(Colossians 1:16-18), “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
In the book of Colossians, in speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible uses the word “preeminence” meaning “to be first; to hold the first place.”
Here’s the truth that God wants us to learn and apply to our lives. In every area of life, Jesus is to come first! He should be first in our hearts, our homes, our jobs; our recreation, every area of our lives. He is to be above and before all things in our lives
Notice with me the word here is “preeminence” and not “prominence.” What’s the difference? As I have already shared with you, preeminence means “to be first; to hold first place.” The word prominence means “very important.”
Here’s the difference in these two words. If something is preeminent in my life, it holds the position of first place and there is nothing that equals it. But if something is prominent in my life that means that it is important but there are other things that could be just as important.
Too many Christians, by the way they live show that Jesus Christ is prominent in their lives, that He is important to them, but Jesus Christ is not preeminent in their lives, that He does not hold the first place in their lives. If you say that Jesus is prominent in your life, that means he plays a very important part in your life, but if Jesus is only prominent in your life, which means there is something or someone else that is equally important. It could be your job, family, money, pleasure, sports, or a number of other things.
The Bible tells us that Christ is not to be prominent in our lives but He is to be preeminent. He is to be supreme, first in rank and influence, in our lives, hearts, homes, jobs, church, friendship, etc. There is nothing that is to hold an equal place in our lives as the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is to be preeminent in our lives because He is the preeminent One.
- He is Preeminent over the Creation
(Colossians 1:16), “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
Jesus Christ is the Creator and everything that exists in the universe was made by Him, and for Him. Every rock, every river, every plant, every animal, every person, every government, every star, every planet, every mountain, everything you can see with your eyes, and everything that is invisible to the naked eye, was brought into being by Him. If it exists, He made it! Because He made all things, He is preeminent over all things.
- He is Preeminent over the Civilizations
(I. Peter 3:22), “…is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
(Daniel 4:32), “…the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
(Daniel 2:21), “…he removeth kings, and setteth up kings…”
Christians being beheaded by Muslims, wars in the middle east, Isis leaving a trail of terror, Israel being hated more and more, rioting and murdering across the United States, an ever increasing national debt, volcanoes, earthquakes; there is no end to the uproars that are going in our world. And if we are not careful we can get the impression that everything in this world is out of control. As far as man goes this is true but there is one who sits upon the throne in heaven by the name of Jesus Christ and He is in total control of everything that is going on in this world. There is no militant group that can usurp His authority. There is no country or government where He is not in control. There is not a sunrise or sunset that takes place without His permission. He knows all and He controls all. This world is not out of His control but it is running according to His time clock.
- He is Preeminent over the Church
(Colossians 1:18), “…he is the head of the body, the Church: who is the firstbegotten from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave, and became the first person to rise from the dead in a glorified body that will never die. Because of this He has been placed by God as the ruler, the leader, and the preeminent one over the church. As the ruler, leader, and preeminent one over the church, He provides for the church; He enables the church to grow; and He decides which direction the church goes.
- He wants Preeminence over your life
(Matthew 6:33), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
In this passage, Jesus spoke of God’s kingdom, and where there is a kingdom there must be a king. To seek first the kingdom of God is to seek first the king, that is, you are to make seeking the will and submitting to the will of king of the kingdom your first priority in life. Jesus doesn’t’ want a place in your life, Jesus doesn’t want to be prominent in your life, but Jesus wants preeminence in your life. He wants the priority in your life. Why should Jesus have the preeminence in your life?
(1.) Because of His Deity. He is God. (Colossians 1:19), says that “all the fullness of God dwells in Him.” Jesus is literally the image of the Almighty.
(2.) Because of His Death. He suffered and died for you, giving up His life while you were still a sinner. You are not your own; you’ve been bought with a price.
(3.) Because of His Devotion. Nobody loves you as much as Jesus Christ. He loved you so much that He laid down His life for you. He took your place in death, paying the penalty for your sins.
Jesus Christ is preeminent over all things. Does He have preeminence in your life? Have you received Him as your personal Savior for the forgiveness of your sins? If you have been saved, is Jesus preeminent in your life? Do you make it a priority to seek and submit to His Word and Will each day of your life?
Pastor Allen Jackson