1. The Preeminence of Christ Colossians 1:15-18 1

2. 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence 2

3. The Preeminence of Christ Preeminence Defined First Place ◦Protos - to be first (in rank or influence) - Strong ◦To be Number One! Theme of Colossians Christ is the firstborn ◦Over all creation - vss. 15-17 ◦From the dead - vs. 18 What Makes Christ Preeminent? 3

4. The Preeminence of Christ Christ is Number One In Our Salvation! Salvation is only “in Christ” ◦Galatians 3:26-27; Ephesians 1:3 Only “in Christ” are we ◦Partakers of the inheritance of this saints - v.13 ◦Delivered from the power of darkness - v. 13 ◦Translated into His kingdom - v. 13 ◦Redeemed through His blood - v. 14 ◦Forgiven of sin - v. 14 ◦Reconciled to God - vss. 19-23 ◦Promised the hope of heaven - vss. 3-5 Salvation & Hope are Conditional! ◦Col. 1:23; 2:11-13; cf. Acts 2:38 4

5. The Preeminence of Christ Christ is Number One In The Church! He is THE Head! ◦1:18; 2:19; Ephesians 1:22 He purchased it! ◦Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18 He is to be glorified in it (not men)! ◦Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 5

6. The Preeminence of Christ Name Jones Hardware Store If… Jones built it He shed his blood for it He is the head of it He saved it He laid the cornerstone He established the foundation Jones is the only name whereby we may obtain hardware goods Check One: A) Smith’s Hardware__ B) Clark’s Hardware__ C) Miller’s Hardware__ D) Jones’ Hardware__ 6

7. The Preeminence of Christ Name Christ’s Church If… Christ built it - Matt. 16:18 He shed his blood for it - Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25 He is the head of it - Eph. 1:22, 23 He saves it - Eph. 5:23 He is its chief cornerstone - Acts 4:11, 12; 1 Pet. 2:4, 7 He is the foundation of it - 1 Cor. 3:11 Christ is the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved - Acts 4:12 Check One: A) Methodist Church__ B) Baptist Church__ C) Lutheran Church__ D) Church of Christ__ 7

8. The Preeminence of Christ Christ is to be Number One in Our Preaching & Practice! No Human Philosophy! ◦2:1-10 Not the O.T. Law! ◦2:14-15; Ephesians 2:15-16 Hot Human Traditions! ◦2:16-23 8

9. The Preeminence of Christ Christ is to be Number One in Our Hearts & Minds! Must have affections in the Divine order ◦3:1-4 Must mortify the fleshly centered mind! ◦3:5-9 Must have a Christ centered mind! ◦3:12-17 9

10. The Preeminence of Christ Christ is to be Number One in Our Homes! Husband & Wife submit as fitting to God!  3:18-19 ◦Husband is highest authority in the home ◦Wife is to guide, manage, rule the house  Second in command to the husband - 1 Tim. 5:14 Children must obey parents! - 3:20 Fathers rightly instruct & guide children without provoking to wrath! - 3:21 Parents & Children are to be well pleasing to God in all things - 3:20-21 10

11. The Preeminence of Christ Conclusion Christ Is Preeminent! In Salvation In the Church In preaching & Practice In our Hearts & Minds In our Homes 11