The Preeminence of Christ
Text: Colossians 1:15–18
Theme: In this paragraph the Spirit uses the word all six times. Christ is sufficient for all because of who He is.

Introduction
Near the end of His ministry Jesus asked, “What do you think about the Christ?” (Matthew 22:42). Paul answers from prison: Christ stands above all and over all. Colossians 1:15–18 reveals why He is preeminent and how that truth reshapes daily discipleship.

Christ, the Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15a)
“Image” means the visible expression of God’s own being. To look upon Jesus in His words, works, and ways is to perceive the Father’s character. Philip asked to see the Father, and the Lord replied, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:8–9). The attributes of deity shine through the Son’s compassion, purity, authority, and truth.

Christ, the Creator and Lord of Creation (Colossians 1:15b–16)
“Firstborn over all creation” is a royal title of rank and honor, the language of supremacy (Psalm 89:27). All things in heaven and on earth came into being through Him and for Him (John 1:3). He is also the author of a new creation; in Him people are made new, buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4–6). Those brought forth by the word of truth are His firstfruits (James 1:18). Since He made us and remakes us, we yield ourselves to His rule; He is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey (Hebrews 5:9).

Christ, the Sustainer of All Things (Colossians 1:17)
“He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” The Son stands before time and holds creation together. He upholds all by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night continue by His ordering hand (Genesis 8:22). Every breath, orbit, season, and lawful process rests upon His faithful governance.

Christ, the Head of the Body, the Church (Colossians 1:18a)
Headship means authority, life, and care. The church receives direction from Christ and submits to Him (Ephesians 5:22–23). He declares, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). He governs through His revealed word; therefore disciples let the word of Christ dwell richly and do everything in His name (Colossians 3:16–17). His last will and testament carries binding force (Hebrews 9:16–17). As Head, He supplies every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places to those in Him (Ephesians 1:3). Salvation is located in Christ and among His people (2 Timothy 2:10).

Christ, Preeminent in Resurrection and Judgment (Colossians 1:18b)
He is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,” the living One who holds the keys of Death and Hades (Revelation 1:17–18). He will sit upon the throne of His glory and gather the nations before Him (Matthew 25:31–32). He reigns at the right hand of God; angels, authorities, and powers are subject to Him (1 Peter 3:22). Since He has the first place in everything, disciples gladly take the humble place, submitting heart, doctrine, and life to His supremacy.

Applications for Daily Living
Fix the mind on the Son to know the Father. Offer daily obedience to the Creator who remade you in baptism. Trust the Sustainer when seasons change. Follow the Head by listening carefully to His word. Live with courage and purity because the risen Lord holds the final keys.

Conclusion
“What do you think about the Christ?” Colossians answers: He is the image of God, the maker and remaker of life, the sustainer of all, the Head of the church, the firstborn from the dead. Let every plan, preference, and practice yield to His preeminence.

Invitation
Believe the gospel of the crucified and risen Son. Turn to God in repentance, confess Jesus as Lord, and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins, rising to walk in newness of life (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3–5). Continue steadfast, letting His word shape all you do.