The Glory of Christ

The Lord willing, this Sunday I will be preaching from Colossians 1:15-20 on the Glory of Christ.

This is probably the fullest brief description in the whole New Testament of the person and work of our Lord Jesus. But Paul wasn't simply presenting cold data. He was writing a pastoral letter to a young church that was being tempted to tone down their focus on Jesus, and to add some other things to their beliefs that would make them more culturally acceptable in a pluralistic society. Things haven't changed much in nearly 2000 years, have they?

How does Paul combat this temptation? He shows the Colossians how magnificent Jesus really is, so that they will know him, have full confidence in him, love him, and praise him. May these things also be true of us as we consider this Scripture together.

As you read the passage ahead of time, you may find it helpful to notice what Paul says about Christ as he is related to God, to creation, and to the church.