Colossians chapter 1 and just to recap a little bit of the history in the context of this epistle, Paul wrote this letter around 62 AD and this was when he was in Rome and he was under house arrest. Though he was confined under house arrest for almost two years, he was still able to receive visitors and he was able to preach boldly the gospel. You can see that in the book of Acts in chapter 28 in verses 30 and 31. And it was during this time that Paul wrote the epistle to the Colossians, not just the church at Colossae, but he also wrote to the church at Ephesus and to Philippi, and so Ephesians and Philippians, and also Philemon. And those epistles are commonly known as the prison epistles. All right? And so the Colossian church, just to give you geographically, right, is located today in modern-day Turkey. So it was just south of the church at Laodicea, or the city of Laodicea. Paul wrote this letter to the church at Colossae in response to reports from Aprophos, or Epaphras, their minister, who had come to Rome to discuss the concerns of the church with Paul. Okay? The Colossian believers at that time were struggling with false teachings. This included elements of mysticism. They had gotten to the point of worshiping angels. They also experienced legalism, legalistic Judaism, and also early Gnosticism, which is the promotion that the idea that Christ alone was not sufficient for salvation. That you had to have Gnosis, Gnosticism. Gnosis is a special knowledge, a special experience to gain salvation. And so Paul was writing to them to refute these errors and to reestablish the supremacy and the sufficiency of Christ in all things. And in the previous message, we examined verses 1 through 10 and Paul's prayer for the believers in Colossae. And it was summarized basically in the three points and concentrating basically on verses 9 and 10. We saw that Paul had a prayer for the full knowledge of his will. Paul had a prayer for the full knowledge of his will. And Paul prayed that the believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. And this knowledge was not just an intellectual knowledge, right? But it was a deep experiential understanding that transforms the mind and also transforms the heart. Then we see a prayer for the proper application. of knowledge. And Paul desired that the believers not only know God's will, but also apply it to their lives, leading to righteous living that honors God. As said in James chapter 1 and verse 22 says, "...but be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only." Why? Deceiving yourselves. Deceiving yourselves. So we saw a prayer for the full knowledge of His will, a prayer for the proper application of His will, of His knowledge, and then a prayer for a walk worthy of Him. Paul emphasized in verse 10 that the knowledge and the wisdom of God should result in a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord, Pleasing by meaning of bearing fruit and every good work and growing in the knowledge of God and Ephesians 4 1 Says I therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worthy of the calling of the Lord with which you were called, okay? And so as a recap of that, as a foundation, let's continue in our next section of this chapter where Paul reveals the glorious truth about Christ's power and his preeminence, Christ's power and his preeminence. Let's begin in verse 11, Colossians 1 and verse 11. Paul says, "...strengthen with all might according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of His Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sin. He 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 the 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, and he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he may have the preeminence." Let's pray. Heavenly Father, Lord, again we come to you this morning seeking your guidance and your wisdom as we open up your Word and proclaim your Word this morning in our worship. May your Spirit, God, enlighten our hearts and our minds in granting us a deeper understanding of your truth this morning. Help us to grow in the knowledge of your will and apply it to our daily walk, God, and magnify Christ in all that we do. Let this time be fruitful, and let our hearts be drawn closer to you. In Christ's name we pray, amen. All right, so the first thing we want to look at this morning in verse 11 is the power of God at work in us. The power of God at work in us. In verse 11, Paul begins by emphasizing the power of God at work within the believers. This power is not something that we generate on our own. It is the divine power of God that enables us to endure and to thrive in our Christian life this morning. The Christian journey, as you are aware, is often filled with challenges. It is filled with trials. It is filled with moments that require perseverance. And listen, without God's strength, we would be incapable. of living out our faith effectively. And Paul here wants the believers to understand, listen, that they do not walk alone and we do not walk alone this morning. God himself empowers them and empowers us today to face every situation with resilience, but also with joy, with resilience and with joy. Paul tells his audience that this power is manifested in the life of the believer through a couple of ways. And in verse 11, one of those ways we see is the strength to endure with joy. The strength to endure with joy. Paul prays here that the Colossian believers would be strengthened with all might according to his glorious power for all patience and longsuffering with joy. With joy. And this strength is not a mere physical ability, but a spiritual empowerment from God. It is His power that allows us to endure our trials, our setbacks, and even persecution. All, listen, while maintaining an attitude of joy. An attitude of joy. Patience and long-suffering. are qualities that are often difficult to develop, especially when you are faced with difficult people or difficult circumstances. I can attest to that, all right? Patience and long-suffering was not an inherent quality of mine, and God is still working on me, right? Reminds me of the song, he's still working on me. Yes, that is me this morning, right? And that's a lot of us. Patience, long suffering is not something that's inherent to the believer. But Paul uses these circumstances, or God uses these circumstances in our life to draw him closer and to build your character closer to his son. Paul makes it clear that we are not called to endure with gritted teeth, right, and resentment. Instead, though, he says we're to endure with joy. We're to endure with joy, recognizing that God is at work even in our trials. The joy This is a joy that Paul speaks of as a deep, it's an abiding joy that comes from knowing, listen, that God is sovereign and He is in control. You can't have this joy on your own. It's recognition that He is sovereign. He is in control. It is a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances, but it is rooted in the assurance of God's love and purpose for our lives. This is personal. And it is this kind of joy that is a powerful testimony of God's grace to the world around us. When people see believers enduring hardships, but they're doing it with joy, it points them to the reality of God's presence and His power in our lives. I know most believers love to quote Isaiah in chapter 40 and verse 31, and it's a great verse for the believers. And if you know Isaiah chapter 40 and verse 31, he says, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint." That's a great verse, great verse to memorize. But listen, the preceding verses to verse 31 are so important for setting the stage of that verse. If we can look at verse 29, he says he gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might, he increases strength. He said, even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. Then you see verse 31, but those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They, who's they? The weak, the weak. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Even the strongest, listen, even the strongest among us this morning will eventually grow weary. Young people, youth, young parents, it's hard. you're going to grow weary. You're the strongest among us, but you will grow weary too. You will grow weary too. And it's that joy, it's that strength that we rely upon the Lord. And this renewal is not a one-time event when God renews our strength, but it is an ongoing process. It's an ongoing process as we continually rely on God as our source of strength. I'm 52, fixing to be 53. I can tell you that relying on God's strength is continual. You better learn to do it while you're young because you're going to keep needing it. You're going to keep needing it. So we see the strength to endure with joy, but also we see a grateful heart. A grateful heart for God's grace. Looking at verse 12, a grateful heart for God's grace. Paul continues by exhorting the believers to give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. Gratitude. Gratitude. is an essential aspect of the Christian life. And Paul wants the believers to understand that they have been given an incredible privilege. You, if you have believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ this morning, have been given a tremendous privilege this morning to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints. And this inheritance is not something that we earn. It is a gift of God's perfect, perfect grace. God says, God Himself has qualified us. And this qualification is based solely on the finished work of His Son, Jesus Christ. This inheritance is far greater than any earthly possession you could possibly think of. It is an inheritance of eternal life. Fellowship with God and a place in His kingdom at His table. Being partakers of the inheritance of the saints in His light, Paul says, means that we have been brought out of the darkness and into God's marvelous light. And this transformation is a reason for continual thanksgiving, it's continual gratitude. Gratitude, listen, keeps our hearts humble and focused on God. That's where He wants us this morning. It reminds us that everything we have, everything we have, our salvation, our strength, our hope, comes from Him." Ephesians 2, 8 and 9. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. We did nothing to earn anything, and we cannot boast in any efforts. And this truth, listen, does not lead you to a posterity of haughtiness. No, it should lead you to a posture of humility and one of thanksgiving. Every blessing we have in Christ is a result of God's unmerited favor. And our response should be one of continual gratitude and continual praise for that. So we see the power of God at work in us manifested in our joy and our gratitude. Next, let's look at verses 13 and 14, the deliverance and the redemption through Christ, the deliverance and redemption through Christ. And this next major theme, Paul addresses that this, the deliverance and the redemption that we have received through His Son, Jesus Christ. This deliverance is not merely a physical rescue. It is a spiritual transformation. And Paul wants the Colossian believers to understand the depth of what God has done for them in Christ. And we should understand that this morning. They, we, have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of Christ. Listen, this is a complete change in our identity. This is a complete change in our allegiance. So let's look at this. Let's explore the different aspects of deliverance and redemption. First, in verse 13, we see rescued from darkness, that we've been rescued from darkness. Paul declares that God has delivered us from the power of darkness. and conveyed us into the kingdom of His Son of His love." The power of darkness, listens, represents the dominion of sin, the dominion of evil, the dominion of spiritual blindness. Before coming to Christ, we were all under this dominion of darkness, unable to free ourselves. But God, in His mercy and His grace, has rescued us this morning. Again, we did not deliver ourselves to achieve this on our own. It is entirely the work of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. We have been conveyed into the kingdom of Christ. Listen, that word conveyed there. The word conveyed or translated in some translations means being transferred from one place or state to another. It carries the idea of a complete relocation or movement. It's direct opposite. It means that we are no longer under the authority of darkness. No longer. We now belong to a new kingdom. and a new king, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah. This new kingdom is characterized by love, it is characterized by light, it is characterized by righteousness, and our allegiance has changed. We are called to live as citizens of Christ's kingdom, rejecting the works of darkness and embracing the light of Christ. 1 Peter 2 and verse 9 says, But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into what? His marvelous light. We are God's people chosen to proclaim His glory. It is all about Him this morning. This calling is both a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibility. We're to live in a way that reflects the reality of our deliverance. Showing the world that the difference that Christ has made in our lives So we've seen that we've been rescued from darkness But also let's look at verse 14 the cost of our redemption the cost of our redemption Paul goes on to say that in Christ we have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins and Redemption, that word redemption, speaks of being bought back. Bought back. Christ paid the price to set us free from the bondage of sin. The price of our redemption, listen, the price of our redemption was His own blood. shed on the cross at Calvary. Paul is trying to emphasize this morning the costliness of our salvation. It was not achieved through silver or gold, but through the precious blood of His Son, Jesus. His forgiveness is a central aspect of our redemption. Through Christ's sacrifice, our sins are forgiven. And we are set free from the guilt and the penalty of sin. This forgiveness is complete and it is final. We are no longer have to live under the weight of condemnation because Christ has borne our sins on the cross. Why was Paul having to remind them of this? Listen, understanding the cost of redemption should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's love and a greater desire to live for Him. Ephesians 1 and chapter 1 and verse 7 says, in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His blood. Grace Hallelujah The fact that God was willing to pay such a price a high price for our redemption Demonstrates the depth of his love for us and we need to be reminded of that We have been bought with a great price this morning so we've seen the power of God at work in us and the deliverance and and redemption through Christ. Last, let's look at the supremacy of Christ. The supremacy of Christ, verses 15 through 18. In this final section of the passage, Paul focuses on the supremacy of Christ. He wants the Colossian believers to understand that Christ is above all. All. He, Christ, is the image of God. He is the creator. He is the sustainer. He is the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead. The false teachings that was happening in the church at Colossae were infiltrating the Colossian church, sought to diminish Christ's role and add other elements to their faith. We talked a little bit about this in the last time that I preached on this in verses one through 10. Listen, this was something that they were battling. It was Christ plus this, Christ plus that. And anytime we interject anything before him, it's about us, it stops being about him, it's about us now. Our personal desires. Our personal likes. Our personal wants. It's all about Him, and it's all about what He wants. He is supreme. Paul counters this by presenting a powerful picture of Christ's supremacy in all things. The first thing we want to look at this morning in verse 15 is God made visible. God made visible. Paul begins by stating that Christ is the image of the invisible God, meaning Jesus is the perfect representation of God Himself. He makes the invisible God visible to us. In Christ, we see the fullness of God's character, His love, His holiness, His mercy, His grace, His power. This is why Jesus could say in John 14 9, He who has seen me has seen who? The Father. Christ reveals to us who God is. And through Him, we can have a personal relationship with the Father. Now the term firstborn, firstborn over all creation, Paul moves into that, says, speaks of Christ's preeminence, his preeminence and his authority over all things, all things. It does not mean that he, Christ, was created, no. Rather, it indicates his rank and position of highest honor, highest honor. Christ is supreme over all creation and everything exists exists for His glory. His glory. Listen, this truth. should lead us to worship Him as Lord of all and recognize His rightful place in our lives. Hebrews 1 and verse 3 says, Who being in the brightness of His glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high." Christ is the exact representation of God's being. He is the brightness of God's glory. And He upholds all things by the powerful Word. And not only did God, did Christ reveal God to us, but He also accomplished our purification from sin. And He now takes His rightful place of authority at God's right hand. He's above all this morning. So we see that God in Christ is made visible. Then verses 16 and 17, we see that the Creator and the Sustainer. Christ as the Creator and the Sustainer. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions and principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Paul continues by declaring that by Him all things were created. Jesus is not only the image of God, but also the creator of all things. Everything that exists, everything that exists, whether in heaven or in earth, whether it's visible to us or invisible, was made by Him. And this includes all spiritual powers, authorities. They were all created by Him and are subject to His authority. Praise the Lord. Furthermore, Paul states that all things were created through Him and for Him. And this means that Christ is both the agent of creation and its ultimate purpose. Everything exists to bring glory to Him. And in addition, Paul says that in Him all things consist, meaning that Christ is the one who holds all creation together. Without Him, everything would fall apart. And this truth, listen, should fill us with awe and reverence this morning. Our very existence is sustained by Christ. And we owe Him our devotion. We owe Him our worship this morning. John 1, 3 says, All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. There is nothing that exists apart from His creative work. And we are called to submit to Him as Lord. So we see that Christ is made visible, as Christ is God made visible. Christ is the creator and the sustainer. But also, next, we see that Christ is head of the church. He's head of the church. Paul then moves to Christ's relationship to his church. That's me and you this morning. stating that he is the head of the body, the church. And as the head, Christ is the source of life and direction for his church. The church, listen, this morning is not some human institution. It is a living body with Christ at its head. are as its head. The church's purpose and the church's mission is all determined by Him. Just as the head directs the body, Christ directs the church. And He does so through the power of His Word. And this is why it is so important for us to remain close in fellowship with Christ through prayer and through the study of His Word and be in obedience to His commands. Ephesians chapter 1 and verse 22 says, "...and He put some things under His feet." No. It says, "...He puts all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church." which is the body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." Paul emphasizes that Christ is head over the church. He's head over all things to the church. And He has been given all authority. And the church is His body. And we are meant to reflect His image. This means that our identity, our purpose, our worth is found in Christ and Christ alone. Your identity and your worth this morning is not found in the person in these pews or in the pastor preaching or whatever. It is found in Christ and Christ alone. He is sufficient for you this morning. So we see that Christ is God made visible. Christ is the creator. He is the sustainer. Christ is the head of the church. And finally, in verse 18, He is also the victor over death. He is the victor over death. He says, Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead? And in all things, He may have the preeminence. Finally, Paul says that Christ, Christ is the firstborn from the dead. Meaning this, He is the first to rise from the dead, never to die again. His resurrection guarantees our resurrection. And because of His victory over death, He holds the place of preeminence above all things. Christ's victory over death means that He is supreme. He is supreme over both the living and the dead. He has conquered the grave. And through Him, we too have the hope of our resurrection. And this truth should give us confidence. It should give us boldness in our faith. We live with the assurance that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of Christ. The worry that goes on a lot in our world today. For the believer, Christ is in control. He's above all things. We live with the assurance that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15 verse 20 says, But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, For since by man came death, by man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. Amen and amen. Christ's resurrection is the first fruits of those who have died. In the Old Testament, the first fruits symbolized the first portion of the harvest, and it was offered to God as a sign of trust that the rest of the harvest would follow. I'm gonna give my first fruits to Him. You know, that's representation in our giving. I'm gonna give to Him. Blessings will follow. Similarly, Christ's resurrection is the assurance that all who are in Him will also be raised again to eternal life. He is the firstfruits. He is the firstfruits. His resurrection guarantees our future resurrection. And listen, this hope should shape the way we serve and worship Him in our lives this morning. In these verses, Paul presents a powerful picture of Christ's supremacy and the work that God has accomplished in us through Him. We have been strengthened by His power and delivered from darkness, redeemed through His blood, and brought into His kingdom. Christ is the image of the invisible God, the creator, the sustainer of all things. He is the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead. He is preeminent in all things. and our lives should reflect His Lordship, His Lordship. Charles Spurgeon once said this, if Christ be anything, He must be everything. Oh, rest not till love and faith in Jesus be the master passions of your soul. Listen, these truths are not just theological concepts this morning, okay? They are realities that should transform the way we live. If you have not yet received the redemption that comes through Christ, listen, I urge you today to turn to Him. Turn to Him this morning. He alone is sufficient to save you. And He alone is sufficient to strengthen you. And He alone is sufficient to guide you in every way of life. He paid the price for your sins this morning. He offers forgiveness, He offers deliverance and a new life to all who believe in Him. And for those of us who are in Christ, let us live, let us worship in a manner worthy of Him, giving Him thanks, giving thanks to the Father. walking in the light and exalting Christ in all that we do. He is supreme in our life, in all things. At this time, we're going to move into the Lord's Supper and