Articles
The Preeminence of Jesus - Colossians 1
The Preeminence of Jesus - Colossians 1
Who is this Jesus that makes such total demands of us? Why should we forsake all and follow Him? Why should we trust His teachings? The answer is bound up in who He is. Here in Colossians one, Paul addresses this very concept. Here is a brief outline of Paul’s teaching concerning Jesus:
His Relationship with God:
- The very image of the invisible God (1:15, cp. Heb. 1:3 – “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature”)
- The fullness of deity dwells in Him (1:19; 2:9)
His Relationship with the universe:
- The firstborn of all creation, the preeminent one (1:15, 18).
- The creator of all things (1:16; cp. John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Heb. 1:2, 10-12).
- The purpose of all creation: all things created FOR Him (1:16)
- Before of all things (eternal) (1:17, John 1:1)
- The sustainer of All things (1:17; cp. Heb. 1:3 – “he upholds the universe by the word of His power”)
His Relationship with the church
- Head of the Body, the church (1:18)
- The one through whom we are reconciled unto God (1:20, 22)
- He is our peace (1:20)
With such a savior, we are exhorted to “… continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. (Colossians 1:23) HE is faithful towards us, are you being faithful to Him?
Hugh DeLong
