1. Jesus is Preeminent – Col 1:18-22
INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS

2. Colossians 1: And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

3. Colossians 1: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 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. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

4. Is Jesus actually preeminent?
Colossians 1:18 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.
Is Jesus actually preeminent?

5. Reconciliation assumes a relational rift.
Colossians 1: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Reconciliation assumes a relational rift.

6. Where the Relational Rift Originated
Creation – The way it was (Gen 1:31)
Fall – Where it went south (Gen 3:1-15)
Today – The way it is (Rom 3:10-17)

7. Man still wants Preeminence
Overt Rebels – Romans 1:18-31
Covert Rebels – Romans 2:1-24
Man is hostile towards God – Romans 8:7
God’s wrath directed at rebels – Eph. 2:1-3

8. Colossians 1: And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 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,

9. Gospel Sanctification
INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS