Winter Retreat Devotional | day 1

Written By longhornbsm

Read Colossians 1

Re-read Colossians 1:15-20

He [Christ Jesus, the Son] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Study Questions:

  • Observe: What does this passage tell us about Christ? Make a list of things attributed to him.

  • Understand: Are there any words or phrases that are difficult to understand? (Use an online concordance (Blue Letter Bible) to find other uses of the words throughout Scripture. Use an online commentary like Enduring Word to help with understanding.)

  • Interpret: How would you summarize Paul’s main point in a sentence?

  • Apply: How do you think these truths about Christ should change the way we live?

Praise our gracious God for sending his Son to reveal himself to us and save us! Jesus is the image of God, in whom the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily! The one who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9)! He is God, born as a man. We bear God’s image but Christ is God’s very image, truly God and truly man. Christ represents God to us so that we may know him and at the same time, he graciously represents us before God as our mediator. In his life, Christ revealed God to us. In his death, he took our place and mediated between us and God. In his resurrection, all his claims were proven true and his sacrifice was shown to be accepted. This Christ now rules and reigns over all!  In Christ, we know God and find our redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  

We praise Christ because he is the preeminent one, first in everything! To be preeminent is to surpass all others in rank and importance. He is the firstborn of all creation. In ancient Jewish culture, the “firstborn” was often the oldest child but the term emphasizes their inheritance and leadership in a family. Christ was not created but all things were created by him and for him! He is supreme over creation. All thrones and dominions are under his authority. The universe belongs to Christ and every atom holds together in him. Jesus is the new beginning for all his people. As the firstborn from the dead, he rose from death, never to die again! Because of his great love, we also will rise with him through faith to eternal life! Jesus is the head of his church; he holds all authority over his body (that’s us!). Jesus is first in everything and yet he became last for you! Praise the Lord of all lords who has saved us!

Respond & Worship in song:

longhornbsm
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