Memory Verse: “He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15–17, NKJV).

INTRO: As we welcome our listeners to this week’s Bible lesson discussion, we turn our attention to a term used by Bible scholars called “the preeminence (or supremacy) of Christ,” a term which may need some definition. This term is not used by Paul but has been commonly used by Bible scholars in modern times to describe Christ’s supreme role in God’s plan of salvation. We find Paul’s summary definition of Christ’s “preeminence” by Paul in our memory verse in Colossians 1:15-17. Let’s begin here: {Read Memory Verse above}

Q: Why does Paul focus almost immediately in his letter on the identity and supremacy of Jesus Christ? What teachings does Paul bring to their attention even though he has never personally met the Colossian believers? Why is this an important distinction?

Q: How does Christ as the “head” of the church provide for those who put their faith in Him, leadership, guidance, and nourishment for the church’s unity and growth (see Col. 2:19). Why do you think Paul referred to Jesus as the “Head” of the church on earth?

Q: The lesson author refers to Christ as the “initiator of a new creation” as the preeminent head of all creation. Why is this truth essential for us to understand? How should I understand Christ’s “preeminence” as the means of my reconciliation both to God and to one another?

CLOSING SIDEBAR:

“He is the image of the invisible God… and in Him all things consist.”
— Colossians 1:15, 17 (NKJV)

“The Son is the image of the invisible God in the sense that he makes visible the one who is otherwise invisible. In him the nature and character of God are fully disclosed. Moreover, he is the one in whom all things hold together, so that the unity of the universe depends upon him. Both creation and redemption alike find their coherence in Christ.”
— F. F. Bruce, The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians

Paul proclaims Christ as the unifying center of all reality. Creation, redemption, and the life of the church find their coherence in Him. When the church acknowledges Christ’s preeminence, unity flows naturally from shared allegiance to the One who holds all things together.

NEXT WEEK, we’ll look at Paul’s theme of “Reconciliation and Hope.” My thanks to Naomi Cueto and Faith Montes, our program engineers, and to all of you for listening in. Until next time, for the “Good Word,” I’m Phil Muthersbaugh.