The book of Colossians is one of at least thirteen letters written by the Apostle Paul. He wrote the letter while imprisoned in Rome. We don’t know exactly when this church was established, but Paul seemed well-acquainted with it.
One of the key themes of Colossians is spiritual growth (Colossians 1:6-10, 23; 2:6-7). Paul urges these saints to continue growing in Christ and tells them how to do it. In chapter one, we see that Christian maturity begins with a better understanding of the identity of Jesus.
Jesus is King (Colossians 1:13).
- Those who submit to Him are rescued from Satan’s grip and transferred into the kingdom of God’s Son!
- This reality blows away the theory that Jesus’ kingdom is yet to be established. Countless other passages back up Paul’s teaching (Daniel 2:44; Mark 9:1; Revelation 1:9; 17:14).
- The Lord reigns over a spiritual kingdom (John 18:36). It is comprised of citizens who are spiritually minded and consumed in doing the will of God.
- This reality should encourage us as we live in a world where government change their laws and standards like the wind1
Jesus is God (Colossians 1:15a).
- Muslims do not believe this.
- Atheists do not believe this.
- Even many Jews of Jesus’ day struggled with this reality (Luke 20:41-44).
- The fact that Jesus is God means that He has authority over us. It means He is the Creator, eternal, omniscient, and worthy of praise.
Jesus is firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15b).
- The word “firstborn” has nothing to do with the origin of Jesus. It refers to the Lord’s position and preeminence. This word is used in the same way many times in the Bible.
- Israel was God’s firstborn (Exodus 4:22).
- Ephraim was God’s firstborn (Jeremiah 31:9).
- David was God’s firstborn (Psalm 89:27).
- Since He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, Jesus has first place in both the physical and spiritual realms (Colossians 1:16-18).
Jesus is firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18).
- He is the preeminent One to rise from the dead. While many were raised from the dead before Jesus, none were declared to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4). None were raised and declared to be a perfect and sinless sacrifice for the world’s sins.
- Through Jesus’ resurrection, we can die to sin through baptism and be raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1-7).
- We can become members of His church and everlasting kingdom (Acts 2:38-47).
Conclusion:
Jesus is the Redeemer (Colossians 1:14). Salvation, forgiveness, and freedom from sin are only made possible because of Him. Do you need to be redeemed?