“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation … “. - Colossians 1:15
If Colossae existed today, it would be in the southern section of modern-day Turkey. The issue in this church was the infiltration of some believers who were attempting to combine elements of paganism and secular philosophy with Christian doctrine. Paul wrote to combat these errors and show that Christ alone is more than sufficient to meet all a believers’ needs than anything outside God’s standards. This letter was written in approximately 60 AD.
The first sentence in verse 15 speaks directly to the divine nature of Christ. Not only is Christ equal to God [Philippians 2:6], but IS God [John 10:30, 38; 12:45; 14:1-11] by virtue of the saying that he is “the visible image of the invisible God”. Jesus “is and was and is to come”. He was the most intimate part of creation in that he existed prior to there being anything in existence. There is nothing our Lord cannot do for us and is in complete control of everything he has created.
Paul spent a good portion of his letter emphasizing that our focus must be on Christ as our sole provider and sustainer. We must also focus on God’s word and not another person’s perception of what God meant with that which he said. The standard we must follow is God’s word and his word alone. Worldly philosophies and conjecture re: Christianity will only confuse you, not drawing you any closer to God. Draw close to God. Rid yourself of worldly habits that quickly turn into sin. Praise the Lord with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Praise his name without ceasing, for this is what we are called to do. Until next time walk with the King and be a blessing.
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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