Christ, The Preeminent One

Christ, The Preeminent One

Text: Col.1: 18

Intro: I have heard some very well meaning people make the statement, “The Lord is a big part of my life.” We all know what is meant by that statement, and certainly would find it somewhat commendable. But too often that statement is very literally true in many Christians’ lives. They tend to view Christ as only a part of the whole. He is only a part of their life.

The fact is; Christ does not wish to be merely a part of our life, but to be the essence of it—to be the life itself. Paul even says as much in Colossians 3: 4a, where he refers to Jesus as, “Christ, who is our life.” Put another way, we might say that Christ is not satisfied with being a part of our life; He wants to be preeminent in our life.

But what does it mean for Christ to be preeminent in one’s life? The Greek word translated “preeminence” in our text, means, “to be first,” and carries the idea of supremacy and superiority (W.E. Vine, M.A., An Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words, published by Fleming H. Revell Company, New Tappan, New Jersey; Vol. III, pg. 203). In essence, Christ should be before all and above all in our life—first, foremost, and supreme in every aspect of our life.

In this message I not only want to explain the preeminence of Christ, but by so doing, give glory and honor to Jesus for Who He is. He is the Preeminent One.

Theme: Christ is:

I. PREEMINENT IN HIS PERSON

A. Christ Is Sovereign.

NOTE: The word “sovereign” means, “above or superior to all others; chief; greatest; supreme” (Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, and David B. Guralnik, Editor in Chief Emeritus, Webster’s New World Dictionary Of American English, published by Webster’s New World Dictionaries, New York, New York, copyright 1988; pg. 1283).

1. His very name is given royal preeminence.

Phil.2: 9 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

NOTE: [1] Your name should be one of your most prized possessions, since it says something about who you are. Robert E. Lee, of Civil War fame, understood the importance of a good name.

After the American Civil War the managers of the infamous Louisiana Lottery approached Robert E. Lee and asked if he’d let them use his name in their scheme. They promised that if he did he would become rich.

Astounded, Lee straightened up, buttoned his gray coat, and shouted, “Gentlemen, I lost my home in the war. I lost my fortune in the war. I lost everything except my name. My name is not for sale, and if you fellows don’t get out of here, I’ll break this crutch over year heads!”

Source Unknown.

[2] There may be many names that are held in honor; but none of them is worthy of the honor and reverence due the name of Jesus. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil.2: 10-11).

2. Christ is sovereign in His royal position.

Rev.19: 16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

NOTE: [1] Folks, there is none higher than Jesus. If you’re upset with the way the world’s going and you’d like to talk to the owner, Jesus is it. Abraham Kuyper, while speaking in Amsterdam, concluded:

There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus Christ does not cry out, “This is mine! This belongs to me!”

Richard J. Mouw, Uncommon Decency, pp. 146-147.

[2] Many people in our world today use the word “Lord” rather flippantly. The truth of the matter however, is that “Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all” (Augustine).

3. In judgment, Christ possesses the sovereign right to preside.

Rom.14: 10 “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why doest thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

……………………………………………….

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

4. Jesus Christ is sovereign over every person.

Rom.14: 9 “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”

B. Christ Is Sinless.

1. Satan couldn’t find any sin in Jesus.

John 14: 30b “…the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”