WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.379 Open up your Bible to the book of Colossians. 00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:07.540 And you did part of the background of my sermon for me right there. 00:00:07.540 --> 00:00:09.419 ! So that's really great. 00:00:15.860 --> 00:00:21.420 So yeah, Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae. 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:21.420 00:00:21.420 --> 00:00:27.359 And that was a city that Paul didn't travel through or to, at least that we know of. 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:33.880 But as we saw on the screen there, the people in that city first heard the gospel from a man named Epaphras. 00:00:34.299 --> 00:00:36.359 Who was sort of a co-worker of Paul's. 00:00:37.619 --> 00:00:44.899 And after those introductory remarks that Brad shared with us, 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:50.899 Paul in his letter to the church in Colossae, 00:00:51.399 --> 00:00:55.700 the first thing he does is he starts to remind them of the gospel. 00:00:55.700 --> 00:01:03.280 He starts to remind them of who Jesus is and what is the good news about him. 00:01:04.060 --> 00:01:08.640 And so we're going to just jump right into, we're at verse 15 of chapter 1. 00:01:10.159 --> 00:01:16.420 And I'm going to read our passage and then we'll take some time to think through it together. 00:01:16.420 --> 00:01:26.040 The Son, writes Paul, is the image of the invisible God. 00:01:27.200 --> 00:01:30.019 The firstborn over all creation. 00:01:31.019 --> 00:01:34.439 For in him all things were created. 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:37.780 Things in heaven and on earth. 00:01:37.780 --> 00:01:39.280 All things in heaven and on earth. 00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:40.879 Visible and invisible. 00:01:41.340 --> 00:01:47.040 Whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. 00:01:47.560 --> 00:01:52.480 All things have been created through him and for him. 00:01:53.460 --> 00:01:56.020 He is before all things. 00:01:56.599 --> 00:01:59.560 And in him all things hold together. 00:02:00.700 --> 00:02:03.359 And he is the head of the body. 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:04.859 The church. 00:02:04.859 --> 00:02:07.340 He is the beginning. 00:02:08.780 --> 00:02:10.099 And the firstborn. 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:12.379 From among the dead. 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:15.099 So that in everything. 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:16.939 He might have. 00:02:17.719 --> 00:02:18.580 The supremacy. 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:21.740 For God was pleased. 00:02:22.520 --> 00:02:24.439 To have all his fullness. 00:02:25.199 --> 00:02:26.079 Dwell in him. 00:02:27.219 --> 00:02:28.460 And through him. 00:02:29.159 --> 00:02:31.139 To reconcile to himself. 00:02:31.639 --> 00:02:32.460 All things. 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:34.659 Whether things on earth. 00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:36.360 Or things in heaven. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:38.379 By making peace. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:39.960 Through his blood. 00:02:41.040 --> 00:02:41.379 Shed. 00:02:41.700 --> 00:02:42.460 On the cross. 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:44.740 Once. 00:02:44.900 --> 00:02:46.480 You were alienated from God. 00:02:47.140 --> 00:02:47.939 And were enemies. 00:02:48.480 --> 00:02:49.379 In your minds. 00:02:49.939 --> 00:02:51.680 Because of your evil behavior. 00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:53.780 But now. 00:02:53.780 --> 00:02:56.159 He has reconciled you. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:02:58.540 By Christ's physical body. 00:02:59.080 --> 00:02:59.840 Through death. 00:03:00.260 --> 00:03:01.659 To present you. 00:03:02.099 --> 00:03:02.420 Holy. 00:03:02.900 --> 00:03:03.480 In his sight. 00:03:04.520 --> 00:03:05.500 Without blemish. 00:03:06.379 --> 00:03:06.860 And free. 00:03:07.340 --> 00:03:08.280 From accusation. 00:03:09.159 --> 00:03:09.879 If. 00:03:10.340 --> 00:03:10.900 You continue. 00:03:11.260 --> 00:03:11.900 In your faith. 00:03:12.840 --> 00:03:13.560 Established. 00:03:14.040 --> 00:03:14.520 And firm. 00:03:15.460 --> 00:03:16.520 And do not move. 00:03:16.600 --> 00:03:17.200 From the hope. 00:03:17.400 --> 00:03:18.400 Held out in the gospel. 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:19.039 This. 00:03:20.219 --> 00:03:21.099 Is the gospel. 00:03:21.099 --> 00:03:21.920 That you heard. 00:03:22.360 --> 00:03:23.740 And that has been proclaimed. 00:03:23.740 --> 00:03:24.780 To every creature. 00:03:24.780 --> 00:03:25.439 Under heaven. 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:27.000 And of which I. 00:03:27.140 --> 00:03:27.420 Paul. 00:03:28.040 --> 00:03:29.259 Have become a servant. 00:03:33.259 --> 00:03:33.939 And so. 00:03:34.200 --> 00:03:34.620 Before Paul. 00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:35.759 Gets to anything else. 00:03:35.759 --> 00:03:36.480 In his letter. 00:03:36.640 --> 00:03:37.400 To this church. 00:03:37.700 --> 00:03:38.700 He reminds them. 00:03:38.719 --> 00:03:39.360 Of the gospel. 00:03:39.560 --> 00:03:40.240 He reminds them. 00:03:40.259 --> 00:03:41.099 Of the good news. 00:03:41.099 --> 00:03:41.599 Of Jesus. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:42.140 Both. 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:43.379 Who he is. 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:44.960 And what. 00:03:45.219 --> 00:03:45.860 He has done. 00:03:45.860 --> 00:03:48.540 Those first four verses. 00:03:48.540 --> 00:03:49.480 From 15. 00:03:49.640 --> 00:03:50.520 Down to 19. 00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:52.120 Are all about. 00:03:52.600 --> 00:03:53.540 Who Jesus is. 00:03:55.700 --> 00:03:56.680 Paul calls him. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:03:57.180 The son. 00:03:57.840 --> 00:03:59.200 And it kind of flows out. 00:03:59.220 --> 00:04:00.380 Of what he was talking about. 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:00.820 Before. 00:04:01.220 --> 00:04:02.160 Where he. 00:04:03.320 --> 00:04:04.320 Talks about God. 00:04:04.380 --> 00:04:04.840 The father. 00:04:04.980 --> 00:04:05.680 And then there is. 00:04:06.540 --> 00:04:07.340 The son. 00:04:07.580 --> 00:04:08.060 God's son. 00:04:08.180 --> 00:04:08.500 Jesus. 00:04:09.220 --> 00:04:10.640 And here in verse 15. 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:12.840 Paul describes Jesus. 00:04:15.160 --> 00:04:15.840 He says. 00:04:15.860 --> 00:04:16.460 The son. 00:04:16.460 --> 00:04:17.780 Is the image. 00:04:18.379 --> 00:04:20.100 Of the invisible God. 00:04:22.439 --> 00:04:24.460 So God cannot be seen. 00:04:25.160 --> 00:04:26.360 He's invisible. 00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:28.699 But Jesus. 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:30.060 God's son. 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:32.360 Is the image. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:34.980 Of the invisible God. 00:04:36.639 --> 00:04:38.240 To say it another way. 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:39.100 Through. 00:04:39.379 --> 00:04:41.020 Even though God is spirit. 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:42.460 And therefore. 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:43.639 Not seeable. 00:04:43.819 --> 00:04:44.860 To our human eyes. 00:04:44.860 --> 00:04:47.480 God has made himself. 00:04:47.480 --> 00:04:48.020 Seeable. 00:04:48.879 --> 00:04:50.060 Through his son. 00:04:50.379 --> 00:04:50.720 Jesus. 00:04:52.420 --> 00:04:53.840 God has put himself. 00:04:54.000 --> 00:04:54.759 In a form. 00:04:55.080 --> 00:04:56.040 Which is visible. 00:04:56.680 --> 00:04:57.319 To us. 00:04:58.400 --> 00:04:59.980 So that we can see him. 00:05:00.139 --> 00:05:00.699 And know him. 00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:02.680 That's who Jesus is. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:04.800 To see Jesus. 00:05:05.540 --> 00:05:06.860 Is to see God. 00:05:07.860 --> 00:05:09.220 To know Jesus. 00:05:10.080 --> 00:05:10.540 Is to. 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:11.759 Know God. 00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:12.360 God. 00:05:14.779 --> 00:05:16.039 So he is the image. 00:05:16.279 --> 00:05:17.159 The son is the image. 00:05:17.159 --> 00:05:18.279 Of the invisible God. 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:19.420 And Paul says. 00:05:19.560 --> 00:05:20.920 He is the firstborn. 00:05:21.560 --> 00:05:22.459 Over all. 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:23.300 Creation. 00:05:24.379 --> 00:05:25.039 Now these words. 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:25.500 Sometimes. 00:05:25.639 --> 00:05:26.759 Maybe confuse us a little. 00:05:27.439 --> 00:05:27.980 We don't. 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:29.199 Often. 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:30.339 Use that language. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:31.300 Very much. 00:05:31.879 --> 00:05:33.240 When we hear firstborn. 00:05:34.060 --> 00:05:34.500 Usually. 00:05:34.639 --> 00:05:36.079 We just think of the first child. 00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:37.000 Born in the family. 00:05:37.719 --> 00:05:38.500 And that's it. 00:05:38.500 --> 00:05:40.420 But back in. 00:05:40.660 --> 00:05:41.379 Bible times. 00:05:42.319 --> 00:05:43.639 To be the firstborn. 00:05:44.279 --> 00:05:45.459 Meant so much more. 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:46.360 Than just order. 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:47.220 Of birth. 00:05:48.459 --> 00:05:49.519 The firstborn. 00:05:49.660 --> 00:05:50.220 In a family. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:51.860 Had a special status. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:53.519 In his family. 00:05:54.279 --> 00:05:55.759 He received a double portion. 00:05:56.319 --> 00:05:57.180 Of the inheritance. 00:05:57.899 --> 00:05:59.300 From his father. 00:06:00.019 --> 00:06:01.160 And yet a higher position. 00:06:01.279 --> 00:06:01.860 In his family. 00:06:02.040 --> 00:06:03.720 Than his siblings. 00:06:03.720 --> 00:06:06.860 And so when Paul calls Jesus. 00:06:07.600 --> 00:06:08.720 The firstborn. 00:06:09.500 --> 00:06:11.360 He's saying that Jesus has. 00:06:11.560 --> 00:06:12.300 This special. 00:06:12.540 --> 00:06:13.720 Exalted status. 00:06:13.900 --> 00:06:14.720 He is over. 00:06:15.080 --> 00:06:15.860 He is above. 00:06:17.080 --> 00:06:18.700 But maybe what's surprising. 00:06:19.460 --> 00:06:20.900 Is what he is over. 00:06:21.100 --> 00:06:21.800 And above. 00:06:23.820 --> 00:06:26.020 Paul says that he is the firstborn. 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:27.440 Over all. 00:06:28.160 --> 00:06:28.600 Creation. 00:06:31.060 --> 00:06:32.940 Firstborn over all creation. 00:06:32.939 --> 00:06:36.480 And to understand what that means. 00:06:36.600 --> 00:06:37.980 We actually have to just keep reading. 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:38.959 To the next verse. 00:06:39.660 --> 00:06:40.680 Paul explains it. 00:06:42.139 --> 00:06:43.660 The son is the firstborn. 00:06:43.740 --> 00:06:44.759 Over all creation. 00:06:45.899 --> 00:06:46.379 For. 00:06:47.180 --> 00:06:48.060 In him. 00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:49.339 All things. 00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:50.360 Were created. 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:52.399 Things in heaven. 00:06:52.579 --> 00:06:53.259 And on earth. 00:06:53.579 --> 00:06:54.079 Visible. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:55.159 And invisible. 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:56.659 Whether thrones. 00:06:56.779 --> 00:06:57.339 Or powers. 00:06:57.540 --> 00:06:58.060 Or rulers. 00:06:58.060 --> 00:06:58.839 Or authorities. 00:06:59.259 --> 00:07:00.339 All things. 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:01.259 Have been created. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:02.000 Through him. 00:07:02.000 --> 00:07:03.720 And for him. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:07.240 And so that's Paul's explanation. 00:07:07.480 --> 00:07:08.139 Of what it means. 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:08.779 That the son. 00:07:09.220 --> 00:07:10.480 Is the firstborn. 00:07:10.660 --> 00:07:11.819 Over all creation. 00:07:12.779 --> 00:07:14.180 It certainly doesn't mean. 00:07:14.300 --> 00:07:15.399 That he was the first one. 00:07:15.800 --> 00:07:16.240 Made. 00:07:16.480 --> 00:07:17.139 In creation. 00:07:18.139 --> 00:07:19.660 Because Paul basically says. 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:20.699 That all things. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:21.879 That were created. 00:07:22.660 --> 00:07:23.839 Were created. 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:25.240 Through him. 00:07:27.860 --> 00:07:28.420 Everything. 00:07:28.420 --> 00:07:30.819 And so the son of God. 00:07:30.819 --> 00:07:31.879 Was already there. 00:07:31.879 --> 00:07:32.800 Before anything. 00:07:32.800 --> 00:07:33.740 That was created. 00:07:34.800 --> 00:07:35.699 Was made. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:37.800 Now that's difficult. 00:07:37.800 --> 00:07:39.040 To wrap our minds around. 00:07:39.840 --> 00:07:41.080 We might be wondering. 00:07:41.240 --> 00:07:41.480 Paul. 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:42.280 Are you saying. 00:07:42.400 --> 00:07:42.840 That Jesus. 00:07:43.140 --> 00:07:44.460 Made the whole world. 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:46.680 Even before he was born. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:51.639 That's exactly. 00:07:51.639 --> 00:07:52.660 What the Bible teaches. 00:07:53.079 --> 00:07:54.259 That's precisely. 00:07:54.259 --> 00:07:55.199 What Paul is trying. 00:07:55.199 --> 00:07:55.879 To get across. 00:07:55.879 --> 00:07:56.540 To us here. 00:07:57.439 --> 00:07:58.280 The one. 00:07:58.400 --> 00:07:59.160 Who is Jesus. 00:07:59.800 --> 00:08:00.199 Existed. 00:08:00.740 --> 00:08:01.819 Long before. 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:03.759 He. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:05.120 Was born. 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:05.879 Into our world. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:07.720 Even before. 00:08:07.879 --> 00:08:08.399 The creation. 00:08:08.399 --> 00:08:09.100 Of the world. 00:08:09.660 --> 00:08:10.540 He was there. 00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:12.899 And he wasn't. 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:13.160 Just. 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:14.019 Watching. 00:08:14.019 --> 00:08:16.099 Paul says. 00:08:16.579 --> 00:08:17.319 All things. 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:18.299 Have been created. 00:08:18.919 --> 00:08:19.759 Through him. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:23.079 So the son of God. 00:08:23.519 --> 00:08:24.339 The one who would. 00:08:24.479 --> 00:08:25.240 Later be born. 00:08:25.299 --> 00:08:26.099 Into our world. 00:08:26.519 --> 00:08:27.379 He himself. 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:28.199 Created. 00:08:28.339 --> 00:08:29.219 All things. 00:08:32.240 --> 00:08:33.319 And what's included. 00:08:33.319 --> 00:08:33.819 In those. 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:35.120 Those all things. 00:08:35.319 --> 00:08:36.000 Paul tells us. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:36.819 The things of. 00:08:37.360 --> 00:08:37.720 Heaven. 00:08:38.500 --> 00:08:39.319 And the things of earth. 00:08:39.419 --> 00:08:39.799 So that. 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:41.159 There is only. 00:08:41.919 --> 00:08:43.000 That covers all of it. 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:43.439 Basically. 00:08:43.440 --> 00:08:44.700 Everything down here. 00:08:44.900 --> 00:08:46.180 And everything up there. 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:46.960 Everything. 00:08:47.500 --> 00:08:48.140 All things. 00:08:48.220 --> 00:08:49.180 In the whole universe. 00:08:50.840 --> 00:08:52.020 The stuff of earth. 00:08:52.100 --> 00:08:52.660 That we see. 00:08:53.160 --> 00:08:54.040 All around us. 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:55.440 And the stuff. 00:08:55.560 --> 00:08:56.020 Up there. 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:56.780 In space. 00:08:57.960 --> 00:08:58.660 The stars. 00:08:58.840 --> 00:08:59.440 The galaxies. 00:09:00.380 --> 00:09:01.120 And beyond. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:03.800 The one who was. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:05.940 Who was. 00:09:06.180 --> 00:09:06.920 In the beginning. 00:09:07.400 --> 00:09:07.900 And was later. 00:09:07.960 --> 00:09:08.940 Born into our world. 00:09:09.400 --> 00:09:10.380 He made all of it. 00:09:10.379 --> 00:09:13.039 Even the thrones. 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:13.840 And the powers. 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:14.700 And the rulers. 00:09:14.939 --> 00:09:15.659 And the authorities. 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:17.439 Paul says. 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:19.120 Whether he's referring to earthly. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:19.799 Or. 00:09:20.759 --> 00:09:21.240 Spiritual. 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:22.360 Or natural. 00:09:23.399 --> 00:09:24.460 The son of God. 00:09:24.559 --> 00:09:25.279 Created them all. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:26.039 In him. 00:09:26.340 --> 00:09:27.100 All things. 00:09:27.159 --> 00:09:27.759 Were created. 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:30.539 All things. 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:32.500 Have been created. 00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:33.820 Through him. 00:09:33.820 --> 00:09:37.640 That's quite the truth. 00:09:37.680 --> 00:09:38.080 Isn't it? 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:42.400 Stop and think about that. 00:09:44.260 --> 00:09:45.360 This is reason. 00:09:45.680 --> 00:09:46.440 To praise. 00:09:47.640 --> 00:09:48.100 We've been. 00:09:48.560 --> 00:09:48.680 Just. 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:50.720 Thinking about. 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:51.580 Some of the beauty. 00:09:51.700 --> 00:09:52.700 That we see in our world. 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:54.940 The sunset. 00:09:55.160 --> 00:09:55.640 Last night. 00:09:55.639 --> 00:09:56.659 I don't know how many of you. 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:57.899 Caught that. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:01.720 Jesus. 00:10:02.679 --> 00:10:03.500 Made it all. 00:10:09.340 --> 00:10:09.740 And. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:11.240 Something that should just. 00:10:11.319 --> 00:10:12.139 Move us to worship. 00:10:13.299 --> 00:10:13.679 Something. 00:10:14.139 --> 00:10:15.139 Bring us to awe. 00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:19.899 And so. 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:20.779 We were talking about. 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:22.439 How Jesus is the first born. 00:10:22.779 --> 00:10:23.720 Over all creation. 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:25.080 This is Paul's explanation. 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:25.860 Of what that. 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:27.100 Means. 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:28.720 And. 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:29.320 It mainly. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:30.040 In this passage. 00:10:30.160 --> 00:10:31.580 Has to do with his status. 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:33.360 In relation. 00:10:33.520 --> 00:10:34.200 To the creation. 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:35.200 He is exalted. 00:10:35.400 --> 00:10:36.200 He is higher. 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:37.320 Than all of it. 00:10:37.420 --> 00:10:38.139 Because he. 00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:38.800 Made. 00:10:39.120 --> 00:10:39.700 All of it. 00:10:40.420 --> 00:10:42.020 But then there's this one little phrase. 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:42.960 At the end of this. 00:10:43.180 --> 00:10:43.500 Verse. 00:10:43.800 --> 00:10:44.800 Which we don't want to miss. 00:10:45.460 --> 00:10:45.840 And I. 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:46.680 I love this. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:49.580 All things. 00:10:49.580 --> 00:10:50.440 Have been created. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:51.320 Through him. 00:10:52.060 --> 00:10:52.500 And. 00:10:53.340 --> 00:10:54.120 For him. 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:57.220 All things. 00:10:58.580 --> 00:10:59.139 Everything. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:00.100 That's been made. 00:11:00.940 --> 00:11:02.240 Has been created. 00:11:02.860 --> 00:11:03.340 For. 00:11:03.900 --> 00:11:04.400 The son. 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:10.820 Maybe this is where some of that first born idea comes in as well. 00:11:10.820 --> 00:11:13.080 At least. 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:13.240 It. 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:13.840 Maybe. 00:11:14.220 --> 00:11:15.379 Makes sense to me this way. 00:11:15.879 --> 00:11:17.280 God has made everything. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:19.260 It's all been created by him. 00:11:22.300 --> 00:11:23.460 But it's been made. 00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:24.120 For. 00:11:24.660 --> 00:11:25.220 The son. 00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:26.760 For God's son. 00:11:27.320 --> 00:11:28.660 We talked a little bit earlier. 00:11:28.800 --> 00:11:30.860 About how the first born gets a double portion. 00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:32.480 Of the inheritance. 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:34.240 In this case. 00:11:34.320 --> 00:11:36.000 There is only one son of God. 00:11:36.600 --> 00:11:37.740 And he gets it all. 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:37.820 All. 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:39.879 It's all for him. 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:45.600 And so God's intention in making everything. 00:11:46.659 --> 00:11:47.620 Through his son. 00:11:48.060 --> 00:11:49.720 Is that it should all be given. 00:11:50.139 --> 00:11:50.820 To him. 00:11:51.480 --> 00:11:52.740 And belong to him. 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:55.899 Or to say it another way. 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:57.240 Jesus is the heir. 00:11:57.500 --> 00:11:58.360 Of everything. 00:11:59.419 --> 00:12:00.460 That God has made. 00:12:00.460 --> 00:12:05.139 And we don't have time to talk about this today. 00:12:05.259 --> 00:12:07.200 But there's also the wonderful truth. 00:12:07.200 --> 00:12:08.139 That we read in scripture. 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:09.420 About how through faith. 00:12:09.820 --> 00:12:12.720 We can be adopted into the family of God. 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:14.660 We are united to Christ. 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:17.580 Such that we become co-heirs with Christ. 00:12:20.160 --> 00:12:22.340 Amazing and wonderful truth for another time. 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:25.379 But let's just keep going in the passage. 00:12:25.480 --> 00:12:27.800 Let's keep listening to what the Lord is saying through Paul. 00:12:27.799 --> 00:12:31.099 The son is the image of the invisible God. 00:12:31.399 --> 00:12:34.099 He's the firstborn over all creation. 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:35.659 We know this is true. 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:37.439 Because he made all things. 00:12:38.019 --> 00:12:39.500 It was all made for him. 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:42.759 And we also know all of this. 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:43.939 Because verse 17. 00:12:44.099 --> 00:12:46.099 He is before all things. 00:12:46.939 --> 00:12:50.819 And in him, the son, all things hold together. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:54.840 So just in case we're still wrestling with this idea of Jesus. 00:12:55.340 --> 00:13:00.460 The son existing before all things were created. 00:13:00.840 --> 00:13:03.320 Paul says it again as clear as can be said. 00:13:04.680 --> 00:13:08.660 The son is before all things. 00:13:10.340 --> 00:13:12.240 Before anything else was made. 00:13:13.200 --> 00:13:14.140 He was there. 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:18.759 Not only was he there. 00:13:19.539 --> 00:13:21.080 But Paul takes it even further. 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:23.659 He helps us see another dimension to it. 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:30.639 He says in Jesus, through Jesus, all things hold together. 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:34.740 In him, all things hold together. 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:41.939 The son of God is right now sustaining everything in the universe. 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:53.420 Do you ever wonder how all the incredible complexity of all the systems that we have. 00:13:56.620 --> 00:13:58.960 All the things happening in the universe. 00:13:59.100 --> 00:14:02.800 Do you ever wonder why it all just doesn't fly apart and break down. 00:14:05.400 --> 00:14:10.000 Do you ever wonder how it is that our earth continues to perfectly orbit the sun. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:12.539 And the moon orbit the earth. 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:15.980 And every other moving star and comet and asteroid. 00:14:16.340 --> 00:14:20.039 Everything is moving up in the heavens. 00:14:20.360 --> 00:14:21.299 Including us. 00:14:22.519 --> 00:14:23.899 Our planet. 00:14:24.440 --> 00:14:25.899 And yet there's order to it. 00:14:26.259 --> 00:14:28.340 Such that we don't get cooked to death. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:30.919 Or frozen to death. 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:33.340 Or smashed to death. 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:36.240 By stuff flying around. 00:14:36.340 --> 00:14:37.580 By a cosmic collision. 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:42.940 Or we could think of the weather systems on the planet. 00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:46.020 We see natural disasters sometimes. 00:14:46.300 --> 00:14:47.240 And that's tragic. 00:14:47.660 --> 00:14:49.220 But there's an ebb and a flow. 00:14:49.540 --> 00:14:50.240 To everything. 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:51.280 There's a balance. 00:14:51.560 --> 00:14:54.040 To the natural forces on our planet. 00:14:54.240 --> 00:14:57.580 There's these intricate and delicate cycles. 00:14:59.920 --> 00:15:01.800 Cycles that replenish the water. 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:06.159 So that the fresh water is there for us to drink. 00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:10.299 So that the lakes and the rivers don't just dry up. 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:12.240 And drain away for good. 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:14.159 I love these words of Solomon. 00:15:14.719 --> 00:15:15.740 In Ecclesiastes. 00:15:17.539 --> 00:15:18.240 He says, 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:20.019 All streams flow into the sea. 00:15:20.399 --> 00:15:21.620 Yet the sea is never full. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:24.699 To the place the streams come from. 00:15:25.339 --> 00:15:26.779 There they return again. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:30.319 There's this cycle that God has set up. 00:15:30.799 --> 00:15:32.699 And it sustains life. 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:34.399 Here on earth. 00:15:35.059 --> 00:15:37.819 Where we could think of the amazing systems in our bodies. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:39.679 The things that enable us to grow. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:42.240 But not just keep growing forever. 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:44.419 It stops at just the right time. 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:47.240 Where the things in our bodies going on. 00:15:47.360 --> 00:15:48.299 That help us to heal. 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:49.259 When we've been cut. 00:15:49.839 --> 00:15:50.439 Or hurt. 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:51.100 Or injured. 00:15:52.600 --> 00:15:56.019 You could think of all those things we learned about in high school biology. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:58.419 The circulatory system. 00:15:58.980 --> 00:16:00.299 The respiratory system. 00:16:00.399 --> 00:16:01.559 The digestive system. 00:16:01.699 --> 00:16:05.939 All working together in our bodies to sustain us. 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:14.519 We could think about the astonishing systems inside a living human cell. 00:16:15.519 --> 00:16:17.960 Of which we have many. 00:16:18.840 --> 00:16:21.419 All the micro machinery at work. 00:16:21.699 --> 00:16:22.519 In there. 00:16:22.659 --> 00:16:23.799 Producing proteins. 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:25.919 And copying DNA. 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:28.559 And moving things to and fro in the cell. 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:30.539 Reproducing cells. 00:16:32.919 --> 00:16:37.240 Do you ever wonder how all of those related systems. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:39.319 Going on in our universe. 00:16:39.719 --> 00:16:41.519 How they don't just fly apart. 00:16:41.959 --> 00:16:42.879 And break down. 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:47.259 Causing us everything to die. 00:16:47.939 --> 00:16:49.179 In a matter of days. 00:16:49.179 --> 00:16:52.319 Or to say it another way. 00:16:52.319 --> 00:16:54.479 What's the most complex system. 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:57.459 That you are able to maintain. 00:17:01.939 --> 00:17:05.379 And how does that compare to all the moving things in the universe. 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:09.859 I mean we sometimes struggle just to keep plants alive. 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:12.279 And vehicles running. 00:17:13.379 --> 00:17:15.539 Our own bodies healthy and strong. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:21.639 The reason this universe doesn't just fly apart. 00:17:21.759 --> 00:17:23.299 And break down in a matter of days. 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.799 Is because the son of God. 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:28.519 Is constantly holding it all together. 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:33.139 That's how powerful. 00:17:34.500 --> 00:17:35.980 And amazing he is. 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:40.860 We can't hardly keep the fish tank clean. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:44.380 Or the garden from exploding with weeds. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:46.640 And even if we do manage to do it. 00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:47.779 For those two things. 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:50.880 What are the other things that we are responsible for. 00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:53.079 That are falling apart over here. 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.539 While we do it. 00:17:55.360 --> 00:17:57.180 But Jesus holds it all together. 00:17:57.620 --> 00:17:58.660 All at once. 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:00.579 By his powerful word. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:04.299 Paul goes on. 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:05.519 Verse 18. 00:18:05.659 --> 00:18:07.220 And he is the head of the body. 00:18:07.439 --> 00:18:08.199 The church. 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:09.819 He is the beginning. 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:12.480 And the firstborn from among the dead. 00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:14.099 So that in everything. 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.019 He might have. 00:18:15.480 --> 00:18:16.339 The supremacy. 00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:19.899 We could spend lots of time on each of these things. 00:18:20.419 --> 00:18:21.759 All of them are important. 00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:24.460 Just to hit on a few. 00:18:24.460 --> 00:18:26.480 Jesus is the head of the church. 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:30.059 Just as the head is the most important. 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:31.620 And prominent part of the body. 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:34.819 That's what Jesus is in relation to us. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:37.620 He's indispensable. 00:18:38.860 --> 00:18:40.460 The body can live without an arm. 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.099 Or a leg. 00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:42.660 Or a gallbladder. 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:45.120 But without the head. 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.559 We're dead. 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:49.220 So too with Jesus. 00:18:49.360 --> 00:18:50.920 He is the head of the church. 00:18:51.700 --> 00:18:52.940 He is the leader. 00:18:53.620 --> 00:18:55.039 He is the one in authority. 00:18:55.039 --> 00:18:56.200 Over. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.039 The church. 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:01.220 Not the king of England. 00:19:02.139 --> 00:19:03.059 Not the pope. 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.839 Jesus is the head of the church. 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:09.299 He is the firstborn from among the dead. 00:19:11.079 --> 00:19:11.940 Jesus is. 00:19:12.500 --> 00:19:14.619 The first one to conquer death. 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:17.500 To come out of it victoriously. 00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:22.099 And to share that same resurrection power and life with us. 00:19:22.099 --> 00:19:28.279 So that in everything he might have the supremacy. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:36.919 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:38.719 In his son. 00:19:39.679 --> 00:19:40.259 So Jesus. 00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:42.439 He doesn't just image God. 00:19:42.699 --> 00:19:44.679 Like a moving picture. 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:46.119 On a television. 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.240 Or like a mirror. 00:19:47.699 --> 00:19:48.359 On a wall. 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:54.619 But God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in his son. 00:19:55.439 --> 00:19:58.619 The son of God has the fullness of God. 00:20:01.179 --> 00:20:04.279 And this is something that we could ponder all day. 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:06.779 And still not understand. 00:20:07.000 --> 00:20:10.559 It's a mysterious supernatural reality. 00:20:10.559 --> 00:20:10.679 Truly. 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:12.460 Truly. 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:13.859 Only God knows. 00:20:14.659 --> 00:20:15.139 How. 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:16.419 This. 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.480 Can be. 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.339 In his son. 00:20:18.879 --> 00:20:20.179 It's beyond our understanding. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:22.299 We just embrace it by faith. 00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:24.700 And it's not a blind faith. 00:20:24.819 --> 00:20:25.039 I mean. 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:26.419 He's given us many signs. 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:28.179 We talk about that all the time in Luke. 00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:28.879 With the miracles. 00:20:29.460 --> 00:20:30.399 That Jesus did. 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:34.100 But a wonderful truth. 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:37.519 We get this amazing picture here. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:37.720 Of. 00:20:38.380 --> 00:20:39.440 Who Jesus is. 00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:43.519 He's the image of the invisible God. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:46.860 In whom the fullness of God dwells. 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:50.080 He existed before all things. 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:53.360 He created all things. 00:20:53.540 --> 00:20:55.100 And is sustaining them. 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:56.120 Holding them together. 00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:58.780 He is supreme over all of it. 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.980 And he is the one. 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:02.680 For whom all of it was made. 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:07.379 And then after all of that. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:09.379 We finally come to this sort of a climax. 00:21:10.399 --> 00:21:10.960 In this. 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:13.859 Telling of the gospel. 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:16.740 Verse 19. 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:24.639 For God was pleased. 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:27.019 To have all his fullness dwell in him. 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.720 And through him. 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:31.039 To reconcile to himself. 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:32.480 All things. 00:21:33.019 --> 00:21:34.220 Whether things on earth. 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.559 Or things in heaven. 00:21:35.960 --> 00:21:37.319 By making peace. 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:38.639 Through his blood. 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:39.900 Shed. 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.319 On the cross. 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:47.680 So God has a very great thing. 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:49.099 That he desires to do. 00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:50.000 Through Jesus. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:50.140 Jesus. 00:21:51.940 --> 00:21:53.980 And it's to reconcile to himself. 00:21:53.980 --> 00:21:54.980 All things. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.980 By making peace. 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:00.660 Up until now. 00:22:00.779 --> 00:22:01.819 We haven't heard a word. 00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.119 About sin. 00:22:03.900 --> 00:22:04.720 In all of this. 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:06.460 It's just all been about Jesus. 00:22:06.700 --> 00:22:07.819 And how great he is. 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:09.859 But now Paul. 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:12.059 Brings in the truth of sin. 00:22:13.559 --> 00:22:15.299 All things are made by God. 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.039 We heard that. 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:17.000 Through his son. 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.339 For his son. 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:20.159 But the relationship. 00:22:20.419 --> 00:22:21.819 Between God. 00:22:21.980 --> 00:22:23.220 And all things. 00:22:24.179 --> 00:22:25.179 Has been broken. 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:28.259 The relationship. 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:29.139 Between God. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:29.959 And us. 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:32.339 Is marked by hostility. 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:35.279 In fact. 00:22:35.359 --> 00:22:36.740 Paul says it even more clearly. 00:22:36.879 --> 00:22:37.339 And directly. 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:38.199 In verse 21. 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:39.319 He says. 00:22:40.079 --> 00:22:40.439 Once. 00:22:40.639 --> 00:22:41.799 You were alienated. 00:22:41.799 --> 00:22:42.500 From God. 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:44.279 And were enemies. 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:45.439 In your minds. 00:22:46.220 --> 00:22:47.980 Because of your evil behavior. 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:48.079 In your behavior. 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:51.440 So. 00:22:51.620 --> 00:22:52.980 What Adam did long ago. 00:22:53.620 --> 00:22:54.319 In the garden. 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:56.099 When he disobeyed God. 00:22:57.299 --> 00:22:58.380 He sinned. 00:22:59.240 --> 00:23:00.019 His sin. 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:01.940 Led to our corruption. 00:23:04.339 --> 00:23:05.759 Now we all sin. 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.380 As well. 00:23:08.180 --> 00:23:09.579 Both in our attitudes. 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:11.460 What goes on in our minds. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:13.720 And in our actions. 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:15.000 Our behaviors. 00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:17.180 What we do with our bodies. 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:19.599 In both ways. 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.380 We have sinned. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.900 And it has severed. 00:23:21.900 --> 00:23:22.779 Our relationship. 00:23:24.039 --> 00:23:24.900 With God. 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:27.920 In the words of. 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:28.799 Paul. 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:31.940 We have alienated ourselves. 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.619 From him. 00:23:34.680 --> 00:23:35.359 In fact. 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:36.180 It's even worse. 00:23:36.640 --> 00:23:37.440 Than that. 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:39.079 Not just separation. 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:40.180 But hostility. 00:23:40.180 --> 00:23:42.700 Once. 00:23:42.900 --> 00:23:43.740 You were enemies. 00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:46.160 Of God. 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:48.640 And yet. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.340 Paul says. 00:23:51.580 --> 00:23:52.100 In the verse. 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:52.640 Before. 00:23:53.340 --> 00:23:54.960 It pleased God. 00:23:55.820 --> 00:23:57.580 To reconcile us. 00:23:57.940 --> 00:23:58.680 To himself. 00:24:00.400 --> 00:24:02.299 It pleased God. 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:04.200 To reconcile. 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:04.920 Us. 00:24:05.080 --> 00:24:05.539 To himself. 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:06.700 While we were in that. 00:24:07.120 --> 00:24:07.420 State. 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:08.779 God. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.580 God very much. 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:10.900 Wants to restore. 00:24:11.080 --> 00:24:11.740 The relationship. 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.880 Between him. 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:13.340 And us. 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:16.600 He wants to make peace. 00:24:16.680 --> 00:24:17.220 Between us. 00:24:17.279 --> 00:24:18.300 He wants to put an end. 00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:19.400 To that hostility. 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:21.820 He wants to heal. 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:23.060 That broken relationship. 00:24:23.060 --> 00:24:24.340 So that we're not enemies. 00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:24.900 Anymore. 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:28.160 But so that we are friends. 00:24:29.360 --> 00:24:30.820 And even more than that. 00:24:31.340 --> 00:24:31.779 Children. 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.259 In his family. 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:36.660 How will God do this? 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.380 Paul says. 00:24:38.460 --> 00:24:39.320 He reconciles. 00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:40.160 And makes peace. 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:42.460 Through his blood. 00:24:43.460 --> 00:24:44.100 Shed. 00:24:44.660 --> 00:24:45.800 On the cross. 00:24:48.140 --> 00:24:49.740 And so Jesus died. 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:50.519 For a reason. 00:24:54.100 --> 00:24:55.080 He suffered. 00:24:55.200 --> 00:24:56.120 And died on the cross. 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:56.600 To get. 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:57.519 You. 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.160 And me. 00:24:58.500 --> 00:25:00.100 Back into relationship. 00:25:00.779 --> 00:25:01.560 With God. 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:02.639 He died. 00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:03.799 He died. 00:25:03.919 --> 00:25:04.779 To make peace. 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.440 Between us. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:07.899 And God. 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.960 Paul doesn't go into. 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:12.639 An explanation. 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:13.659 Of how it all works. 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.299 In this moment. 00:25:15.220 --> 00:25:15.960 But we know. 00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:16.720 From other places. 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:17.319 In the Bible. 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:18.440 That Jesus became. 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:19.940 A sort of substitute. 00:25:20.659 --> 00:25:21.500 He died. 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.259 On the cross. 00:25:22.919 --> 00:25:24.139 And when he did that. 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.399 He took upon himself. 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.119 The punishment. 00:25:26.119 --> 00:25:27.399 That we deserve. 00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:28.940 For our sins. 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:31.420 And he made atonement. 00:25:31.820 --> 00:25:32.880 For our sins. 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.779 Justice was served. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:37.080 The sentence. 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.059 That we deserved. 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:40.640 He took it on himself. 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.759 And Jesus could do that. 00:25:42.860 --> 00:25:43.720 The Bible tells us. 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.080 Because. 00:25:44.620 --> 00:25:45.019 He was. 00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:45.779 Sinless. 00:25:46.820 --> 00:25:47.900 He didn't have a sin. 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:48.420 Of his own. 00:25:49.360 --> 00:25:49.779 And yet. 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:50.740 He chose willingly. 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:52.240 To suffer. 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.160 What we deserve. 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:54.779 For our sins. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:57.480 All of this. 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.859 So that we could be reconciled. 00:25:58.920 --> 00:26:00.079 So that we could be restored. 00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:01.019 To God. 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:02.500 Peace. 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:03.500 Made. 00:26:03.619 --> 00:26:04.579 Between us and God. 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:10.920 By the time we get to verse 22. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:12.379 Paul. 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.639 Talks about this. 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:17.420 As something that the Colossian Christians. 00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.839 Already have. 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:21.519 Not as just some theoretical. 00:26:21.859 --> 00:26:22.119 Maybe. 00:26:22.119 --> 00:26:24.859 But as something that they have already entered into. 00:26:25.759 --> 00:26:26.039 And. 00:26:26.119 --> 00:26:27.819 Why he speaks this way. 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:29.159 Is because of what we heard. 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:31.059 Brad share earlier. 00:26:33.219 --> 00:26:34.000 Paul has. 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:36.019 Heard of the faith that they have in. 00:26:36.699 --> 00:26:37.559 Christ Jesus. 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:40.359 They heard the good news. 00:26:40.899 --> 00:26:41.679 About Jesus. 00:26:41.839 --> 00:26:42.679 And embraced it. 00:26:43.159 --> 00:26:44.519 And it was growing in. 00:26:44.659 --> 00:26:45.319 In them. 00:26:45.399 --> 00:26:46.739 And even spreading out from them. 00:26:47.179 --> 00:26:48.259 They believed in Jesus. 00:26:48.379 --> 00:26:49.679 They gave their lives to him. 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:52.820 And so that's why Paul can say this. 00:26:52.980 --> 00:26:53.820 So confidently. 00:26:54.000 --> 00:26:55.019 And so personally. 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:56.700 Here in verse 22. 00:26:56.940 --> 00:26:59.299 But now he has reconciled you. 00:27:00.580 --> 00:27:02.700 By Christ's physical body. 00:27:03.299 --> 00:27:04.320 Through death. 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:07.420 To present you holy. 00:27:07.600 --> 00:27:08.320 In his sight. 00:27:09.320 --> 00:27:10.519 Without blemish. 00:27:11.519 --> 00:27:13.420 And free from accusation. 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:13.500 In. 00:27:16.380 --> 00:27:18.080 That's probably my favorite verse. 00:27:18.300 --> 00:27:19.000 In all of this. 00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:24.560 This is what Jesus' death accomplishes. 00:27:25.300 --> 00:27:26.680 For us who believe. 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:27.700 In him. 00:27:29.380 --> 00:27:31.060 Not just that reconciliation. 00:27:31.060 --> 00:27:32.220 And that restoration. 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:33.779 We've talked about that. 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:41.079 But these other things. 00:27:41.200 --> 00:27:42.000 To make us holy. 00:27:42.399 --> 00:27:43.420 To present you holy. 00:27:43.420 --> 00:27:44.099 In his sight. 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:46.420 Without blemish. 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:49.759 Free from accusation. 00:27:50.680 --> 00:27:52.279 And first he tells us. 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.000 How he did it. 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:55.259 He did it by Christ's physical body. 00:27:55.619 --> 00:27:56.379 Through death. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.619 It's a reminder again. 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:01.359 That our sin is serious to God. 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:04.419 God is righteous. 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:06.419 He is just. 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.819 He is good. 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:10.419 And so what is not good. 00:28:10.459 --> 00:28:11.579 Must be dealt with. 00:28:13.000 --> 00:28:14.519 And we're reminded by these words. 00:28:14.639 --> 00:28:16.019 That to atone for our sins. 00:28:16.179 --> 00:28:17.619 To restore us to God. 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.839 It required the death. 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:21.179 Of the son of God. 00:28:23.899 --> 00:28:24.979 His body. 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:32.879 Even though he didn't deserve it. 00:28:36.639 --> 00:28:38.299 Our peace with God. 00:28:38.639 --> 00:28:39.119 Required. 00:28:39.539 --> 00:28:40.399 That his blood. 00:28:42.459 --> 00:28:43.240 Be shed. 00:28:44.059 --> 00:28:45.039 On that cross. 00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:48.399 And so our sin is very serious to God. 00:28:48.500 --> 00:28:49.740 It must be dealt with. 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:51.539 But as we heard. 00:28:51.659 --> 00:28:52.740 God is pleased. 00:28:54.679 --> 00:28:56.099 To pay that cost. 00:28:57.579 --> 00:28:59.639 In order to reconcile us. 00:28:59.640 --> 00:29:00.240 To himself. 00:29:01.120 --> 00:29:02.700 He wanted to do it. 00:29:08.140 --> 00:29:09.220 And then for these. 00:29:09.860 --> 00:29:11.259 Just a few moments here. 00:29:11.300 --> 00:29:12.120 He talks about. 00:29:12.640 --> 00:29:14.020 In the last half of this verse. 00:29:14.200 --> 00:29:14.380 What. 00:29:14.600 --> 00:29:15.740 What are the things. 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:16.440 Accomplished. 00:29:16.800 --> 00:29:17.440 For us. 00:29:18.280 --> 00:29:19.200 By Jesus. 00:29:19.600 --> 00:29:20.300 Through his death. 00:29:20.840 --> 00:29:22.460 My favorite part of this passage. 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:27.020 God's desire is not just to. 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:28.900 Reconcile us to himself. 00:29:28.900 --> 00:29:32.840 But to present us holy. 00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:34.980 In his sight. 00:29:37.080 --> 00:29:37.680 We. 00:29:37.880 --> 00:29:39.180 Have not been holy. 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:42.820 We have been corrupt. 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:45.160 We have been sinful. 00:29:45.320 --> 00:29:46.700 We have been selfish. 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.640 We have been proud. 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.920 We are not holy. 00:29:50.920 --> 00:29:54.519 But God sent Jesus. 00:29:56.120 --> 00:29:58.160 So that he would die on that cross. 00:29:58.560 --> 00:30:00.660 So that we might become. 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:01.960 Holy. 00:30:03.240 --> 00:30:04.200 In his sight. 00:30:07.200 --> 00:30:09.120 Through Jesus' death on the cross. 00:30:09.220 --> 00:30:11.240 God changes our status with him. 00:30:11.700 --> 00:30:13.380 From unholy. 00:30:13.800 --> 00:30:14.620 To holy. 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:16.759 From guilty. 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.819 To not guilty. 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:23.519 From sinful. 00:30:24.899 --> 00:30:25.839 To sacred. 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.519 Special. 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:29.879 Perfect. 00:30:31.299 --> 00:30:31.779 Pure. 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:32.180 Father. 00:30:33.879 --> 00:30:35.559 Paul gives us a couple more phrases. 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:36.579 To flesh this out. 00:30:37.139 --> 00:30:38.220 Without blemish. 00:30:38.859 --> 00:30:40.000 What does that look like? 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:41.899 It looks like us being without blemish. 00:30:42.420 --> 00:30:44.059 And free from accusation. 00:30:45.139 --> 00:30:46.339 I love that phrase. 00:30:46.399 --> 00:30:47.200 Without blemish. 00:30:47.700 --> 00:30:48.960 It means spotless. 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.200 No fault. 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:52.259 Can be found. 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:57.420 That's not how we've lived. 00:30:57.420 --> 00:31:00.320 That's not how we've been. 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:04.500 But it's like the record of our sins is erased. 00:31:06.900 --> 00:31:08.400 So that in God's sight. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:09.360 Through Christ. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:11.640 We are now counted. 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:14.240 And treated as flawless. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:17.759 Spotless. 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:20.320 No wrongs. 00:31:20.460 --> 00:31:21.360 On the record. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.480 It's amazing. 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:27.519 And free from accusation. 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:28.799 I love that phrase as well. 00:31:30.660 --> 00:31:33.039 There's so many things that we could be accused of. 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:39.120 If we were to make a list of all the sins that we've committed in our lifetimes. 00:31:39.579 --> 00:31:40.740 Oh it'd be so long. 00:31:41.099 --> 00:31:42.440 And so many. 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:45.680 We can't even do it. 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:49.140 And it's like through Jesus and his death on the cross. 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:51.240 God has just taken that list that was there. 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:52.579 And burned it. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:32:00.539 There's no longer anything left against us. 00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:03.079 Free from accusation. 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:06.120 There's nothing wrong that we can now be accused of. 00:32:06.640 --> 00:32:06.900 Why? 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:09.240 Because Jesus served the punishment. 00:32:09.900 --> 00:32:11.539 For all the wrongs that we've done. 00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:15.059 If it's like debt. 00:32:15.299 --> 00:32:19.039 He paid off all the debt that our sins have piled up. 00:32:19.819 --> 00:32:22.519 Such that we just owe nothing at all anymore. 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:26.639 We can now pass through God's judgment. 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:28.599 With a verdict. 00:32:29.400 --> 00:32:30.299 Of not guilty. 00:32:31.339 --> 00:32:32.339 No accusations. 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:34.680 To be made. 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:35.599 Can be made. 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:38.619 Our criminal record with God is blank. 00:32:38.879 --> 00:32:40.639 There's no longer anything on it. 00:32:40.779 --> 00:32:42.039 That hasn't been dealt with. 00:32:42.379 --> 00:32:43.079 We are free. 00:32:43.779 --> 00:32:45.039 From accusation. 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:46.539 In the courts of heaven. 00:32:46.619 --> 00:32:50.460 I love those words. 00:32:50.460 --> 00:32:54.079 Paul reminds us here at this point though. 00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:58.059 That this is only true of those who continue. 00:32:59.200 --> 00:33:00.039 In faith. 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:05.559 These wonderful realities are not just given to everyone. 00:33:06.319 --> 00:33:09.279 Only those who repent and believe the good news of Jesus. 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:10.819 Are reconciled to God. 00:33:12.100 --> 00:33:13.380 And at peace with him. 00:33:13.380 --> 00:33:16.200 And are presented as holy in his sight. 00:33:16.340 --> 00:33:17.720 And are without blemish. 00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:19.780 And free from accusation. 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:23.120 We must put our faith in the good news about Jesus. 00:33:23.300 --> 00:33:24.360 And what God has done. 00:33:24.920 --> 00:33:26.400 In order to receive all this. 00:33:26.460 --> 00:33:27.780 Just like the Colossians did. 00:33:29.300 --> 00:33:32.320 And Paul says we must continue in that faith. 00:33:33.300 --> 00:33:35.440 We must stay believing in him. 00:33:35.440 --> 00:33:38.600 And not move away from the hope. 00:33:39.460 --> 00:33:41.740 That's held out to us in this gospel. 00:33:43.160 --> 00:33:46.140 Only as we hold fast to the gospel by faith. 00:33:46.320 --> 00:33:48.460 Can we be assured of these things. 00:33:48.920 --> 00:33:50.799 That God has promised to us. 00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:54.820 These are wonderful and glorious truths. 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:57.180 About who Jesus is. 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.980 And what he has done for us. 00:33:59.820 --> 00:34:01.640 To bring us back to God. 00:34:01.640 --> 00:34:04.300 And to make us new. 00:34:05.440 --> 00:34:07.280 We're going to go to the Lord's table now. 00:34:08.420 --> 00:34:10.420 And we're going to spend a few minutes. 00:34:10.920 --> 00:34:12.760 Before we eat and drink. 00:34:13.800 --> 00:34:15.579 Just reflecting on this good news. 00:34:15.660 --> 00:34:16.519 And I want to encourage you. 00:34:16.619 --> 00:34:17.980 Just to take some of this time. 00:34:18.440 --> 00:34:19.480 To talk to the Lord. 00:34:20.420 --> 00:34:22.119 About some of the things that we've heard. 00:34:23.960 --> 00:34:25.059 Maybe that's for you. 00:34:25.280 --> 00:34:26.140 Confessing sins. 00:34:26.599 --> 00:34:28.380 Maybe it's giving thanks. 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:31.380 Maybe it's just. 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:32.319 Awe. 00:34:32.859 --> 00:34:33.819 And wonder. 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:35.299 And expressing that to God. 00:34:35.359 --> 00:34:37.940 Over who he is. 00:34:38.639 --> 00:34:39.659 And what he has done. 00:34:40.920 --> 00:34:42.619 Just a reminder as we do this. 00:34:42.699 --> 00:34:45.719 That this table is for those who have faith in Jesus. 00:34:46.379 --> 00:34:47.619 And so if you have not yet. 00:34:48.059 --> 00:34:48.980 Come to that. 00:34:49.259 --> 00:34:49.920 In your life. 00:34:50.019 --> 00:34:51.159 Then we would just ask that you. 00:34:51.379 --> 00:34:52.379 Let the cup and the bread. 00:34:52.779 --> 00:34:53.440 Pass you by. 00:34:54.799 --> 00:34:55.719 Until you have. 00:34:56.739 --> 00:34:57.279 So the. 00:34:57.679 --> 00:34:58.940 We're going to take a few minutes now. 00:34:59.039 --> 00:35:00.500 To quietly reflect and pray. 00:35:00.500 --> 00:35:02.239 Then the elders are going to come up. 00:35:02.360 --> 00:35:04.000 They're going to pass out the bread and the cup. 00:35:04.460 --> 00:35:06.239 We'll wait till everybody has been served. 00:35:06.900 --> 00:35:08.960 And then we'll eat and drink all together. 00:35:09.920 --> 00:35:10.679 In unison. 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:12.820 So let's do that now. 00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:13.739 Let's talk to the Lord. 00:35:13.840 --> 00:35:15.340 Let's respond to. 00:35:15.500 --> 00:35:16.820 What he has said and done. 00:35:16.820 --> 00:35:17.420 Thank you. 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420 00:35:17.420 --> 00:35:17.420