1. The Supremacy of Christ
Colossians 1:15-20

2. The image of the invisible God
Eikon = manifestation, representation, the perfect expression of God
All the fullness of God dwelt in Him v. 19
He reflects/radiates the glory of God and bears the very stamp of His nature, upholding the universe by the word of His power Hebrews 1:3

3. He who has seen Me has seen the Father John 14:9
Miracles e.g. walking on water
Clear sense of purpose e.g. to Jerusalem
Love e.g. talking to the Samaritan woman
Forgiveness e.g. man lowered through the roof
Unconventional religion e.g. not washing hands
Prayer e.g. ‘alone’ often

4. The firstborn over all creation
Protokos = pre-eminence rather than birth order
The eldest son succeeded to the rank and position of head of the family. He inherited a double portion of his father’s property.
He was the representative of his family or tribe’s prerogative.

5. Every first born male (man and animal) was holy to the Lord
Could not be used for ordinary tasks
Belonged to the sanctuary for sacrifice
(Human) firstborn males were redeemed (Exodus 13:13, 34:20) and later substituted by the Levites.

6. By him all things were made
He is the creator
All things in heaven and earth
Visible and invisible
Thrones, powers, rulers, authorities
An institution operating for anything except Him is ultimately futile and misdirected

7. In him all things hold together
Stand together
Consist
If you take Christ out of things what do you have left?

8. He is the head
Pre-eminent
Controller
Source
Authority

9. Through him to reconcile all things to himself
By making peace
Through his blood shed on the cross

10. So for 2009 … Christ is the preeminent One Determined to know Him
Worship, obedience, respect, awe
Determined to know Him
Spend time with Him
Eager to learn
Determined to make Him known
Personal proclamation
Team effort