The Preeminence of Christ
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. 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.

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

1) As you identify some of the phrases Paul uses to describe Jesus (italicized in the passage above), what does Paul mean to communicate to the church in Colossae about Jesus?



2) How does knowing these truths about Jesus change the way we live our lives? For example, the truth that Jesus has created all things and holds all things together should give us a sense of reverence for and awe of the power of God in Christ.



Additional Material:
Blog post by Josh Hayes speaking about the preeminence of Christ in Colossians.

1) What is the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations that is now revealed to all believers?



2) What is the purpose of Paul's toiling with all his (God's) energy working within him?



3) What are some things that God has called you to that are difficult and can only be carried out through the strength that God provides?



4) How can knowing that God provides strength for us through Christ affect our day to day activities?

...having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

1) Notice the use of the past tense in Paul's description of Christ's work for sinners (in bold above). What does this tell you about the salvation that is made for those who trust in Jesus?



2) What sign does Paul point to as a symbol of dying to self and rising to new life in Christ?



3) According to this passage, who is responsible for the work of salvation in every person who believes?



4) What did God do with the penalty that was supposed to be directed toward those who rebel against God? What happens to the legal demands of sin?

Put On the New Self
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1) According to this passage, what is the basis for Paul's exhortation to the church in Colossae? What is it that the church believes that causes them to act differently than the world?


2) Because we've learned that Jesus is above all else, that he is our strength and our salvation, there should be a connection between head knowledge and heart action. Given what Paul reveals to the Colossian church in chapters 1 & 2, Paul encourages the church to act based on their trust in the knowledge that they have received.

What are some of the ways Paul teaches the Colossians to act? Hint: "Put to death..." & "Put on then..."



3) The last paragraph of today's passage gives us the resource available to us in order to daily put off the old self and put on Christ. What is that resource?



4) Pauls gives a list of ways the church, the body of believers should communicate with one another. According to the passage, what are some of the ways the church should encourage one another?

1) Paul adds some further instructions for the Colossians including, "continue to pray," "be watchful and thankful," and pray that God would "give me opportunities to declare the Gospel clearly." Who do you think Paul is referring to when he says, "outsiders"?



2) Reflect on how you spend your time every day. Do you make the "best use of time" in order that the gospel might be clearly declared to those who are outside of Christ? If you're a human being, the answer is probably "no."

What are some ways you can train yourself to "make the best use of your time" so that more people will know God's grace in Christ?



3) What does Paul mean when he says our speech should be "seasoned with salt"?



4) The Bible is not just a list of "Do's" and "Don't's." It shows how one ought to live when their heart has been changed by God. What are some ways, you as a family, can hold each other accountable to the truths you've learned this week? Have some fun with it! Make up a song, use notes on the fridge, etc.