ‘set your minds on things above’ is to let His priorities shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions."
Church, if we belong to Christ, our lives must reflect His priorities, with our hearts and minds fixed on what is eternal rather than what is earthly.
Putting Off the Old Self
Putting Off the Old Self
in verses 5-9 Paul exhorts tghe church to put off the old self
The sinful selfish desires of the old man
Colossians 3:5 (ESV)
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Friends - Falling in love with Jesus means falling out of love with sin.
When we see Christ for who He truly is, the old self—our sinful wants and desires and behaviors—has no place in our lives.
and then in verses 10-14 He tells the christin to put on Christ likeness
His point is that when Jesus is supreme in your life you will have…
Compassion for others.
Kindness in your words and actions.
Humility that puts others before yourselves.
Meekness and patience in how you respond.
Forgiveness as Christ has forgiven you.
and above all else- you will have Love for one another , which binds all these virtues together.
Church- When Christ is supreme in our hearts, we don’t just try harder to be better people.
We are transformed by His power, Through His working, becoming more like Him in every way, all for His own glory!
If Christ is supreme than than the fruit your life produces will look more and more like Him
Chapter 3:18-4:1: A Christ-Centered Relationships
Chapter 3:18-4:1: A Christ-Centered Relationships
Paul continues on with practical instructions for how Christ’s supremacy should impact our relationships, beginning with the home.
Wives are called to submit—not out of inferiority, but as an act of trust in the Lord’s design.
Husbands are called to love their wives with the same sacrificial love that Christ showed for the church.
Children are called to obey, not out of fear, but because it pleases the Lord.
Fathers are called to encourage, not provoke.
Employees are called to work Hard as if they are working for the Lord
Employers are called to treat those under them with fairness and justice,
Key Insight:
The Point Paul wants to communicate is that When Jesus is truly preeminent, it will transform every relationship in your life.
Transition:
Paul’s letter draws to a close in chapter 4 with practical, yet profound instructions for the church.
If Christ is above everything—if He is preeminent in creation, and in our salvation, and our in our daily lives—then His supremacy must also drive our mission and our priorities as believers and as the Church.
Chapter 4: The Supremacy of Christ in Our Mission
Chapter 4: The Supremacy of Christ in Our Mission
Paul begins chapter 4 with a call to prayer:
He says Col 4:2-3
Colossians 4:2–3 (ESV)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
Christian The More you know Jesus - The more supreme He becomes in your lives- the more you realize how dependent upon Him we become.
In verses 5-6 He exhorts the church to walk wisely in this world - Because our lives are what will point people to Jesus
Verses 7-18: Investing in the Kingdom
Verses 7-18: Investing in the Kingdom
And Finally -Paul concludes this letter by mentioning faithful servants who have labored for Christ.
The point here is simple, When Christ is above all else- it will compel us to invest our time, energy, and lives in His mission.
When we fall in love with Jesus, Making and equipping More Discipels will be the natural result-
When Christ is preeminent in your life, You will remain faithful to Christ!
Bring It Home: Jesus Above Everything
Bring It Home: Jesus Above Everything
As we step back and look at the book of Colossians as a whole, one message rises above everything else: Jesus is preeminent.
He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
He is the Redeemer who brought us from death to life.
He is the Transformer who changes our hearts and lives.
He is the One who drives our mission and compels us to invest in His kingdom.
But here’s the question:
Is Jesus above everything in your life?
Is He above your ambitions, your desires, your relationships, your lifestyle, your hobbies, your comfort?
Is Jesus truly the center of your decisions, your worship, and your love?
Does your life reflect the reality that Jesus is supreme over all creation and worthy of everything you have?
Challenge:
Church, when we see Jesus for who He truly is it ought to challenge us to surrender more, worship deeper, and love Him above all else.
Church I urge you to Fall in love with Jesus, the One who is supreme over all things, the One who gave everything to save us, and the One who holds us all together.
Let’s pray.
