Colossians 1:15–23 - 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions 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. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you 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.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul establishes Christ's supreme identity and work. He first explains that Jesus has eternally existed as the embodiment of God Himself, the source of all creation crafted for His purposes (vv. 15-16). Since Christ conceived and sustains the universe, He rightfully rules over it and the church as a master builder (vv. 17-18). Astoundingly, the fullness of God dwells in Christ and through Him, we have been redeemed. Despite our rebellion, Christ's blood makes this reconciliation possible, achieving peace by substituting Himself for us and taking our sin's punishment (vv. 19-20). Paul reminds the Colossians that though they were once enemies of God in thought and behavior, now, through Jesus' death bridging the separation, they stand holy before the Creator (vv. 21-23).
How can I apply Colossians 1:15-23 to my life?
In a world filled with competing voices about who Jesus is, Paul provides crystal clarity - Jesus is supreme over everything. He existed before anything was created because all creation originates from and is sustained by Him. Jesus holds the highest rank and worth, not just over the physical universe He spoke into existence, but also as head of a new spiritual creation - the church. Additionally, reconciliation between rebellious humanity and holy God fully resides in Christ alone. It is only through Jesus' willing sacrifice on the cross, paying the penalty of sin in our place, that the alienation from God caused by sin is bridged. We contribute nothing to solve the separation our own depravity causes. Finally, having been graciously been reconciled with the Father through the Son, believers must stand firmly rooted in this gospel truth against whatever scheming enemies may seek to diminish Christ and explain away His cross. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Acknowledge Christ as Supreme Over All of Creation and the Church (vv. 15-18): Paul establishes that Jesus existed before anything was created, as He is the image of the invisible God. Since Christ created everything that has been made and holds all things together, He rightfully has first place and supremacy over all. We cannot comprehend the full significance of Jesus being supreme over creation. Yet we must grasp that if He spoke the universe into being, sustains each galaxy by His power, knows every detail of the natural world - then surely He has authority over you and me. Not only did Jesus design the cosmos, but He also personally established the church. Just as an architect lays the foundation and raises the walls of a great cathedral then watches over it daily, so Christ built and tends His church. Therefore, as with all masters of their craft, we owe Jesus complete submission to His headship in our lives and within His body of believers. Wherever we have dismissed Christ's right to rule, we must surrender control back to the One worthy to reign (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 95:6; Hebrews 1:3).
Food for thought: In what ways have I not been fully surrendering to Christ's authority over aspects of my life? What would change if I consistently remembered that Jesus made and sustains everything, including me and my church?
2. Understand That Reconciliation with God Only Comes Through the Sacrifice of Jesus (vv. 19-20): God's fullness dwelled in Christ, who alone makes reconciliation between God and man possible. Without Jesus sacrificing Himself on the cross, there is no way for our sins to be forgiven. We try endlessly to bridge the gap our transgressions have created between us and God - yet our efforts always fall short. Even at our most righteous, we cannot unlock the prison cell our rebellion locked us into. We desperately need someone to provide bail money we can never afford. Amazingly, while humanity persisted in foolish mutiny against our Creator, in His mercy God sent Jesus to pay the debt owed for our sins against the King of kings. Not grudgingly, but gladly Jesus cancelled the record of charges legally demanding our execution. By no merit of our own, but only through trusting in Christ's shed blood are we rescued from impending doom. Therefore, we must clearly recognize that only Jesus permanently deals with the underlying problem of sin. Any attempt at personal righteousness or good works is wholly insufficient to solve our being separated from our holy Maker. Our hope lies completely in embracing the reconciliation provided solely by Christ's willing sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5; John 14:6; Romans 5:10).
Food for thought: Have I been trying in vain to earn favor with God rather than trusting wholly in what Jesus did for me? How does grasping reconciliation comes through Christ alone impact how I view those still separated from God?
3. Continue Steadfast in Your Faith, Rooted in the Hope of the Gospel, Not Shifting Away from the Message of Christ (vv. 21-23): Prior to salvation, our sinful hearts and lives were opposed to God. But He has reconciled us, His former enemies, through the death of Jesus if we continue firmly grounded and settled in the truth of the gospel. We must not abandon or drift away from that firm foundation now laid. As we heard and understood the gospel of redemption and reconciliation, so we must stand unwavering, keeping Christ’s liberating message central in our thinking and devotion. Anything less provides opportunity for the enemy to draw believers’ hearts away through deception, causing us to not experience the blessings and joy of God's love, even though we do not lose our salvation. God has done the complete work; we simply must endure all circumstances holding fast to our faith with assurance and conviction. Storms will come, but with the anchor of Christ’s matchless grace holding steady within our souls, we will weather whatever threatens to shake us from the eternal hope bought at such exceedingly high but joyful cost (Matthew 13:20-21; John 8:31-32; Hebrews 3:14).
Food for thought: Have I recently begun drifting into complacency regarding spiritual disciplines that root me firmly in Christ? What areas of my thinking or focus need realigning to keep the message of the gospel central?
Paul makes it clear that Jesus holds the supreme position over all of creation as well as the church, since He existed before anything was made and continues to sustain all things. Additionally, while our sin cuts us off from God, Jesus' willing sacrifice provides the only way for reconciliation to occur between God and humanity. Having received this reconciliation, believers must stand firmly rooted and grounded in that truth, not shifting focus away from the hope of the gospel message. As we yield control more fully to Christ’s authority and centrality, our lives will reflect the transformation He purchased through His shed blood on the cross.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would help me to better grasp Christ's supremacy over the universe He spoke into being as well as the church He architected and daily tends. Help me rest completely in the finished work of Jesus that alone offers reconciliation between rebel sinners like me and a holy God. Empower me to stand unwavering, rooted firmly by faith in the liberating gospel message despite swirling storms. I pray that You would help me to keep Christ preeminent in my thoughts, choices, and activities and produce a persevering obedience within me to Your Word out of joyful gratitude for my reconciliation with You that cost Jesus His life.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Colossians 1:15 – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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