December 5, 2019
A Polarizing Person
Colossians 1:15–20
Jonathan Pokluda
Central Truth
Jesus is who the Bible says He is.
Key Verse | Colossians 1:19-20
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:15–20
The Preeminence of Christ
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by 1 1:16 That is, by means of; or in 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.
Dive Deeper | Colossians 1:15–20
Remember that dress from years ago that divided our country? Some saw blue and black, and other really brilliant people saw white and gold (#TeamWhiteandGold). Be it politics, denominations, or the right way to face the toilet paper roll—we have plenty to argue about. None of these is more polarizing or more important than who Jesus is. Since He showed up in a manger 2,019 years ago, people have disagreed about who He is, and it really matters. Some say He's just a man, others say He's a prophet. Colossians 1 clears this all up and leaves no questions.
1. He is the visible image of the invisible God. Jesus is the representation and manifestation of God. (John 14:9)
2. He is firstborn over creation. Jesus existed before and is sovereign over all of creation.
3. He created and sustains all things. Abraham Kuyper said, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, MINE!" (John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2)
4. He is the head of the Church. Our head tells our body what to do. Likewise, Jesus is the head over His body, the Church. We do as He pleases.
5. He is the firstborn from among the dead. He not only was resurrected from the dead, but He is seated in "the highest place" and has been given "the name that is above every name." (Philippians 2:9, NIV)
6. He is fully God. Enough said. (Colossians 2:9)
7. He is the reconciler of all things. Imagine a movie where a child is taken from his or her family. Then, someone with special skills is hired to go and find the child and bring him or her back to the father. This is Jesus in the gospel. Jesus turns the enemies of God into friends by His blood shed on the cross. He paid a price for our sins, purchasing us back to the Father. That's good news!
I don't care what you saw in the dress, but make sure you know who Jesus is.
Discussion Questions
1. Who do you think most people believe Jesus is?
2. How would your life look different if you actually believed Him to be the Creator God?
3. What does Colossians 1:19 mean?
4. How are you doing at being the hands and feet of Jesus?