Colossians 1:15-20; Ephesians 5:22-33 – Redemption
Paul continues to describe the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ by showing how he is not only pre-eminent over creation and providence, but, more importantly for the believer, over the whole work of redemption.
1. He is the king and head of His church. He is described as being the head organically and believers make up the body – the church. He is also the head governmentally – He rules as king over His church. This pre-eminence is related specifically to the resurrection from the dead. It is from Christ the head that the body, the church, receives its life and hope; as Jesus said ‘because I live, you shall live also’. If He is the church’s king and head it follows quite naturally that the church is to submit to Him in every aspect of its life and work.
2. The headship of the Lord Jesus Christ is by divine appointment. All that is necessary for the foundation and nurturing of the church has been vested in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing that the church as a body or the believer as an individual needs that is not found in Christ. Paul wants those who were teaching that Christ alone was not sufficient to realise their error and to exalt Christ alone.
3. It is only in Jesus Christ that there can be reconciliation with God. Before the fall there was harmony and unity in the created universe; there was nothing to harm or destroy. Through the work of Christ on the cross, sin has been conquered, peace has been made and harmony restored. From his exalted position at the right hand of God the crucified and risen Lord Jesus rules the universe for the benefit of His own blood bought people, and for the glory of the sovereign God.
Questions
- How can the kingship of Christ be seen in your life?
- Why did Paul focus attention of the supremacy of Christ?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the supremacy of Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.