Colossians 1:15 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
When you think of God, what comes to mind? Do you imagine a celestial place of glory, filled with angels, clouds, and singing? Do your thoughts drift upward toward an existence that seems far away and impossible to consider?
There are so many thoughts about God that a seeker of truth could easily get bogged down in theology for a lifetime and not find a reasonable conclusion. People migrate towards ceremony and liturgies because they seem holy and feel sacred.
In the days of the early church, they had many of the problems we see today. False teachers had undercut doctrines of deity, lordship, and the sufficiency of Christ. The dangers of false teaching was evident then as it is today therefore Paul sent a letter to the city of Colossae and reminded them of what is true.
The Preeminence of Christ
Paul demonstrated the necessity of prayer in all things. When the enemy attacks through deception and lies, prayer is the initial way the church defends and conquers.
Colossians 1:9 “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding”
The Spirit of God brings truth and clarity in the midst of a world of confusion. The believer who desires to follow God must know the will of God. Knowledge of God’s will is given by the Spirit of God. Understanding comes by way of obedience.
Colossians 1:10 “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”
The same Spirit of God who dwelled in Jesus, is the same Spirit sent to God’s people to lead them in paths of righteousness. When faithful hearts are turned to God, they are well pleasing in His sight. It is the faithful obedience of God’s people that brings the peaceful fruit of faithfulness. As God’s people walk in Him, they grow in the knowledge of God. This is what many desire but few understand the significance of obedience.
Godly Strength
In the midst of walking in Christ comes the effects of being led by the Spirit.
Colossians 1:11-12 “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”
Jesus, the image of the invisible God, becomes visible today in His people.
- They are strengthened in Him.
- They receive power from on high.
- They get to partake of the heavenly calling.
The darkness has no power over God’s people. They know and experience the love of God daily.
There is no kingdom like the Kingdom of God. There is no future apart from Christ. Jesus has redeemed His people back to Himself and He then conveys His Spirit through them.
Do you want to know God?
Then get to know Jesus.
Colossians 1:16 “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.”
He is the One who formed you, He is the One who created you….you were His idea.
U.T. 