Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship
"Jesus - Exalted and Pre-eminent" Part 1 - Colossians 1:15-23
Join us as we discover The Joy of Good News as we study the book of Colossians!
Locations & Times
Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship
1475 Quintana Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Big Idea: Jesus reigns and is worthy of all glory and praise.
I. The Issue Before the Church (vv. 15-23).
A. The Colossian church is struggling with the infiltration of false
teaching touching on issues of spiritual authority, legalism, and
Jesus’ identity. Paul’s response to false teaching is a more full
and precise understanding of Jesus and His Gospel (vv. 15-19).
teaching touching on issues of spiritual authority, legalism, and
Jesus’ identity. Paul’s response to false teaching is a more full
and precise understanding of Jesus and His Gospel (vv. 15-19).
B. Unfortunately, today’s picture of Jesus is also often distorted.
When we see Jesus for who He really is, we are confronted with
one who is exalted and preeminent (cf. Lk. 9:28-35).
When we see Jesus for who He really is, we are confronted with
one who is exalted and preeminent (cf. Lk. 9:28-35).
II. The Identity of Jesus (vv. 15-19).
A. Paul gives us here a clear, compelling, and convicting view of
Messiah Jesus that confronted the false teaching circulating in
the church. Regarding Jesus’ identity we see:
Messiah Jesus that confronted the false teaching circulating in
the church. Regarding Jesus’ identity we see:
1. In Jesus Christ, we see God fully revealed (v. 15; cf. Jn.
14:8-11; Heb. 1:1-3).
14:8-11; Heb. 1:1-3).
2. As God the Son, Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the
spiritual and material universe (vv. 16-17; cf. Jn. 1:1-3).
spiritual and material universe (vv. 16-17; cf. Jn. 1:1-3).
3. Jesus Christ has all authority (v. 17; cf. Heb. 1:3; Matt.
28:18).
28:18).
4. Jesus Christ is the head of the church (v. 18a; cf. Eph. 4:15-
16).
16).
5. Jesus Christ has been resurrected and is the pattern and hope
for all of us (v. 18b; cf. 1 Cor. 15:20).
for all of us (v. 18b; cf. 1 Cor. 15:20).
III. The Importance of the Issue (vv. 19-23).
A. The true identity of Jesus is important for several reasons. First,
only a Messiah who is fully God and fully man can rescue us
from sin (cf. vv. 19-23; Heb. 10:11-14).
only a Messiah who is fully God and fully man can rescue us
from sin (cf. vv. 19-23; Heb. 10:11-14).
B. Also, is because we know who Jesus is, God the Son, we find
answers to the larger questions of life (cf. Rom. 12:1-2):
answers to the larger questions of life (cf. Rom. 12:1-2):
1. Who are we? (Our identity).
2. Where do we come from? (Our origins).
3. Why are we here? (Our purpose).
4. Where are we going? (Our future).