Sermon Introduction
When Paul turns his attention to Jesus in Colossians 1, he doesn’t begin with what Christ does for us—he begins with who Christ is. These verses are among the clearest declarations in all of Scripture about the supremacy of Christ.
Paul describes Him as the visible image (icon) of the invisible God,
- the Creator and sustainer of all things,
- the head of the church, and
- the reconciler through the cross.
In just a few verses, Paul sweeps from eternity past to the present moment, from creation to redemption, from cosmic authority to personal reconciliation.
This passage forces us to lift our eyes and see Jesus not as a small addition to our lives, but as the One who holds our lives—and the universe itself—together.
Sermon Hook
“Who is really in control?” That’s the question of our age.
- Politicians promise control.
- Technology offers control.
- We try to control our calendars, our careers, and our futures.
But Paul reminds us: there is only One who truly holds all things together—Christ. And when you see Him for who He really is, everything else in life finds its rightful place.
Colossians 1:15–23 – The Supremacy of Christ
Theme: Paul exalts Christ as the image of God, Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Reconciler. Big Idea:Christ is supreme over creation and the church, and through Him God reconciles us to Himself.
I. Christ the Image of God and Creator
Colossians 1:15–17 (NIV)
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Cross References:
- John 1:3 – Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
- Hebrews 1:3 – The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Why We Struggle: We often reduce Jesus to a teacher, helper, or friend—forgetting He is the eternal Creator and sustainer of all things.
Theological Summary: Christ is not created—He is Creator. “Firstborn” signifies rank and authority, not origin / birth order. He is supreme over creation and holds it together.
Know This: Christ is not one option among many—He is the center of creation and the glue of the universe.
II. Christ the Head of the Church and the Firstborn from the Dead
Colossians 1:18 (NIV)
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Cross References:
- Ephesians 1:22–23 – And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body.
- Revelation 1:5 – Jesus Christ… the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
Why We Struggle: We sometimes treat the church as ours to control, forgetting it belongs to Christ.
Theological Summary: As head of the church, Christ gives life, direction, and authority. His resurrection inaugurates new creation, guaranteeing His supremacy over life and death.
Know This: Christ is not just the founder of the church—He is its living Head.
III. Christ the Fullness of God and the Reconciler
Colossians 1:19–20 (NIV)
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Cross References:
- John 14:9 – Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
- Ephesians 2:13–14 – But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace.
Why We Struggle: We underestimate the seriousness of sin and think peace with God comes by effort or morality.
Theological Summary: Christ embodies the fullness of God. Through the cross, He brings cosmic reconciliation—restoring peace between God, creation, and humanity.
- Hebrews 11:3 NIV By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Know This: The peace you long for comes only through the blood of Christ.
IV. Christ the Reconciler of Believers
Colossians 1:21–23 (NIV)
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Cross References:
- Romans 5:10 – For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
- 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 – All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ… that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
Why We Struggle: We forget how far from God we once were and take reconciliation for granted.
Theological Summary: Christ’s death reconciles believers, transforming enemies into holy people. Perseverance in faith is evidence of true reconciliation.
Know This: Reconciliation is a gift from Christ—cling to the hope of the gospel and don’t drift away.
Note Regarding Verse 23
- Paul’s “if” is not about losing salvation but about continuing in the faith that proves salvation is real.
- True reconciliation produces endurance — the believer is “established and firm.”
- The verse calls for stability, not insecurity.
Christ Reveals the Heart of God the Father: See Note
APPLICATION
HEAD (What to Believe):
Christ is supreme over creation, the church, and redemption. He alone reconciles us to God.
HEART (What to Feel):
Awe at Christ’s supremacy, gratitude for reconciliation, and confidence in His sufficiency.
HAND (What to Do):
- Worship Christ as Creator and Redeemer.
- Submit to Him as Head of the church.
- Persevere in the faith, clinging to the hope of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
- He is Creator, Sustainer, and Head of the church.
- Through His cross, God reconciles all things to Himself.
- Believers are transformed from enemies into holy, blameless children of God.