Reaching the World

                                                           Sunday School Lesson

                                 

Lesson: Colossians 4:1-6                                                                                       
Golden Text: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5).

INTRODUCTION.  This week’s lesson gives us instructions on how to reach out to others with the message of Christ that we have received.  Each of us has a different personality, different relationships, and different opportunities.  Yet there are essential spiritual activities for us all.  Every Christian can accomplish these tasks.  Each Christian has a unique opportunity to impact the world for Christ.

II. RELATIONSHIPS WITH SERVANTS (Colossians 4:1).  In the previous chapter (Colossians 3:18-25), the Apostle Paul gave instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants.  He continues in this verse saying “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”  In the times of the Roman Empire, “servants” were actually slaves.  They were considered property and were treated as harshly as their masters desired.  Those Colossians who were “masters” or slave owners, and were now believers were instructed to treat their servants “just and equal.” In other words “masters” were to treat their servants with fairness and equity and provide what was right and fair.  By application for today, employers, especially Christian employers should pay fair wages and treat their employees justly.  In addition leaders should take care of their volunteers and not abuse them.  If you have responsibility over others, make sure you do what is right and fair.  Paul said that the reason we are to respond this way is because “ye also have a Master in heaven.”  Leaders in any arena are reminded that they too have a “Master.”  Whatever position of leadership we may have, we were placed there by God (see Psalms 75:6-7; Daniel 2:20-21).  Since Christ is our Master who is in heaven, we serve Him and are to follow His example.  Christ treats His children with love and respect, and that is what masters and all employers today should do as well.

III. RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LORD’S SERVANTS (Colossians 4:2-4)

A. Earnest prayer (Colossians 4:2).  Now Paul tells his readers what they have to do to be able to live by what he taught.  He exhorted the Colossians to “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”  Three characteristics of their prayers are mentioned here.

1.  First, they were to “Continue in prayer.”  In other words, they were to be persistent in prayer.  The word “continue” in Greek means “to persevere” or to “be constantly diligent.”  This is the same idea that Paul presented in I Thessalonians 5:17 when he wrote, “Pray without ceasing.”  This does not mean that a person should pray all day and do nothing else.  Instead, it is an attitude of prayer that is constant and results in many short prayers throughout the day.  Being in an attitude of constant prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for all things.

2.  Second, they were to “watch” in prayer.  The word translated “watch” means “to stay awake” and indicates spiritual alertness.  A synonym for “watch” is “vigilance” which speaks of being watchful and alert, especially to guard against danger.

3.  The third characteristic of prayer mentioned is “thanksgiving.”  We should be alert to recognize answered prayer.  Giving God thanks is repeated numerous times in Colossians (see Colossians 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17).  It is always good to be grateful (see Philippians 4:6-7).

B.  Specific prayer (Colossians 4:3-4).

1. (vs. 3).  As the Colossians were encouraged to pray constantly, Paul added “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.”  The phrase “Withal praying also for us” indicates Paul’s desire that the Colossians remember him and his coworkers in their prayers.  This is a reminder that we should not only pray for ourselves, but we should spend a lot of time lifting others and their needs to God.  We should especially pray for those in the Lord’s work, such as pastors and missionaries.  They are constant targets of the evil one, who does not want them to have success in their ministries.  Specifically, Paul wanted the Colossians to pray that “God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”  He wanted God to open doors of opportunity for him and his coworkers.  Paul often referred to opportunities for ministry as open doors (see I Corinthians 16:9; II Corinthians 2:12).  It’s not possible for us to minister if a door is closed before us.  It’s only when God swings a door open that we can proceed in ministry.  Paul was especially interested in opportunities to explain “the mystery of Christ.”  He had spoken of this “mystery” earlier (see Colossians 1:24-28).  There he identified the “mystery” as the church which was unknown in the Old Testament but now had become a reality made up of Jews and Gentiles because of salvation in Jesus Christ.  The word “mystery” refers to something that was once hid in the mind of God but is now revealed to those who are spiritually able to receive it.  Paul also said that sharing this message was the reason “for which I am also in bonds.”  Although Paul was already being held a prisoner for preaching the gospel, he still wanted his readers to pray that he could continue to spread that message.

2. (vs. 4).  In this verse Paul gives another reason why he wanted the Colossians to continue to pray for him.  He said so “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”  Paul felt compelled to preach the gospel message (see I Corinthians 9:16).  He wanted to “make it manifest” meaning he wanted to continue to spread the Word “as I ought to speak” or as he was obligated to do.  Nothing was going to stop Paul from spreading the gospel.  He puts many of us to shame with his eagerness to share God’s Word, exposing our reluctance to speak up for Jesus.

IV. RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS (Colossians 4:5-6)

A.  Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5).  In this verse, Paul addresses the witness of his readers.  He directed them to “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.  The phrase “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” means that the Colossians were to be wise in their daily conduct before unbelievers, here referred to as “them that are without.”  In other words, the conduct of these believers could have a powerful evangelizing influence on the unsaved.  Note:  A believer can give a bad testimony or lose a sterling reputation with a few unwise words or actions that are contrary to what he or she professes to be.  Unbelievers are always paying attention to how believers live.  Many of them take delight in finding reasons not to become Christians themselves.  They are quick to say, “If that’s what a Christian is, I don’t want to be one.”  When Paul said “redeeming the time” he meant that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way to live right before the world.  As we “walk in wisdom” we will not miss such opportunities (see Ephesians 5:15-17).

B. Speaking with grace (Colossians 4:6).  Paul concludes by saying “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”  One of the areas Christians have a difficult time with is our speech or language.  The apostle said “Let your speech be always with grace.”  This means that whenever we speak to others, especially when we tell them about Christ, we must always be gracious in what we say.  No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous.  Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to hear what we have to say.  Not only should our speech be gracious but Paul said that it should also be “seasoned with salt.”  Salt is known for two particular qualities.  It once was used widely for preserving food, keeping it from spoiling as in Paul’s day.  This indicates that our speech should be pure and wholesome and not corrupt.  Salt also is known as an additive used to enhance the flavor of food.  That is an appealing use of salt and probably indicates that our speech should be something that draws people to us.  Note: When our speech or language is gracious, wholesome, and appealing, we will be effective in drawing the attention of unbelievers to our Lord.  Paul said that as our speech draws people to us “ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”  In other words, once people respect us, they will listen to our message.  This will cause doors to open for us as we attempt to reach the world. 

  

V. Conclusion.  Remember your Master in heaven, pray continually, and speak to others wisely.  These instructions are very simple, but they summarize our task on earth until we are called home to be with the Lord.  Whatever we do and whatever we are, we can keep our eyes on our Master in heaven, as we pray, and represent Him well.
 

Clothed In Christ

                                                                   Sunday School Lesson                                

Lesson: Colossians 3:5-17                                                                                       
Golden Text: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14).
 

I.  INTRODUCTION.  This week’s lesson focuses on the daily practical behavior of Christians.  It instructs us on how to “do” Christianity, or how to be Christ-like, and how to live out what we have been given in Christ.  The writer gives us the picture of removing a garment, like an old coat, and putting on another garment that is of a different character, quality, and appearance.

II. EVIDENCES OF CARNALITY (Colosssians 3:5-11) 

A. Things to put to death (Colossians 3:5).  In verses 1-4, the Apostle Paul spoke of our position in Christ.  Then in this verse he said “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”  The word “therefore” connects who we are in Christ in verses 1-4 with the things we are both to avoid and include in our life that is now identified with Christ.  The word “mortify” means to put to death.  Now that we are in Christ, we are to put to death our “members which are upon the earth.”  This refers to the desires and sinful actions of our old sin nature that are inconsistent with Christ.  There is to be such a complete rejection of the sins of our earthly nature that it is like the death of the fleshly members of the body.  Paul goes on to list some of the “members” of our sinful flesh that we are to “mortify” or put to death.  “Fornication” is sexual immorality; “uncleanness” refers to moral impurity; “inordinate affection” speaks of uncontrolled, illegitimate affection, or just plain lust; “evil concupiscence” is also lust or wrongful desire; and “covetousness” is the desire to have more of the world’s pleasures and goods.  When Paul said “and covetousness, which is idolatry,” he was saying that “covetousness” and “idolatry” were the same thing because what one covets becomes a god to that person.   

B.  The reason this is important (Colossians 3:6-7).

1. (vs. 6).  Here Paul continues to say “For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”  The phrase “For which things' sake” refers to the list of sinful desires and actions mentioned in the previous verse.  Those who are outside of Christ are called “the children of disobedience.”  They have not accepted Jesus as Saviour, so they remain in their natural, sinful condition and are the objects of “the wrath of God” (see John 3:36).  Like the Colossian believers, we were once under the same condemnation and would still be if it were not for our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Since we are now in Christ, those things that characterize unbelievers (see vs. 5) should not be part of our lives.  They are displeasing to God. 

2.  (vs. 7).  In this verse Paul continued saying “In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  The phrase “In the which” again refers back to the sinful actions Paul said we were to mortify in verse 5.  Just like the unbelievers, or “children of wrath” mentioned in the previous verse, Paul reminded his Colossian readers that at one time, before they were in Christ, their lives were characterized by the same evil actions.  This is the meaning of “ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  

C.  The things to put off (Colossians 3:8-9).    

1. (vs. 8).  Now that the Colossian believers were in Christ, Paul said “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”  The word that has been translated “put off” means “to cast off” or “lay aside.”  The metaphor Paul is using is of dirty, filthy clothes that need to be taken off and thrown away.  The sins that Paul says should be “put off” deal with attitude and speech.  The first is “anger” or a glowering disposition.  In Ephesians 4:26. Paul speaks of an anger that is not sinful, but if not dealt with immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them, it will lead to sinful behavior.Next, we are to put off “wrath” which speaks of outbursts of rage.“Malice” is simply an evil and hostile attitude.Blasphemy” refers to slanderous thinking and speaking in an attempt to ruin someone’s reputation through accusation and insult.“Filthy communication” is unwholesome language of any kind that believers should never utter. Note:Getting rid of such sins does not earn salvation.In fact, although many people make admirable attempts to reform themselves, it’s impossible to purge oneself of all these vices without the regenerating power of Christ.Paul’s point is that since we have died with Christ and gained His life, such sins have no business remaining in our lives.They are to be put away decisively.             

2. (vs. 9).  The apostle wrapped up the list of sins to be put off or discarded by giving a general command.  He said “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”  Lying has no place in the practice of believers; it is a characteristic of the unchanged life.  It is out of place among Christians because they have “put off the old man.”  But just what does the phrase “old man” mean?  Many believe that it refers to the believer’s old self or nature, but these two words are not clearly defined terms.  The word “nature” in particular implies a somewhat misleading idea, for if believers had truly put off their old nature, they would have no further problems with sin.  It seems better to think of the “old man” as referring to our old identity---who we were in God’s sight before He saved us; namely, fallen, rebellious sinners.  In coming to Christ and being identified with Him, we put off that old identity; we are no longer who we once were.  Therefore, we must no longer walk in the traits that characterize that old identity.  When we put off the “old man” or our old identity, we also put off “his deeds.”  Coming to Christ for salvation involves repentance or a change of direction.  For faith to be genuine there must be a willing change of direction in one’s sinful lifestyle.  This turn in behavior should affect our attitudes and our deeds or the things we do.

D. The reason for this change (Colossians 3:10-11). 

1. (vs. 10).  The Colossians had not only put off the old man, they also “have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”  We have exchanged our old identity as sinful rebels, for a new identity which is belonging to Christ.  This “new man” is continually being “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”  In other words, we become more and more Christ-like as we come to know Him better because of His work in us.  The words “created him” means that it was Christ who gave us a new identity and created the “new man” in us (see II Corinthians 4:16).

2. (vs. 11).  In our new identity, Paul said “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”  Now in Christ, none of the old categories that divide people, whether religious, ethnic, social, or economic, has any meaning anymore.  The only thing that matters now is that “Christ is all, and in all.”  In Him believers have a commonality that goes beyond all human divisions.Note: The Christian church should have no barriers of nationality, race, education level, social standing,wealth,gender, religion or power.  Christ breaks down all barriers and accepts all people who come to him.Nothing should keep us from telling others about Christ or accepting into our fellowship any and all believers (se Ephesians 2:14-15).  Christians should be building bridges not walls.

III. EVIDENCES OF SPIRITUALITY (Colossians 3:12-17)

A.  The things to put on (Colossians 3:12-13).

1. (vs. 12).  The list of sins to be put off or discarded, is now contrasted with a list of virtues or graces that we are to adopt.  Paul said “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”  The phrase “Put on” translates the same verb used in verse 10.  We are now “the elect of God, holy and beloved.”  This means that we are God’s chosen people (see I Peter 2:9-10) and as such we have put on a new identity in Christ.  Therefore we are to put on, or clothe ourselves with the appropriate character qualities.  We are to put on or clothe ourselves with “bowels of mercies.”  This means being compassionate toward others.  “Kindness” means we are not harsh are unpleasant.  Instead we are charitable and benevolent.  “Humbleness of mind” is an attitude of humility and the absence of pride and arrogance.  “Meekness” is a gentile consideration for others that makes us willing to give up our rights for their sakes.  “Longsuffering” is patience.  Sometimes we have to put up with those who are obnoxious or annoying. 

2. (vs. 13).  All of the traits Paul just named are wrapped up in “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  Of these two actions, “Forbearing one another” has the idea of putting up graciously with the faults and unpleasant traits of others.  “Forgiving one another” speaks of forgiving specific grievances as when Paul says “if any man have a quarrel against any.”  Forgiving someone who has hurt us, whether intentionally or unintentionally is always difficult.  But God tells us to forgive “even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  Forgiveness is based on the fact that Christ has forgiven us (see Matthew 6:14-15).  When we think about all that Christ has forgiven us, it becomes easier to forgive others.

B. The things of greatest importance (Colossians 3:14-15).

1. (vs. 14).  Over all these virtues Christians are to put on love causing Paul to say “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  As substantial as the previous list of virtues is, it is not complete without “charity” or self-sacrificing love.  Love is the one virtue that most comprehensively defines what a Christian should be because it is most basic to the character of God (see I John 4:8).  Paul said that we are to “put on charity” as we put on the other virtues he has listed.  It is as if he saw love as the sash put around the waist to hold all the other garments or virtues in place.  Therefore, Paul concluded that “charity,” or love “is the bond of perfectness.”  Genuine love is the glue that holds all the other virtues together for it is the “bond of perfectness.”  The word “perfectness” speaks of spiritual maturity which does not happen without the exercise of love.

2. (vs. 15).  Paul understood that where love is the order of the day, peace will not be far behind.  Therefore he said “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”  The word “rule” means to act as an arbiter.  When believers are practicing love for one another, the “peace of God” can act like an umpire between any differences they may have.  The “peace of God” is not just another benefit given to aid in smoothing over conflicts; it is a spiritual goal to which we have been “called in one body.”  To know and experience the “peace of God” as a body of believers is a privilege and joy beyond calculation.  Attaining that peace ought to be our constant aim.  The privilege of being called to peace certainly ought to enable us to obey Paul’s further command to “be ye thankful.”

C. The results of living by the Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16-17).

1. (vs. 16).   Here Paul wrote “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  God’s Word should be a permanent resident in our hearts.  This is the meaning of the phrase “dwell in you.”  The Greek word translated “richly” indicates that God’s Word should abound within us like a rich man abounds with wealth.  God’s Word is the source of spiritual “wisdom” we all need.  The means, or perhaps the result of letting the Word of Christ dwell in us is “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”  One of the most effective ways of teaching and admonishing one another is through music.  Paul lists three categories of music.  To sing “psalms” is to sing words of Scripture.  “Hymns” are songs that praise God using Scripture, but not necessarily word for word.  “Spiritual songs” are odes and ballads.  As these songs flow from the “grace in your hearts to the Lord,” we can instruct or teach each other.

2. (vs. 17).  Going beyond our worship in song, the Apostle Paul concludes our lesson by saying “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Everything we say and do should be done in the name of Jesus, that is, in ways that reflect positively upon Him.  Our speech should be such that Jesus could have said it.  Our acts should be such that Jesus could have done them.  We should do nothing or say anything that would not receive His stamp of approval.  Yes, we are free moral agents with our own wills, but in Christ we must realize also that we are not independent creatures with our own agenda.  Doing “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” implies seeking and doing His will only. Furthermore, our words and actions should be accompanied by “giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Of course the word “him” refers to Jesus Christ.  If we neglect thankfulness to God, it may mean that we really don’t know Him.  If we really know Jesus and trust all that He is, we cannot help expressing thanks and praise to God.  He deserves far more glory than we can ever possibly give Him.                           

IV. Conclusion.  Changing our lives to be more Christ-like is like casting away filthy rags and putting on a new, righteous garment.  The central part of this lesson is that we get to cooperate with the Lord Jesus in getting rid of the negative thoughts and actions of our former unsaved lives and adding to our development as Christians by consciously deciding to do what pleases Him.  When we decide to shun sin and wrong thoughts, He will empower us to think and act in love, kindness, and forgiveness.  We and others will be blessed as we become more like Him.
 

Full Life In Christ

                                                                   Sunday School Lesson
Lesson Scripture:Colossians 2:6-15


Introduction:Paul admonished the Colossian church and all believers,don't play with your Christianity like a toy,which you pick up when you need something to do,or put down when something else catches your attention.Be steadfast,he said,stay intact and resist the enemy.As you are walking,depending on Christ ,learning from Him how to communicate and trust Him,you will find yourselves being more established in the faith and growing.This solid faith is the soil the unbeliever is to be rooted and grow in.

Be Faithful!Colossians 2:6-7Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. Paul here combines two early confessions—”Jesus is the Christ” (Mark 8:29, NIV, 1984) and “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9)—to emphasize cardinal points of the gospel that were being questioned in Colossae. Believers are being built up in him, the one in whom they were rooted. There is no other way for them to be strengthened in their original beliefs. Our faith must remain on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus himself. Then we will be overflowing with thankfulness. J. B. Lightfoot said, “Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works.”
Be Careful!Colossians 2:8-12Paul warned them not to be taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Such false teachings are based on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. His call to vigilance is in the present tense, suggesting constant watchfulness on their part, lest they be led astray (Herbert Carson). Be careful that you don’t base your faith on any manmade teaching, no matter how deceptively and seductively it may be presented. While Christian teaching is called “the word of truth” (Colossians 1:5), worldly philosophies are characterized by empty deceit. In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. Paul had emphasized this earlier (Colossians 1:19). Nothing can be added to Jesus. Indeed, it is Jesus who brings fullness to all who belong to him.
Many years before this, God had commanded Abraham to circumcise all of the males in the camp as a sign that they belonged to him (Genesis 17:10-14). Through Christ, however, there is a new circumcision. “Even in the Old Testament, the symbolical character of circumcision was emphasized; what God really desired was not the external sign for its own sake, but the ‘circumcision of the heart’—an inward purification,” notes F. F. Bruce (see Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4).
This new circumcision is not marked by the removal of flesh, but by the removal of sin itself. God grants believers forgiveness for their sins, even as he removes the power of sin in their lives. This new circumcision is pictured by baptism—a burial in water—signifying the death of the old man of sin and the rising of a new creature (see also Romans 6:3-7). Those who come to faith and repentance are then ready to share in this powerful reality (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38).
Michael R. Weed explains, “In the act of baptism the believer participates (with him) in the circumcision of Christ. That is, the one baptized is incorporated into Christ and his self-giving death; he died in baptism to the carnal and sensual nature which is stripped from him. . . . Paul also asserts that the one baptized has been raised with Christ.”
Be Grateful!Colossians 2:13-15The apostle reminds the Colossians that when they were still dead in their sins, God made them alive with Christ. Elsewhere Paul speaks of going from being “dead in your sins” to being “dead to sin” (Romans 6:11). After describing their moving from death to life, he adds other dramatic pictures to explain the greatness of salvation.
Our legal obligation can be thought of as our “I.O.U.” to God. The cost is more than we can afford. No one can pay the price. The law brought condemnation because, even though the Jewish people embraced it, they could never live up to it. All sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We owed a debt we could never pay. In his ultimate power and mercy, God accepted the sacrifice of Christ as full payment for all the sins of all the people in all the world through all these many years! Jesus was our willing representative when he died on that cross (Hebrews 10:10).
The indictment that stood against mankind was not only erased, but removed. No longer do God’s people have to try to pay for their sins. Be grateful! Jesus has taken all our sins away, triumphing over them by the cross.

Awed By His Greatness

                                                       Sunday School Lesson                                 

Lesson: Colossians 1:15-20;                                                                                        
Golden Text: “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell” (Colossians 1:19).

INTRODUCTION.  There is no record indicating that Paul ever visited Colossae (see Colossians 2:1), but many theologians believe that the church was established under the leadership of Epaphras (see Colossians 1:7; 4:12).  On his Third Missionary Journey, Paul had established a ministry in Ephesus (see Acts 19:1, 8-10), 100 miles west of Colossae for more than two years.  The influence of his ministry reached “all who dwelt in Asia” (see Acts 19:10).  Epaphras probably heard Paul in Ephesus and then carried the gospel to Colossae.  The Colossian church had been infiltrated by religious heretics who combined other philosophies and religion with Christianity.  The resulting heresy later became known as Gnostism which denied Christ as God and Saviour.  This letter was written to address this false doctrine (see Colossae 2:16-18, 20-22).  Paul’s introduction to the Colossians includes a greeting, a note of thanksgiving, and a prayer for spiritual wisdom and strength for these brothers and sisters in Christ (see Colossians 1:1-12).  Then he moved into a doctrinal discussion about the person of Jesus Christ refuting the false teachings that Jesus was not deity.   

II.  JESUS OVER THINGS (Colossians 1:15-17) 

A. Jesus Christ is the image of God (Colossians 1:15).  After reminding the Colossians of the redemption they had in Christ (see Colossians 1:14), Paul began his argument against the teachings that Jesus was not deity by saying “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”  The Greek word translated “image” refers to an exact likeness in every detail such as one’s reflection in the water or in a mirror.  Jesus Christ is the exact representation of His Father as well as His manifestation before men (see John 1:16: 14:8-9).  In other words, the invisible God has been made visible in Christ.  Jesus is as much God as God Himself.  To see Jesus is to see God.  Paul also identified the Redeemer as “the firstborn of every creature.”  At first glance, this appears to mean that He was the first created being, but that cannot be true, because the next verse says that all things were created by Him.  Other passages also call Christ the Creator (see Colossians 1:3; Hebrews 1:2).  “Firstborn” should be understood in the sense of heir or sovereign.  In Hebrew culture, the first born in a family became heir to all the father’s possessions and ruled the inheritance.  Christ, as God’s Son rules all creation.

B.  Jesus is the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16).  Paul continues to say, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”  The word “For” reveals a continuation of Paul’s thought from the previous verse and goes on to say “by him were all things created.”  Jesus is the Creator of everything including the heavenly and the earthly, things we can see and the things we cannot see.  The phrase “whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers” refers to both the visible and invisible things created by Christ.  Note: Because the false teachers believed that the physical world was evil, they thought that God could not have created it.  They reasoned that if Christ were God, He would be in charge of only the spirit world not an evil physical world.  But Paul argued that all the rulers, powers, thrones, and principalities or authorities of both the spiritual and physical worlds were created by and under the authority of Christ.  This includes not only governments, but also the spiritual world with both fallen and unfallen angels that the heretics were so concerned about.  Christ has no rival, He is the Lord of all!  In the last part of this verse Paul again says “all things were created by him” indicating that Jesus is the Agent who brought everything into existence.  In addition, everything was created “for him.”  God is the creator of the universe, but He created everything through His Son.  Everything was created for Jesus Christ, for His benefit and for His purposes.  Hebrews 2:1 tells us that He is the appointed “heir of al things.”  Jesus Christ is the Designer, the Builder and the Owner of all that exists. 

C.  Jesus is the sustainer of all things (Colossians 1:17).  Here Paul says “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”  The word “before” can mean either prior in time or greater in importance and both are true of Christ.  The phrase “before all things” speaks of Jesus’ supremacy and also tells us that Jesus existed from eternity past.  He was already there when the universe was created (see Micah 5:2).  Genesis 1:26 says “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” indicating that Jesus has always been there with God (see John 1:1).  Our Lord’s supremacy is not confined to a particular era; it is eternal.  The apostle also said that “by him all things consist.”  The word “consist” means to hold together.  Everything in the universe is held together by the power of the Son of God.  Hebrews 1:3 refers to Christ as “upholding all things by the word of his power.”  This includes everything from the smallest atom or molecule to the gigantic galaxies and solar systems.  Jesus is holding everything together and keeping it operating.  Just imagine what chaos would result if Jesus Christ withdrew His sustaining power from the world!      

III. JESUS OVER PEOPLE (Colossians 1:18-20)

A.  Jesus is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18).  Still referring to Jesus, Paul here says “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.”  Just as Christ is supreme over the creation, He is also sovereign over His new creation, the church.  The word for “church” means “assembly” but here it refers to Christ’s worldwide assembly of called out believers.  Here the “church” is also called “the body.”  When referring to the church, Paul often used a metaphor based on the human body (see Romans 12:4-6; I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:4, 12, 16).  Christ is the “head of the body, the church.”  As a human body has a head that directs its actions, so Christ is the Head who coordinates the church’s ministry.  Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to lead the church because He is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.”  The word “beginning” indicates that Christ originated the church and gave it His life and power.  The phrase “firstborn from the dead” refers to Jesus’ victory over death and the fact that He was the first to rise from the dead never to die again.  As a result of Jesus’ resurrection, believers will also experience a physical resurrection (see I Corinthians 15:51-52) as well as a resurrection from spiritual death (see Colossians 2:13).  Christ is Head over the church so that “in all things he might have the preeminence.”  Jesus has always been preeminent or above everything else, but through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, He becomes Lord in a new realm---the church.  His authority over His created beings is enhanced because He now rules “all things,” both a spiritual and a physical creation.

B. Jesus is the fullness of the Father (Colossians 1:19).  As the heretics also taught that Jesus was less than God but greater than humans, Paul refuted that by saying “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.”  In other words, in Jesus, the complete embodiment of all God’s attributes became fully human.  God is holy, Jesus is holy.  God is sovereign, Jesus is sovereign.  God is omniscient, Jesus is omniscient. God is omnipotent, Jesus is omnipotent.  If we like we could go on with every detail about God forever and will still find that Jesus has the same divine attributes.  Let us not forget that this can also be said about the Holy Spirit.  While Jesus became a man through incarnation, He never stopped being God.  The Father was “pleased,” or it was His will that His Son became human to fulfill His divine purpose (see Ephesians 1:9-10).

C. Jesus is the Maker of peace (Colossians 14:20).  Finally the apostle said “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”  The word “reconcile” means renewing a congenial relationship that was once present but was damaged by some kind of interference.  Christ’s finished work is one of reconciliation, bringing two parties from disharmony to peace.  He made this peace “through the blood of his cross.”  Because of sin, man had become corrupted and distanced from God and needed to be reconciled.  Jesus’ death provided that reconciliation, or peace between God and man, by removing the barrier of sin (see II Corinthians 5:17-21).  It also provided peace between Jew and Gentile by removing the barrier of the law and giving both groups access to God (see Ephesians 2:13-18).   The last part of this verse, “to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven” does not mean that unbelieving humans will be saved and go to heaven; nor that wicked angels will receive a blanket pardon; for Scripture foretells their final doom (see Revelation 20:11-15).  Even the creation will be destroyed (see II Peter 3:10-11).  The Bible explains that restoring peace with God comes when each person trusts in Jesus.  Everyone, who receives Jesus as Saviour will be reconciled to God and be at peace with Him.  Those who refuse will remain un-reconciled and will not be restored to a relationship with Him.  This decision will determine a person’s eternal destination.  

IV. Conclusion.  Unfortunately, those who have trouble believing that Jesus is God may never be able to accept that it was the Father’s will that Jesus was not just a glorified man.  As God incarnate, Jesus was the manifested presence of God among men.  Having the fullness of God, He was able to reconcile man with God our father.  God desires communion, peace, and harmony with man.  His Word reveals that even in His magnificence, God desires fellowship with lowly humans.  Jesus as God had no limitations but was empowered in all things.  He brought about peace through His death and restored unity between God and man.  One must be awed by His greatness!