TOPIC: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord.

TEXT: Colossians 1:15-23

PURPOSE: To understand the significance of the person and work of Christ.

INTRODUCTION

To some, Jesus of Nazareth is a revolutionary, leading the masses in their struggle for freedom from oppression. Others see him as a staunch conservative, fully supporting and representing the status quo. 

Still others view Jesus as a pious, meek and mild do-gooder who loves everyone and avoids confrontation at all costs.

GROUP DISCUSSION. How did you view Jesus before you became a Christian?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. How has your picture of Jesus changed? 

Praise God for the privilege of knowing Jesus.

What is Jesus really like? 

Confusion about the identity and character of Jesus was also a problem in the first century. From both inside and outside the church, distortions of the truth about Jesus and the Christian life had arisen. Against this background Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae, reminding them of who it is they follow as Lord. 

Read Colossians 1:15-23.

 1.⁠ ⁠What characteristics of Jesus Christ impress you in this passage?

 2.⁠ ⁠According to verse 15, ” Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God”. What are some of the difficulties we have in trying to know and relate to an invisible God?

👉🏾 How has Christ’s incarnation (God becoming a human being) overcome these difficulties?

 3.⁠ ⁠Christ is also “the firstborn,” which means the one who is first (or Lord) over all creation (v. 15). In what ways are his lordship and supremacy indicated in verses 16-20?

 4.⁠ ⁠How does this portrait of Christ enlarge your view of him?

 5.⁠ ⁠According to verse 16, what is the purpose of all created things: nature, people, “rulers” and “authorities”?

👉🏾 How should this affect our attitude toward life including our possessions, relationships and goals?

 6.⁠ ⁠Christ is also “the head of the body, the church” (v. 18). 

👉🏾 How can Christ’s

authority make a visible difference in your church or fellowship group?

 7.⁠ ⁠How does verse 20 help us to understand God’s overall plan and goal for the universe?

 8.⁠ ⁠According to verses 21-22, what has God done to enable us to participate in his plan?

👉🏾 What kind of response does he expect from us (v. 23)?

 9.⁠ ⁠Verse 18 summarizes the overall thrust of this passage: “So that in everything he might have the supremacy.” 

👉🏾 In what areas does Jesus not yet have first place in your life?

👉🏾 What steps can you take to submit these areas to his lordship?

10.⁠ ⁠How can this passage encourage you to “continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel” (v. 23)?