1. Paul writes to the Colossians The Supremacy of Christ

2. Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ A1 - If you want to see what God is like, look at Jesus. (v15) B1 - Jesus was involved in creation. Jesus is the glue that holds all things together (v16-17) C1 - Jesus is head of the church and the source of the church’s life (v18) A2 - Look at Jesus, He has the full nature of God (v19) B2 - Through Jesus, re-creation happens (v20) C2 - Through Jesus, we (the church) can now have life (v21,22)

3. Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ Jesus – visible God Jesus and creation Jesus and the church Jesus is what it is all about!

4. 1. Jesus and creation “[Christ] created everything in heaven and earth, the seen and unseen, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers and authorities” (v16) Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ

5. 2. Jesus and the church Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ Christ is the head of the church and the source of its life.

6. 3. Jesus – visible God Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ

7. 3. Jesus – visible God Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ (v19) Jesus has the full nature of God He is God

8. 3. Jesus – visible God Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ Atonement = at- one - ment

9. 3. Jesus – visible God Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ “Now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.” (v22)

10. 3. Jesus – visible God Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ Friends of God

11. 3. Jesus – visible God Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ "Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's sacrificial death on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven“ (v20)

12. Conclusion Who do you think Jesus is? Are you a friend of God? What is the difference between a disciple and a volunteer and which are you? How do you link your life outside of church with your faith? Col 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Christ