The Son of His Love
Colossians 1:15–23
Introduction
One of the early church fathers declared, “Were the highest heavens my pulpit and the whole host of the redeemed my audience, Jesus alone would be my text.”
I. Creator (15–16)
A. “The image of the invisible God.” In contrast to some false teachers who said Jesus was just one among many powers, Paul showed that He is “the visible expression of the invisible God” (J. B. Phillips). Note John 14:9; Hebrews 1:1–3.
B. “The firstborn over all creation.” This does not mean that Jesus was himself created (“firstborn” in the sense of time), but is a title of special honor. Paul makes sure we do not misunderstand (v. 16). Our faith leads us to the Creator, the Son of His love (John 1:1–3).
II. Sustainer (17–18)
A. He sustains the world. He holds everything together. Herbert Carson said, “He is not only the agent of creation, but also of preservation.” His constant care is our security.
B. He sustains the church. He is its head, preeminent over all. It is the old, old story that lets men sing the new, new song. In every decision within the body of Christ, His will must be sought.
III. Redeemer (19–23)
A. Earlier Paul explained how Christ forgave our sins (vv. 13, 14). Satan held the world in his death grip of sin. Jesus purchased us back. Like a prisoner released by a terrorist who received the ransom payment, we are now free.
B. In Israel’s ancient law, a forfeited life could be ransomed (Exodus 21:30). So our lives, forfeited by sin, are ransomed by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). Through Him, you can find the peace that you have sought all along.
Illustrations
Jesus Is Everything
James I. Vance, a Y.M.C.A. worker during World War II, often had a young Jewish soldier in his audience. After hearing Vance preach, he went to his rabbi and asked, “Sir, what is the difference between what Christians believe and what Jews believe?” The rabbi replied, “Christians believe the Messiah has already come; we Jews believe He has yet to come.” Then the thoughtful soldier questioned, “Sir, when our Messiah does come, what will He have on Jesus?”
You Matter to God
After a major battle, Napoleon wrote to his wife, Marie Louise, that he had won a great victory. Then he added, “We lost no one of importance.” He lost hundreds, even thousands, of men—but they were of no importance to him. You can be assured they were important to God, however. He cared enough about them—and about you—to give the Son of His love so that all could be saved.
Stone, S. E. (1995). Sermon Outlines on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. (S. E. Stone, Ed.) (pp. 53–54). Cincinnati, OH: Standard.
