Can’t Improve on All-Supreme

Text: Colossians 1:15-18 Theme: Christ is supreme above all. Key verses: “He is the image of the invisible God…” (v. 15a) “…all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (v. 17) “…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (v. 18b) What God said to me: Dwayne, Paul was battling false teaching that had crept in among the Colossian believers. Some of them were falling victim to legalism, believing that salvation required special behavior such as circumcision, keeping special dietary laws and religious ceremonies. Others felt that they needed special knowlege, secret information and insights, in order to gain salvation. That’s called Gnosticism and it’s very dangerous. Paul knew he had to hit this false teaching head on. What better way than to proclaim my Son, Jesus, as above and before all? The strong and solid foundation Paul was building here is the understanding that there is none other but Christ. He is eternal. There is nothing, no “secret” knowledge or hidden powers beyond Christ. If you want to know the answers to the universe and to life and eternity, you will only find them in the Supreme Jesus the Christ. Afterall, he was a perfect image of me. How can you improve on that?  – You can’t. And that’s the point Paul is beginning to make here by beginning at the beginning – and end – of all things: my precious and all-sufficient Jesus. I expect you to love and honor him today and always… What I said to God: Yes, Lord, I surrender. What other choice do I have? I fall at the feet and before the throne of the absolutely supreme Maker of all things, the One who reigns on high. I submit before You, Jesus. May You reign in me today. Please show me any closed closet in my heart that is not completely yeilded to You. May I never feel I have some special knowledge that others can’t possess. I only have and know You, Jesus, and You can be shared by all! I praise You for being my personal All in All. Come and reign and rule in my heart today and forever. I pray that over my wife and boys today as well.