WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.879 I hope you have a Bible with you this morning and that you'll join me in it in Colossians chapter 1. 00:00:09.080 --> 00:00:15.919 I don't like being a false advertiser. You may note on the bulletin it says we're in Hebrews chapter 11. 00:00:16.620 --> 00:00:21.339 The original plan for this morning was to continue our verse-by-verse exposition of the book of Hebrews. 00:00:21.679 --> 00:00:28.539 We've been in chapter 11 and looking at the type of faith that God requires of us. 00:00:28.539 --> 00:00:32.820 We will press on and continue in faithfulness. 00:00:33.679 --> 00:00:38.840 The original text was verses 8 through 15 of Hebrews 11. 00:00:39.659 --> 00:00:47.259 However, we're about to take a month-long break from our exposition of Hebrews for the Advent season, as we do every year. 00:00:47.599 --> 00:00:51.099 It's where we carefully contemplate the incarnation of Jesus Christ. 00:00:51.100 --> 00:01:02.859 And dividing the first portion of the Hebrews text concerning the faith of Abraham from the second portion of Hebrews 11 concerning the faith of Abraham, 00:01:03.400 --> 00:01:09.500 I just felt all week really clunky and unhelpful. 00:01:09.500 --> 00:01:23.319 I was feeling like when we came back in January to Hebrews 11, I was going to essentially have to re-explain verses 8 through 15 in order for us to continue on in our study of Abraham's faith. 00:01:23.460 --> 00:01:33.260 And so, today, we're going to look at a familiar text to our congregation to show you why our church exists. 00:01:33.260 --> 00:01:39.460 And quite providentially, I had not informed Daryl or Gary that I was doing this this morning. 00:01:40.200 --> 00:01:48.560 Daryl drew our attention to the vision statement of our church, and Gary prayed the very text we're going to look at this morning. 00:01:49.020 --> 00:01:55.100 So, our text this morning is Colossians chapter 1, verse 15 through 20. 00:01:55.099 --> 00:02:01.479 And my prayer for this morning is that our time will be informative for you if you are new to our fellowship. 00:02:02.199 --> 00:02:06.219 It's our great desire to connect you to Christ and to His church. 00:02:06.780 --> 00:02:15.500 And if you are not new to our fellowship, that you will be reminded why the church gathers and why the church goes. 00:02:15.500 --> 00:02:37.439 So, our church's vision statement, which I hope is growing in increasing recognition for you, is Christ's family church exists to glorify God by experiencing, proclaiming, and displaying the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things to all peoples. 00:02:37.439 --> 00:02:47.919 And this vision statement is based largely from Colossians chapter 1, verses 15 through 20, which we'll read together now. 00:02:48.659 --> 00:02:53.500 Before we read, beloved, I want to remind you that this is God's word to us. 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:56.800 That it was written for His glory and for our good. 00:02:57.219 --> 00:03:03.079 Because of this, we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and obey its commands. 00:03:03.080 --> 00:03:10.380 Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 00:03:11.160 --> 00:03:16.280 For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. 00:03:16.860 --> 00:03:23.680 Whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities, all things were created through Him and for Him. 00:03:24.400 --> 00:03:28.280 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 00:03:29.060 --> 00:03:31.140 And He is the head of the body, the church. 00:03:31.139 --> 00:03:36.799 He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent. 00:03:37.579 --> 00:03:41.259 For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. 00:03:41.559 --> 00:03:51.659 And through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. 00:03:51.659 --> 00:04:00.060 Now, I hope for you this is a familiar text, whether you are familiar with our congregation or not. 00:04:00.139 --> 00:04:03.840 That this is a text that you have looked at and have considered. 00:04:04.240 --> 00:04:10.579 If you are familiar to our congregation, you have likely heard a sermon on this text before. 00:04:10.719 --> 00:04:13.859 I think probably this past March-ish. 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:15.759 At least I'm feeling that way. 00:04:15.759 --> 00:04:22.019 And as I was thinking about this this week, I was reminded of an anecdote from Martin Luther's life. 00:04:22.199 --> 00:04:28.599 Where he, for a period of time, preached the exact same sermon in consecutive Sundays. 00:04:28.740 --> 00:04:31.379 He just continued to preach the exact same sermon. 00:04:31.500 --> 00:04:34.439 And one of his congregants came up and asked him, 00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:39.000 Luther, why do you keep preaching to us the same sermon? 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:45.079 And he said, well, when you start showing up living like you believe it, I'll move on to something else. 00:04:45.879 --> 00:04:52.180 For quite some time, I think a period of about two months, he preached the same text again and again. 00:04:53.100 --> 00:05:01.740 And so such significant texts can be helpful to us, I think, to come back to them, retouch on them, be reminded of them. 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:08.379 Now, every part of God's Word gives testimony about Jesus Christ. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:16.579 In Luke chapter 24 and verse 27, you can read the account of Jesus' appearance to two of the disciples after his resurrection. 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:17.540 Which reads, 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:26.699 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 00:05:27.279 --> 00:05:30.379 All roads in the Bible lead to Golgotha. 00:05:30.660 --> 00:05:34.220 In John chapter 5 and verse 39, Jesus says of the scriptures, 00:05:34.379 --> 00:05:38.019 It is they that bear witness about me. 00:05:38.019 --> 00:05:48.959 But of all the Bible's teaching concerning Jesus, perhaps none is more significant and beautiful and precious than the text before us today. 00:05:49.959 --> 00:05:55.899 You see, beloved, the reality of who Jesus is demands our affections and our obedience. 00:05:55.899 --> 00:06:05.399 Because if we say that we are disciples of Jesus Christ, we are not saying that we are following a mere man, but God himself. 00:06:06.299 --> 00:06:17.060 And we have a great confidence in claiming Christ as our teacher, because the reality of who Jesus is makes sure the promises of God. 00:06:17.060 --> 00:06:25.899 2 Corinthians 1 and verse 20, for all the promises of God find their yes in Jesus Christ. 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:37.259 Now, it is important as we're looking at this text to know that verses 15 through 18 are thought to be a cosmic Christological hymn. 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:42.199 Your phrase for the day, cosmic Christological hymn. 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:48.479 Many scholars believe that Paul is citing a modern hymn or confession of the church of his day. 00:06:48.899 --> 00:06:50.199 And those are interesting arguments. 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:51.839 I will spare you from them. 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:55.240 They're mostly about grammar and sentence structure. 00:06:56.719 --> 00:07:04.319 Wonderfully, beautifully, likely repetitive hymn that was already being used in the church. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:11.699 Even more important to know about this text is the focus of this cosmic Christological hymn. 00:07:12.379 --> 00:07:18.159 The preeminence or supremacy of Jesus Christ. 00:07:18.519 --> 00:07:20.060 Last part of verse 18. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:23.620 That in everything he might be. 00:07:24.120 --> 00:07:25.060 Preeminent. 00:07:25.500 --> 00:07:26.139 Supreme. 00:07:26.740 --> 00:07:29.579 First in all things. 00:07:30.019 --> 00:07:32.699 Most highly praised. 00:07:32.699 --> 00:07:37.519 Paul also states this reality in Philippians chapter 2, 9 through 11. 00:07:38.300 --> 00:07:38.939 Where he writes, 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:45.019 God has highly exalted him, Jesus, and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. 00:07:45.099 --> 00:07:46.199 So that the name of Jesus. 00:07:46.399 --> 00:07:49.240 Every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. 00:07:49.319 --> 00:07:54.740 And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 00:07:55.659 --> 00:07:59.839 So according to Paul, Christ is first in all things. 00:07:59.839 --> 00:08:01.199 He is preeminent. 00:08:01.199 --> 00:08:08.560 But how should we consider the truth contained within this text the preeminence of Christ? 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:12.219 How should we do such a work? 00:08:13.159 --> 00:08:15.379 The Puritan John Owen wrote in his book entitled, 00:08:15.519 --> 00:08:18.800 The Glory of Christ, the following, and I quote, 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:37.560 The revelation made of Christ in the blessed gospel is far more excellent, more glorious, more filled with rays of divine wisdom and goodness that the whole creation and the just comprehension of it, if attainable, cannot contain or afford. 00:08:37.559 --> 00:08:45.419 Without this knowledge, the mind of man priding itself in other inventions and discoveries is wrapped up in darkness and confusion. 00:08:45.419 --> 00:08:53.879 This therefore deserves the severest of our thoughts, the best of our meditations and our utmost diligence in them. 00:08:53.879 --> 00:09:14.519 For if our future blessedness shall consist in living where he is and beholding his glory, what better preparation can there be for it than a constant previous contemplation of that glory as revealed in the gospel, that by a view of it, we may be gradually transformed into the same glory. 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:16.100 End quote. 00:09:16.699 --> 00:09:32.279 Owen says, if we're to live in a state where we are constantly being amazed by our Christ, what better way to consider that, to be prepared for that, than to be about this constant previous contemplation? 00:09:33.139 --> 00:09:36.740 The Christian eternity will be filled with the wonderment of Christ. 00:09:37.199 --> 00:09:42.120 So we should seek to know him now that he may be exalted in our minds and in our lives. 00:09:42.120 --> 00:09:55.039 You could say that we need to rightly understand the supremacy of Jesus Christ so that we would experience, proclaim, and display his excellencies in all things to all peoples. 00:09:55.840 --> 00:09:57.919 Isn't this what Christmas is really about? 00:09:58.060 --> 00:10:03.879 I think too often we simply reduce Christmas to a baby in a manger. 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:11.919 This is the God of the universe beginning to reveal himself in the person of Jesus Christ. 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:17.740 So let me encourage a constant previous contemplation. 00:10:18.340 --> 00:10:22.440 And to help us do so, let's consider the text together in the following structure. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:28.440 Number one, Jesus Christ is preeminent because he is God. 00:10:28.720 --> 00:10:31.340 We'll see this in verse 15 and verse 19. 00:10:31.940 --> 00:10:35.740 Number two, Jesus Christ is preeminent because he is the Lord of the universe. 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:37.639 Verse 16 and 17. 00:10:37.639 --> 00:10:42.740 Number three, Jesus Christ is preeminent because he is the head of the church. 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:43.580 Verse 18. 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:49.659 And number four, Jesus Christ is preeminent because of his redemptive work. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:50.620 Verse 20. 00:10:51.559 --> 00:10:56.759 So first, Jesus Christ is preeminent because he is God. 00:10:56.960 --> 00:11:03.179 Verse 15 says he is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 00:11:03.179 --> 00:11:11.319 Paul says Jesus is the icon, the image or likeness of God. 00:11:11.939 --> 00:11:17.279 The scripture refers to man as the icon of God, but you are not perfectly so. 00:11:17.819 --> 00:11:23.120 Much like a shattered piece of glass returns a poor reflection, so it is with us. 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:29.639 Jesus is both the perfect representation and the perfect manifestation of God. 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:40.340 Hebrews chapter 1 and verse 3, the beginning of it, tells us Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:48.439 Christ shines forth God's attributes as the sun gives light and heat to the earth. 00:11:49.220 --> 00:11:50.600 He is the image of God. 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:54.100 Further, Jesus is God. 00:11:54.100 --> 00:11:59.840 John 1 and verse 1 tells us, in the beginning was the word here there, Christ. 00:12:00.159 --> 00:12:05.100 And the word was with God and the word was God. 00:12:05.820 --> 00:12:13.580 Paul proceeds to describe Jesus as the firstborn, the prototokos, firstborn. 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:25.180 And while this phrase certainly can mean chronologically first in a family, it refers primarily to position or to rank. 00:12:25.879 --> 00:12:35.139 From the Arians of the early church to the Jehovah's Witnesses of our day, those who seek to repudiate the deity of Jesus Christ refer to this phrase. 00:12:35.420 --> 00:12:36.460 So prepare yourself. 00:12:36.900 --> 00:12:41.540 You'll have these kinds of conversations in the world and they will go to this place. 00:12:41.539 --> 00:12:45.139 But they fail completely to note its context. 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:51.939 They fail to note the following two verses in which Paul presents Jesus as the Lord of the universe. 00:12:52.099 --> 00:12:55.019 Specifically at the beginning of verse 17, which says, 00:12:55.459 --> 00:12:59.919 And he is before all things. 00:13:00.719 --> 00:13:03.339 Jesus was not created. 00:13:04.519 --> 00:13:07.279 Jesus is the creator. 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.759 He is God. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:11.419 Verse 19 says, 00:13:11.539 --> 00:13:16.379 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:21.379 Jesus is where all that can be known or experienced of God is to be found. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:26.879 This is why Jesus was able to say in John 14, verse 9, 00:13:27.419 --> 00:13:32.340 Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:39.500 Beloved, we have such a blessed gift in knowing Christ our Lord. 00:13:39.960 --> 00:13:44.500 He is God and he is preeminent because he is God. 00:13:45.500 --> 00:13:50.660 Secondly, Jesus Christ is preeminent because he is the Lord of the universe. 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:52.920 Verse 16 says, 00:13:52.919 --> 00:14:20.839 Jesus Christ is preeminent, supreme, more excellent as the creator of all things. 00:14:20.840 --> 00:14:29.660 That is, everything that we can see and everything that we cannot see were created by Christ and they were created for Christ. 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:33.000 This is a magnificent thought. 00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:43.240 This is a thought that should captivate our minds to contemplate everything created by Christ for Christ. 00:14:43.240 --> 00:14:46.700 John confirms this in John chapter 1, verse 3. 00:14:46.700 --> 00:14:53.680 Speaking of Christ, all things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made. 00:14:54.240 --> 00:14:58.560 The entire universe was created by him and for him. 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:03.240 In 2012, a picture was released that the Hubble Space Telescope had captured, 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:06.200 which was the farthest ever view into the universe. 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:10.919 A photo that reveals thousands of galaxies, billions of light years away. 00:15:10.919 --> 00:15:15.860 The picture, called Extreme Deep Field, or if you care, XDF, 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:21.679 combines 10 years of Hubble telescope views of one patch of sky. 00:15:21.839 --> 00:15:25.319 This compilation of all of these photos that have been taken. 00:15:25.719 --> 00:15:27.500 It is absolutely astounding to look at. 00:15:27.559 --> 00:15:28.659 It's incredible. 00:15:28.860 --> 00:15:30.039 I encourage you to look it up. 00:15:30.319 --> 00:15:37.299 In order to have your affections turned to the one who created the universe. 00:15:37.299 --> 00:15:39.459 This expanse. 00:15:39.559 --> 00:15:44.679 I mean, we have just begun to understand how massive the universe is. 00:15:44.839 --> 00:15:47.679 How complex the universe is. 00:15:47.859 --> 00:15:51.159 And we don't have to wonder if there's life somewhere else. 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:54.179 This is not the purpose of its creation. 00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:56.479 Psalm 19, verse 1 says, 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:59.120 The heavens declare the glory of God, 00:15:59.219 --> 00:16:03.099 and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:09.100 This universe was made by Christ, and it was made for him. 00:16:09.899 --> 00:16:13.740 It was meant so that we would look up at the night sky, 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:16.700 and we would say of Jesus, right? 00:16:17.139 --> 00:16:20.960 Awesome, supreme, more excellent. 00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:24.820 Abraham Kuyper once said, 00:16:24.820 --> 00:16:27.860 There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence, 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:32.160 over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry, 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:33.320 Mine. 00:16:33.840 --> 00:16:37.320 It all exists for his glory. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:45.160 Jesus Christ is preeminent, as he was before all things. 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:49.540 Jesus says to the Jews in John chapter 8, verse 58, 00:16:49.940 --> 00:16:51.520 something scathing. 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:52.360 He says, 00:16:52.460 --> 00:16:56.819 Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. 00:16:56.919 --> 00:17:00.299 And this doesn't make our jaws drop, but it would have made theirs. 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:04.539 They would have been astounded by such a claim. 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:07.799 Because he's referencing Exodus chapter 3, verse 14, 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:09.519 where God says to Moses, 00:17:09.700 --> 00:17:10.400 Moses says, 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:11.759 Who will I say has sent me? 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:14.240 And God says to Moses, 00:17:14.379 --> 00:17:14.879 Tell them, 00:17:15.779 --> 00:17:18.379 I am who I am. 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:20.500 Say this to the people of Israel, 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:24.200 I am has sent me to you. 00:17:24.519 --> 00:17:25.740 This God, 00:17:25.980 --> 00:17:27.619 this self-existent, 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:30.180 self-perpetuating God, 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:31.339 I am. 00:17:31.579 --> 00:17:33.940 Jesus is that God. 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:35.220 He has no beginning, 00:17:35.339 --> 00:17:36.819 and he has no end. 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:38.319 He has no origin, 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:41.980 but he is the originator of all things. 00:17:42.380 --> 00:17:44.019 Jesus plugs into nothing. 00:17:44.380 --> 00:17:46.599 Everything else plugs in to Jesus. 00:17:46.599 --> 00:17:47.000 Right? 00:17:47.159 --> 00:17:52.219 Gets its existence and its sustaining power from him. 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:57.799 Jesus is preeminent because he's the sustainer of all things. 00:17:57.919 --> 00:17:59.079 Verse 17 tells us, 00:17:59.179 --> 00:18:02.819 In him all things hold together. 00:18:03.699 --> 00:18:05.359 In Hebrews chapter 1 and verse 3, 00:18:05.439 --> 00:18:05.839 again, 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:11.059 says he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:13.879 Not only were all things created by him 00:18:13.879 --> 00:18:15.379 and set into motion by him, 00:18:15.480 --> 00:18:19.359 but all things are also sustained by him. 00:18:20.259 --> 00:18:23.119 Everything in the universe is made of atoms. 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:24.119 Remember science? 00:18:24.240 --> 00:18:24.879 Some of the science, 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:25.399 protons, 00:18:25.559 --> 00:18:26.000 electrons, 00:18:26.319 --> 00:18:26.759 neutrons. 00:18:27.279 --> 00:18:28.359 We're homeschooling our kids. 00:18:28.419 --> 00:18:30.019 I'm getting reminded of so many things 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:32.339 that I have long since forgotten. 00:18:33.639 --> 00:18:35.480 Scientists have labored over the past century 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:38.599 to explain away the existence of God, 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:40.419 but they have failed to explain 00:18:40.419 --> 00:18:44.779 how it is that the atom remains in its orbital state. 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:46.859 This is an incredible thing that's happening 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:48.599 on this microscopic level. 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:52.179 There has been some incredible advancements in this 00:18:52.179 --> 00:18:53.719 in recent years, 00:18:53.959 --> 00:18:57.980 but yet they still don't quite understand it. 00:18:58.899 --> 00:18:59.839 Carl K. Darrow, 00:18:59.899 --> 00:19:00.259 a physicist, 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.779 is cited in a book entitled 00:19:01.779 --> 00:19:02.599 The Atom Speaks 00:19:03.199 --> 00:19:05.919 in reference to what scientists are currently calling 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:09.039 the strong nuclear force. 00:19:09.560 --> 00:19:10.420 And he said this, 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:12.940 Do you grasp what this implies? 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:14.880 It implies that all the nuclei 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:17.220 have no right to be alive at all. 00:19:17.860 --> 00:19:19.380 Indeed, they never should have been created, 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:20.140 and if created, 00:19:20.200 --> 00:19:22.200 they should have been blown up instantly. 00:19:22.860 --> 00:19:23.900 Yet here they all are. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:25.660 Some inflexible inhibition 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:27.860 is holding them relentlessly together. 00:19:28.460 --> 00:19:29.900 The nature of the inhibition 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:31.700 is also a secret, 00:19:32.300 --> 00:19:35.200 one thus far reserved by nature. 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:36.460 Her self. 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:40.299 Science has not answered this question, 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:42.680 but the Bible has. 00:19:43.580 --> 00:19:45.000 The strong nuclear force 00:19:45.000 --> 00:19:46.759 is Jesus Christ 00:19:46.759 --> 00:19:48.240 and the word of his power. 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:50.759 It is because of him 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:52.880 that these things exist, 00:19:53.160 --> 00:19:56.059 and we have our very being. 00:19:56.840 --> 00:19:58.700 Jesus stopped to speak 00:19:58.700 --> 00:20:00.140 by his powerful word. 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:03.460 This would all stop to exist. 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:05.900 He is holding it together. 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:08.779 Third, Jesus Christ is preeminent 00:20:08.779 --> 00:20:12.100 because he is the head of the church. 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:14.059 Verse 18, 00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:15.180 He is the head of the body, 00:20:15.340 --> 00:20:15.860 the church. 00:20:16.559 --> 00:20:17.240 He's the beginning, 00:20:17.860 --> 00:20:19.600 the firstborn from the dead, 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:20.620 that in everything 00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:22.579 he might be preeminent. 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.799 He is the head of the body. 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:26.319 There are many metaphors 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:27.019 in the New Testament 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:29.380 used to describe the church, 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:31.960 image after image after image. 00:20:31.960 --> 00:20:33.500 In our study on Sunday evenings 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:35.120 on the church going on right now, 00:20:35.180 --> 00:20:36.140 I think we have discovered, 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:37.440 if I'm remembering correctly, 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:40.680 some 97 images of the church 00:20:40.680 --> 00:20:41.680 in the Bible. 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:43.519 It is called a family, 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:44.180 a kingdom, 00:20:44.340 --> 00:20:44.960 a vineyard, 00:20:45.059 --> 00:20:45.660 a flock, 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.400 a building, 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:47.680 and a bride. 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:49.819 But none is more helpful 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.660 in our understanding 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:52.059 of its form and function 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:53.480 than that of a body 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:55.240 made of many parts 00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:56.480 with Jesus Christ 00:20:56.480 --> 00:20:57.860 as the head. 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:59.799 This metaphor helps us 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:00.519 to see the church 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:01.859 as a living organism, 00:21:02.439 --> 00:21:03.759 inseparably tied together 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:05.139 with life and mission 00:21:05.139 --> 00:21:06.819 by the living Christ. 00:21:07.339 --> 00:21:09.419 He controls every part of it. 00:21:09.819 --> 00:21:10.859 He coordinates together 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:12.240 the diversity of gifting 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:12.939 and ministry 00:21:12.939 --> 00:21:15.119 for the sake of his name. 00:21:15.459 --> 00:21:16.699 Without him, 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.299 the church ceases 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.539 to have life. 00:21:20.199 --> 00:21:21.339 Jesus does not merely 00:21:21.339 --> 00:21:22.319 save the church, 00:21:22.439 --> 00:21:23.439 but is the head 00:21:23.439 --> 00:21:24.859 of the church also, 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:26.919 also giving it life 00:21:26.919 --> 00:21:29.219 and giving it direction. 00:21:29.679 --> 00:21:31.419 The amazing declaration 00:21:31.419 --> 00:21:32.559 of Jesus 00:21:32.559 --> 00:21:33.740 when Peter says, 00:21:33.899 --> 00:21:34.719 you are the Christ, 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:35.879 he says to him, 00:21:35.979 --> 00:21:36.199 yes, 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:37.019 and this truth 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:37.579 that you've declared, 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:38.799 on this rock, 00:21:38.879 --> 00:21:41.299 I will build my church. 00:21:41.459 --> 00:21:42.879 He has not ceased 00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:44.299 giving it life and direction. 00:21:44.479 --> 00:21:45.639 He is its life 00:21:45.639 --> 00:21:48.079 and he is its direction. 00:21:48.639 --> 00:21:50.500 He is the head of the body. 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:52.359 He is the beginning. 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:54.559 He is the originator 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:56.399 of the church. 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:58.159 The word here 00:21:58.159 --> 00:21:58.879 for beginning 00:21:58.879 --> 00:22:00.500 has a two-fold sense 00:22:00.500 --> 00:22:02.000 of both source 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:03.879 and primacy. 00:22:04.339 --> 00:22:05.579 In Ephesians 1, 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:06.819 in verse 4, 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:07.819 Paul states 00:22:07.819 --> 00:22:09.679 that God chose us 00:22:09.679 --> 00:22:10.740 in him 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:12.779 before the foundation 00:22:12.779 --> 00:22:14.259 of the world. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:15.979 Before any of this 00:22:15.979 --> 00:22:17.819 came to be, 00:22:18.399 --> 00:22:19.719 God had a plan 00:22:19.719 --> 00:22:20.839 that he would put together 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:21.759 a church 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:23.459 and place Christ 00:22:23.459 --> 00:22:24.720 as its head. 00:22:25.459 --> 00:22:26.500 Not only that, 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.399 but Jesus is also 00:22:27.399 --> 00:22:28.659 the firstborn 00:22:28.659 --> 00:22:30.899 from the dead. 00:22:31.139 --> 00:22:31.819 Here we have 00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:32.740 that word, 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.939 prototokos, 00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.279 firstborn. 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.599 Of all who have 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:38.139 ever been raised 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:40.139 or will ever be raised 00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:40.839 from the dead, 00:22:41.240 --> 00:22:44.240 he is of the highest rank. 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:47.299 He rules over all. 00:22:48.259 --> 00:22:48.980 So Jesus Christ 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:49.579 is preeminent 00:22:49.579 --> 00:22:50.519 because he is 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:52.539 the Lord of the universe. 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.200 He is the head 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:53.620 of the church. 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:55.319 He is God. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.160 Fourthly, 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.299 he is preeminent 00:22:57.299 --> 00:22:59.259 because of his 00:22:59.259 --> 00:23:00.339 redemptive work. 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.400 Verse 20 says, 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.079 and through him 00:23:03.079 --> 00:23:04.519 to reconcile 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.220 to himself 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:06.099 all things 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:06.779 whether on earth 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.519 or in heaven, 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.460 making peace 00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:09.480 by the blood 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.420 of his cross. 00:23:11.140 --> 00:23:11.779 Reconcile 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.920 to himself. 00:23:14.639 --> 00:23:15.599 There are many ways 00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:16.359 that our salvation 00:23:16.359 --> 00:23:17.079 is explained 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:18.119 in the scripture. 00:23:18.940 --> 00:23:20.899 We are justified. 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.299 We once stood 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:22.859 before God 00:23:22.859 --> 00:23:24.059 guilty and condemned, 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:25.740 but in Jesus Christ 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:27.139 we are declared 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:27.920 righteous. 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.879 We are forgiven. 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.000 We once stood 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:31.579 before God 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:32.279 as a debtor, 00:23:32.399 --> 00:23:32.859 but the debt 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:33.720 has been paid 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.819 by Jesus Christ 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:36.039 and forgotten. 00:23:36.879 --> 00:23:38.200 We are adopted. 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.160 We once stood 00:23:39.160 --> 00:23:39.759 before God 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.680 as a stranger, 00:23:41.160 --> 00:23:42.359 but in Jesus Christ 00:23:42.359 --> 00:23:42.980 we are made 00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.480 children 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:45.200 of the Most High. 00:23:46.379 --> 00:23:47.099 Reconciliation 00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:48.839 is one of my 00:23:48.839 --> 00:23:49.640 favorites 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:51.500 of these explanations. 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:54.200 We are reconciled. 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:55.660 We once stood 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.339 before God 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:57.619 as his enemies, 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.839 but in Jesus Christ 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:01.240 we are made 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:02.400 his friend. 00:24:03.359 --> 00:24:04.200 The Greek word 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:05.059 for reconcile 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:07.039 means to change 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:09.319 in relationship. 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:11.539 Not in degree, 00:24:12.420 --> 00:24:14.160 but in kind. 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:15.799 We were once enemy, 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:18.379 we are now friend. 00:24:19.660 --> 00:24:20.619 Romans chapter 5 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:21.279 and verse 10 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:21.859 Paul says, 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:22.960 For if while 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:23.740 we were enemies 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:25.440 we were reconciled 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:25.740 to God 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:26.400 by the death 00:24:26.400 --> 00:24:26.940 of his Son, 00:24:27.059 --> 00:24:28.059 much more now 00:24:28.059 --> 00:24:29.319 that we are reconciled 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:30.559 shall we be saved 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:32.299 by his life. 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:34.460 And he is working 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:35.279 to reconcile 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:36.039 to himself 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:37.200 all things, 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:38.440 whether on earth 00:24:38.440 --> 00:24:40.220 or in heaven. 00:24:41.120 --> 00:24:42.140 In Genesis chapter 1 00:24:42.140 --> 00:24:42.559 verse 3 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.039 we see 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.980 after the world 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:44.519 was created 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:46.400 by and for Christ 00:24:46.400 --> 00:24:48.539 that it was very good. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:50.460 All of this goodness 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:51.220 was marred 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.360 by man's sin. 00:24:52.580 --> 00:24:53.380 All of that 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:54.420 will one day 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:56.039 be restored. 00:24:56.700 --> 00:24:57.420 The reconciliation 00:24:57.420 --> 00:24:58.380 of mankind 00:24:58.380 --> 00:25:00.420 is just one aspect, 00:25:00.580 --> 00:25:02.059 although the central aspect 00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:03.619 of Christ's 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:05.220 restorative work. 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.220 He is making 00:25:06.220 --> 00:25:08.000 all things new. 00:25:08.119 --> 00:25:09.240 He will one day 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:11.720 set it all right. 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:12.919 This is the blessed 00:25:12.919 --> 00:25:14.019 future hope 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.460 of the Christian. 00:25:16.379 --> 00:25:17.700 And he did all of this 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:18.940 by the peace, 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:19.799 by making peace, 00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:20.440 by the blood 00:25:20.440 --> 00:25:22.139 of his cross. 00:25:23.179 --> 00:25:23.919 Jesus' death 00:25:23.919 --> 00:25:24.379 on the cross 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.059 was the means 00:25:25.059 --> 00:25:25.460 by which 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.279 our reconciliation 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:28.139 is made possible. 00:25:28.639 --> 00:25:29.659 On the cross 00:25:29.659 --> 00:25:30.559 Jesus Christ 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:31.399 became the enemy 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:31.940 of God 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:32.840 and God 00:25:32.840 --> 00:25:34.160 justly punished him 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:34.960 as such 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:36.220 so that we 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:37.560 might be reconciled 00:25:37.560 --> 00:25:38.400 to God, 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:40.460 declared friends. 00:25:41.540 --> 00:25:42.460 So Jesus 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:43.540 is preeminent 00:25:43.540 --> 00:25:44.880 because he is God, 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:46.080 because he is 00:25:46.080 --> 00:25:46.660 the Lord 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:47.940 of the universe, 00:25:48.280 --> 00:25:48.940 because he is 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.540 the head 00:25:49.540 --> 00:25:50.960 of the church 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:52.120 and because of his 00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:54.360 redemptive work. 00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:56.140 So what does all 00:25:56.140 --> 00:25:56.940 this have to do 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.840 with the existence 00:25:57.840 --> 00:25:59.000 of Christ's 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.800 family church? 00:25:59.799 --> 00:26:01.039 Well, 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:01.659 for all of the 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:02.119 aforementioned 00:26:02.119 --> 00:26:02.779 reasons, 00:26:02.919 --> 00:26:03.539 Jesus Christ 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.359 is of highest 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:05.039 ranking and 00:26:05.039 --> 00:26:06.119 should be worshipped 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:07.159 as such. 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:08.419 And this is why 00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:08.799 the church 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:09.339 gathers 00:26:09.339 --> 00:26:10.879 and this is why 00:26:10.879 --> 00:26:11.480 the church 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.579 goes. 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.059 Whether or not 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:14.899 you are part of 00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:15.779 this church 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:16.919 or ever will be, 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:18.379 you exist 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:19.399 to glorify God 00:26:19.399 --> 00:26:20.299 by experiencing, 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:20.940 proclaiming, 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:21.539 and displaying 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:22.619 the supremacy 00:26:22.619 --> 00:26:23.559 of Jesus Christ 00:26:23.559 --> 00:26:24.379 in all things 00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.139 to all 00:26:25.139 --> 00:26:26.339 peoples. 00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:26.539 peoples. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.019 This vision 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.980 statement is not 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:30.099 some special 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:30.720 gift to us. 00:26:30.759 --> 00:26:31.000 It's not 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:31.939 revelatory. 00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:33.240 I don't stand 00:26:33.240 --> 00:26:33.919 up here as a 00:26:33.919 --> 00:26:35.000 man with a 00:26:35.000 --> 00:26:35.279 vision. 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:37.399 This is just 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:38.079 who the church 00:26:38.079 --> 00:26:38.679 is. 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:40.679 This should be 00:26:40.679 --> 00:26:41.480 true of each 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:42.419 and every church 00:26:42.419 --> 00:26:43.059 and it should be 00:26:43.059 --> 00:26:43.839 true of each 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:44.839 and every 00:26:44.839 --> 00:26:45.839 individual 00:26:45.839 --> 00:26:46.879 who is found 00:26:46.879 --> 00:26:47.459 in Christ. 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:48.779 Those who have 00:26:48.779 --> 00:26:49.459 been reconciled 00:26:49.459 --> 00:26:50.240 by his death 00:26:50.240 --> 00:26:51.019 on the cross 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:52.500 rightly should 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:52.980 experience, 00:26:53.159 --> 00:26:53.359 proclaim, 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:53.959 and display 00:26:53.959 --> 00:26:54.559 his supremacy 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.240 in all things 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:56.319 to all peoples. 00:26:56.599 --> 00:26:56.720 Right? 00:26:57.099 --> 00:26:58.059 And this is not 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.759 a burdensome 00:26:58.759 --> 00:27:00.339 task because 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.339 Jesus Christ 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.779 is preeminent 00:27:02.779 --> 00:27:04.299 because he 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:05.819 reigns. 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:07.039 We can cast 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:07.579 all of our 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:08.120 anxieties 00:27:08.120 --> 00:27:09.500 and fears, 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:10.579 our doubts, 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:11.559 our troubles, 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:12.740 our exhaustion, 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:14.079 and our depression 00:27:14.079 --> 00:27:15.339 on him. 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:16.880 There is no 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:17.579 situation that 00:27:17.579 --> 00:27:18.099 escapes his 00:27:18.099 --> 00:27:19.240 attention or 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:19.779 his power. 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:20.799 There is no 00:27:20.799 --> 00:27:21.740 circumstance that 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.640 surprises him 00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:23.339 or evades 00:27:23.339 --> 00:27:24.539 his providential 00:27:24.539 --> 00:27:25.359 control. 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:26.819 Everything in 00:27:26.819 --> 00:27:27.519 this world 00:27:27.519 --> 00:27:28.200 is very 00:27:28.200 --> 00:27:28.859 carefully 00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:29.619 ordered 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.779 by Christ. 00:27:31.659 --> 00:27:32.059 He is our 00:27:32.059 --> 00:27:32.980 confidence in 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:34.339 life and 00:27:34.339 --> 00:27:34.700 death. 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:35.680 He is the 00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.240 reason we 00:27:36.240 --> 00:27:36.960 can boldly 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:37.639 share the 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:38.319 good news 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:39.039 of his 00:27:39.039 --> 00:27:39.399 kingdom 00:27:39.399 --> 00:27:40.680 because we 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:41.359 have a 00:27:41.359 --> 00:27:41.879 future 00:27:41.879 --> 00:27:42.940 hope. 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.180 The reality 00:27:44.180 --> 00:27:44.700 of who Jesus 00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:45.619 is demands 00:27:45.619 --> 00:27:46.599 our affections 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.359 and our 00:27:47.359 --> 00:27:47.740 obedience. 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:49.079 The reality 00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:49.680 of who Jesus 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:50.399 is makes 00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:51.299 sure the 00:27:51.299 --> 00:27:51.899 promises of 00:27:51.899 --> 00:27:52.579 God to us. 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.819 so let us 00:27:53.819 --> 00:27:54.419 be a people 00:27:54.419 --> 00:27:55.319 who set 00:27:55.319 --> 00:27:56.220 ourselves to 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:57.220 a constant 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:58.039 previous 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:59.419 contemplation 00:27:59.419 --> 00:28:00.339 of who 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:01.019 Jesus is 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:02.000 as we 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:02.639 await our 00:28:02.639 --> 00:28:03.059 future 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:04.220 blessedness. 00:28:05.259 --> 00:28:06.119 In closing, 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.119 let me remind 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:07.519 you of the 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.039 words of 00:28:09.039 --> 00:28:09.519 John Owen, 00:28:10.199 --> 00:28:11.199 this therefore 00:28:11.199 --> 00:28:12.759 deserves the 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.439 severest of 00:28:13.439 --> 00:28:13.919 our thoughts, 00:28:14.279 --> 00:28:15.399 the best of 00:28:15.399 --> 00:28:16.539 our meditations, 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:17.639 and our 00:28:17.639 --> 00:28:18.279 utmost 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.259 diligence 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:20.439 in them. 00:28:21.019 --> 00:28:21.819 Please join me 00:28:21.819 --> 00:28:22.119 in prayer.