The Letter written to the Church at Ephesus, could be titled the “Church of Christ,” but the Letter written to the Church at Colosse, could be labelled the “Christ of the Church.

As Paul writes to this Church, his main emphasis is that Christ is preeminent. He is first in all things; He is the Head of all things. It’s all about Jesus.

Chapters 1 & 2 focus on teaching that Christ is preeminent. Chapters 3 & 4 focus on the practicality of how to live out Christ being first in your life.

1.       Jesus is Preeminent in Creation – Colossians 1:15-17

2.       Jesus is Preeminent in Salvation – Colossians 1:12-14

3.       Jesus is Preeminent in the Church – Colossians 1:18-24

As Paul lays out these truths about Jesus Christ having the preeminence, in Chapter 2 He gives a warning to be careful not to be deceived. 

Colossians 2:4 “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”

What did Paul say? Notice, Colossians 2:2 “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; vs 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

It was Paul’s prayer and desire that the Church “might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” Colossians 1:9

However, this can only be fulfilled in a person’s life when they make Jesus preeminent.

There are many deceivers in the world that try to undermine the truth so they may have the preeminence. This started with Satan, he wanted to be like the Most High. This evil thinking was then passed on to Adam and Eve. The devil lied and cast doubt on God’s Word, and Adam and Eve disobeyed. Diotrephes was also a man that loved the preeminence.

3 John 1:9 “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”

The “Jehovah’s Witnesses crowd” want the preeminence because they teach that Jesus is second, and that He is not God at all. But Paul said “We preach Christ…”

The “Catholic sect” want the preeminence because they teach that the Pope and their priests can be mediators to God. But Paul said “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5

The “Atheist party” want the preeminence because they desire to get rid of Jesus and God altogether. But David said “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…” Psalm 14:1

Oprah wants the preeminence because she teaches that Jesus is not the only way. But Jesus said “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Colossians 2:8-9 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Vs 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

How can we not be deceived, and keep Christ Preeminent in our own life and churches?

Colossians 2:6 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” 

If you have received Jesus as God and Saviour, let Him then be King of your Life; let Him rule every area of your life.

Colossians 3:3-4 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Vs 4 When Christ, who is our life…”

Our lives should reflect what we have believe. Jesus should be our all-in-all. Colossians 3:11b

How can this be done?

Be Rooted & Built up in Jesus – Colossians 2:7
Be Established in the Faith – Colossian 2:7
Seek to have a heavenly vision – Colossians 3:1
Do not set your heart on earthy things – Colossians 3:1
Put off the old man – Flesh – Colossians 3:5-9
Put on the new man – Jesus – Colossians 3:10-16
Give God the Glory in all you do – Colossians 3:17

Psalm 127:1 “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

God’s Word refers to various kinds of buildings or houses that He desires to help us build.

·         The Building of my life
·         The Building of my family
·         The Building of my church

In each of these areas we must allow the Lord Jesus Christ to be the Master Builder or else all we do will be in vain. We must acknowledge that it is the Lord that initiated these buildings; without the Creator we would not be here today and would have nothing. Without the Lord, we would not have a family and would not have a church; we would not have our very lives.

Hebrews 3:4 “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.”

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 principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

A.    Building of my Life

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…”  Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works...”

B.    Building of my Family

Genesis 2:18 “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” verse 22 & 24

C.    Building of my Church

Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

It is absolutely essential to allow the One that gave us life to rule our lives. Every area of our lives is safer left in the hands of the Creator.

Here are a few principles that will help you “let God build.”

1.    Have a Good Framework

Ephesians 2:19-21 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God vs 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; vs 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:”

The greatest need for all people is to receive Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour from sin, and to be part of the family of God. This will be a good start in allowing God to build your life.

2.    Have a Godly Foundation

1 Corinthians 3:11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Every building needs a good foundation to be able to withstand the storms of life, the pull of this world, and the temptations of Satan. This world system and the Devil – the god of this world, endeavor to destroy these two institutions that God set up, the Home and 
the Church. To have a firm foundation a person needs to live out the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Luke 6:46-49

A good way to let God Build in your family is to live out your responsibilities in the home:

-       Wives submit to your Husband – Colossians 3:18
-       Husbands love your Wife – Colossians 3:19
-       Children honour your Parents – Colossians 3:20

Homes have been destroyed and families broken because wives have not learned the art of submission, husbands failed to love their wives, and children have been left alone in their rebellion. Do not build your life in vain, but rather build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word! You cannot go wrong when you build on God’s Word!