Colossians - Part 4

The Preeminence of Christ

Meeting Purpose

To discuss and analyze Colossians 1:15-20, focusing on the preeminence of Christ and its implications for Christian life and worldview.

Key Takeaways

-             Colossians 1:15-20 is considered the best summary of Christ's attributes in Scripture, describing His relationship to deity, creation, and the Church.

-             The passage counters Gnostic beliefs and emphasizes Christ's supremacy in creation and salvation.

-             Understanding Christ's preeminence impacts Christian living, providing a foundation for faith and resistance against opposing worldviews.

-             Post-modernist views reject absolute truth and authority, contrasting sharply with the Christian worldview presented in Colossians.

Topics

Exegesis of Colossians 1:15-20

o  Verse 15: Christ as the "image" (Greek: icon) of God, perfectly manifesting God's nature

o  Verse 16: All things created through and for Christ, including visible and invisible realms

o  Verse 17: Christ's preexistence and role in holding all things together

o  Verse 18: Christ as head of the Church and "firstborn from the dead"

o  Verse 19-20: God's fullness dwelling in Christ, reconciling all things through the cross

Theological Implications

o  Counters Gnostic beliefs about successive emanations from God

o  Affirms Christ's deity, preexistence, and role in creation

o  Establishes Christ's supremacy in both creation and redemption

o  Discusses the concept of Christ as "begotten, not created"

Application to Christian Life

o  Shapes understanding of Christ's authority and believers' identity in Him

o  Provides foundation for overcoming fear and facing life's challenges

o  Encourages conformity to Christ's image as life's purpose

o  Emphasizes holding onto truth of one's identity in Christ amidst accusations

Contrast with Post-modern Worldviews

o  Post-modernism rejects objective truth and authority

o  Christian worldview asserts Christ's preeminence and absolute truth

o  Importance of recognizing and resisting the "spirit of the world" in its current form

Next Steps

-             Encourage further study of Colossians and related passages

-             Apply understanding of Christ's preeminence to daily Christian walk

-             Be prepared to engage with and counter post-modern worldviews

-             Consider reading recommended book by Nancy Pearcey for deeper understanding

o  Nancy Pearcey, Total Truth