Center of Everything
Colossians 1:9-23
We live with multiple cultures and religions. Varying philosophies and ideologies vie for our allegiance. Often we are confused. We are not very different from the Colossians.
Colossae was a cosmopolitan city where multiple cultures and religions mingled. Although the Colossian Epistle does not directly express a heresy that threatened the believers’ faith and practice, there are distinguishing marks that hint that such a philosophy grew within Colossae.
In light of this threat, Paul reasserted that Jesus is the center of everything and his power changes who we are and what we do.
Paul began his letter to the Colossians by praising God for them. His constant prayer was that God might fill them with the knowledge of his will and that they may live their lives accordingly (vv. 9-10). Paul did not ask them to build an intellectual knowledge of God; rather, he claimed the personal relationship they had with God through Christ created an intimacy that continued to grow and impact the way they conducted their lives. The power to grow, endure, be patient, and rejoice comes from the power of Christ’s redeeming grace (vv. 12-14). Christ is the center!
But who is Christ? Paul answered that questioned by putting to pen a Christian hymn that proclaimed the preeminence of Christ (vv. 15-20). He is the invisible God made visible (v. 15), God’s very nature and character perfectly revealed. Christ is the first to be born (v. 15) and the first to be resurrected (v. 18); the source, sustainer, and redeemer of creation (vv. 16-17, 20); and the head of the church, his followers (v. 18). Jesus Christ is preeminent (first, most important, best) because God in all His divine essence and power (His spirit, word, wisdom and glory) dwell in him (v. 19).
Christ was also preeminent in their present (vv. 21-23). They were alienated, hostile and did evil, but were reconciled through Christ. They were presented above reproach before him. We who have placed faith in Jesus will be as well.
Verse 23 is often mistaken to mean that believers can fall from grace. English translators often fail to capture the meaning in the Greek. The original language conveys confidence in the security of Christ: “If you stand firm in the faith – and I am sure you will.” Christ is preeminent in the future as believers are made strong and secure in his reconciliation.
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former DOM for Savannah River Association.