Chasing After The Faith Series

Title: The supremacy of Christ

Text: Colossians 1:15-23

Introduction

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:15-23

Our Challenge: To not give up chasing the faith (v23)

1.Continue in the faith

2.Establish yourself in the faith

3.Be firm in the faith

4.Do not be moved from the hope held out in the faith

5.Proclaim the faith

6. Finally become a servant of the faith

Apparently we must have more faith to chase!

And in order to not give up chasing the faith we have to keep our eyes on Jesus- or as Paul puts it- keep your eyes on the supremacy of Christ.

”He is the image of the invisible God” -Christ is supreme over everything!

Paul mentions 4 things in particular that Christ is supreme over.

1.Christ is supreme over Creation. (v15-17)

He is the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

How is Christ supreme over Creation?

1.Christ is before all Creation

2.Christ is the creator of all creation

3.Christ is the sustainer of all creation

4.All of creation exists to worship Christ

1. Nothing in creation should stop us from chasing the faith!

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

2.Nothing in creation should replace chasing the faith

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:21-23

Those who don’t chase the faith end up chasing after something else.

1. They end up chasing after other men

2. They end up chasing after birds

3. They end up chasing after animals

4. They end up chasing after reptiles

2. Christ is supreme over the Church (v18)

“And he is the head of the body, the church…”

A. Christ is supreme over the church because He is the head of the church

“I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18

When we say we are chasing after the faith what we mean is- we are chasing after Jesus.

Jesus said it this way “follow me.” –chase after me!

B. End time church – Emphasis something else in place of chasing after Jesus

14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ’I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev. 3:14-22