The Preeminent Christ – Part 2 – Colossians 1:18-19

Eighth lesson in a verse by verse series through the Epistle of Colossians. This lesson explores Christ’s preeminence in relation to the church. Message includes an extensive list of the names and titles of Christ.

1. This section: The exaltation of the Preeminent Christ
2. Key phrase – “…that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Vs. 18). ‘preeminence’ means “to have first place.” Speaks of a position of priority and authority.
3. Christ’s preeminence is demonstrated in two areas: The material creation of the universe & the spiritual creation of the church
4. In these verses, Christ’s preeminence in relation to the Church is seen in 4 ways.

Jesus Christ is…

The Head of the Church (Vs. 18a)

The meaning

1. Speaks of Position
   1. No human head (e.g. the pope)
   2. Other titles that teach the same truth: Chief Shepherd
   3. Speaks of Authority
      1. The mind of Christ its rule
      2. Christ-centered rather than man-centered
      3. Scripture-driven rather than results driven
   4. Speaks of Life (2:19)
   5. Speaks of Unity (2:19)

The organism

1. The church is a body
   1. A body is an organism
   2. A body is unified
2. The church is an assembly
   1. A called out assembly The importance of distinction and holiness The importance of separation
   2. A local assembly

The Originator of the Church (Vs. 18b)

His by right of His Promise

1. Matthew 16:18 “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
2. Note: To believe the church started at Pentecost is to attribute the founding of the church to the Holy Spirit rather than to Christ Himself. In Acts 1:13-15 we find 120 believers assembled together. The converts of Acts 2:41-42 are then ‘added’ to that number.

His by right of His Sacrifice

1. Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
2. Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
3. Illustration: Adam a type of Christ. Eve taken from the side of Adam. Church, the bride of Christ, formed through Christ’s wounded side.

The Firstborn of the Church (Vs. 18c)

1. ‘Firstborn’ – first in rank and importance (position)
2. Christ is often referred to as the ‘Firstborn’ in Scripture
   1. Firstborn amongst many brethren (Rom 8:29)
   2. Firstborn of creation (Col. 1:15)
   3. Firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18)
   4. Firstborn of the church (Heb. 12:23)
3. Reference to the resurrection of Christ
   1. The Resurrection: The most important event that forms the foundation of the church.
   2. The Superiority of Christ’s resurrection
      1. Involved the Father, Son and Spirit
      2. Resurrected, never to die again.

The Preeminence of the Church (Vs. 18d-19)

The Scope of His Preeminence (18d)

1. ‘that’ = reveals the purpose of the previous statements
2. “all things” = every area
   1. Christ-centered motives
   2. Christ-centered goals
   3. Christ-centered glory
   4. ‘preeminence’ = first place

The Reason for His Preeminence (19)

1. It’s Source – The Father
2. It’s Nature – Permanent
3. It’s Scope – Complete
4. Phil 2:5-11
   R.G. Lee (Christ Above All): “Jesus is heaven’s bread for earth’s hunger, heaven’s water for earth’s thirst, heaven’s light for earth’s guilt, heaven’s beauty for earth’s ugliness, heaven’s wisdom for earth’s folly, heaven’s peace for earth’s strife, heaven’s justification for earth’s condemnation, heaven’s salvation for earth’s damnation.”
   He is the Ancient of Days, Adam the second, the Anointed, the Author of our faith,
   Author of Eternal Salvation, the Amen, the Almighty, the Alpha, and our Advocate.
   He is the Beginning, the Begotten, the Beloved Son, the Branch, the Bread of life, the Bridegroom, the Bright and Morning Star, the Brightness of the Father’s glory.
   He is our Captain, our Consolation, the Chief Cornerstone, the Creator, the Counsellor, the Chosen of God, the Chief Shepherd, and the Christ.
   He is the Deliverer, the Daystar, the Dayspring, the Door, and the Desire of all nations.
   He is the Elect of God, the End, the Everlasting Father and Emmanuel.
   He is the Finisher of the faith, Friend, Friend of sinners, First Fruits, the First and Last, First Begotten, Forerunner, Faithful Witness, Fountain of life and the Fairest among ten thousand.
   He is God, the Gift of God, Governor, Guide, the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, the Gate, the Glory of the Lord, Governor, Great High Priest, Greater than Jonah, Greater than Solomon, and Glorious Lord.
   He is Help, Hope, Horn of Salvation, Head of the Church, Heir of all things, High Priest, the Holy One – Holy One of God & Holy One of Israel & Horn of Salvation.
   He is the I AM, Inheritance, & Image of God.
   He is the Just One, the Judge, Jehovah and Jesus.
   He is the King – King of the Ages, King of Eternity, King of Glory, King everlasting, King of the Jews, King of Israel, & King of kings.
   He is the Leader, the Life, Light of the world, Love, Lily of the valleys, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Lamb of God, Lawgiver, the Living Stone, the Lord – the Lord of glory, the Lord our Righteousness & Lord of lords.
   He is the Man of Sorrows, Morning Star, Messiah, Mediator, Master, Mighty One, Mighty God.
   He is a Nazarene.
   He is the Offspring of David, Offering and Offerer, Omega & Only Begotten Son,.
   He is Priest, Passover, Potentate, Prophet, Propitiation, Prince of life, Prince of peace, Physician.
   He is the Righteous, Rabbi, Ransom, Rest, Root of Jesse, Rose of Sharon, Root of David, Refiner, Refuge, Resurrection, Ruler, Redeemer and the Rock.
   He is the Son – Son of David, Son of Abraham, Sun of Righteousness, Son of man, Son of the Blessed, Son of the Highest, Son of God, Shield, Servant, Shiloh, Stone, Shepherd, Seed of the woman, Sufferer, Saviour, Sinless Sacrifice the Same yesterday, today and forever.
   He is Teacher, the Truth, Tabernacle, Testator, Treasurer, Tree of Life, the True Vine & True Light.
   He is Witness, the Word of God, the Way the Wisdom of God, the Wonderful.

Conclusion: Give Him the Preeminence

1. Preeminence in your life – salvation and surrender.
2. Preeminence in your family – marriage, home
3. Preeminence in the church

Sermon 8 of 28 in Colossians Series

Sermon Audio Id: 723162219460