Exalt the Savior

The NT uses the word “preeminence” just two times—one time speaking of Diotrephes and the other time speaking of Christ. The word literally means: having first place. These two biblical examples define the word to a tee. Who has first place in your life? There is only two choices available as we see in these two Scriptures.

"I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church." (, NKJV)

"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (, NKJV)

The fact is that a person may seek to hold first place among others, or he may surrender and yield himself to Christ that He may have first place in all things. The choice is ours to make. The only reasonable sensible choice is that Christ be preeminent in my life. Why should I yield my preeminence to His preeminence? Four reasons are enough to answer the question.

I. Christ is the Image of God (1:15)

Paul wastes no time defining and describing the person of Christ.

A. Jesus is the Portrait of God (1:15a)

The word “image” means an exact likeness, the tangible or visible representation of someone or something. This means two things:

It means that Jesus Christ is God in every respect. He was the physical image and representation of God.

John 1:18 ESV

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

It means that Jesus Christ is the perfect manifestation or revelation of God. God the Father is unseen, but Jesus Christ, the Son revealed Him to the world.

Hebrews 1:1–2 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

John

B. Jesus is the Person of God (1:15b)

John 1:18 ESV

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

B. Jesus is the Person of God (1:15b)

Philippians 2:6 ESV

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Phil

Dictionary of Bible Themes 2018 Jesus Christ, divinity of

Jesus Christ, divinity of

The equality and identity of Jesus Christ as God is clearly stated in the NT, and is also implied by the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. The OT prophecies also point to the divinity of the coming Messiah.

Philippians 2:5–6 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Philippians 2:5–8 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-6

II. Christ is Creator of All Things (1:16-17)

says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.” But, Paul is saying that Jesus created all things (1:16). There seems to be an error here in the Bible the skeptic would say. However, both texts are true and agree with each other. How? Because Jesus is God in human flesh! In being Creator we see Jesus’ power and control over all things. Notice what Paul says in these verses.

A. Jesus Created the Universe (1:16a)

B. Jesus Claims the Universe (1:16b)

C. Jesus Controls the Universe (1:17)

Colossians 2:9–10 ESV

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Col.2:

III. Christ is Head over the Church (1:18)

Paul presents three great truths in this verse about Christ relation with His Church.

A. Jesus is the Head of the Church.

Headship is absolute.

Headship is a theocracy.

Dictionary of Bible Themes 5700 headship

The quality of being in a position of leadership or guidance. Headship has to do with God’s relation to this created world, and to his ordering of relationships within it. Headship among human beings does not necessarily signify superior status, but rather a role of leadership and care. Scripture sees it as involving servanthood, and views Jesus Christ as the supreme model of this.

Ephesians 5:23 ESV

For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

B. Jesus is the Source of the Church

The Church is the body of Christ.

The body does nothing without the head.

There is no life without the head.

There is the idea of control.

Ephesians 1:22 ESV

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

C. Jesus is First in the Church

IV. Christ is Savior of each Christian (1:19-23)

There is not, nor can be, salvation without Jesus Christ. Only Jesus is Savior of each Christian.

A. The Father’s Pleasure (1:19-20a)

The verb katallasso (to reconcile) means to “change” or “exchange.” It is a NT word which speaks of a change in relationship. Here Paul uses the Greek word apokatallasso. It is a compound word made up of the basic word for reconcile, with a preposition added to intensify the meaning. The word means to be thoroughly, completely or totally reconciled to God through the cross of Christ.

B. The Father’s Plan (1:20b, 22a)

C. The Father’s Purpose (1:21, 22)

D. The Father’s Promise (1:23)

John Phillips wrote:

Here the word “if” can be rightly translated “if so be,” and is followed by a verb in the indicative mood. In other words, there is no doubt about it. We can supply the ellipsis: ‘If you continue in the faith (which you will assuredly do’). What we have here, then, is a definite loyalty. Paul is not casting doubt on our salvation; he is simply saying that a person who is genuinely saved will most assuredly continue in the faith. It is not a question of ‘if I do this or that’ you will be saved; it is a question of ‘because you are saved,’ you will do this or that.

As we process the 4 E’s of our mission statement, the prominent E deals the the preeminent Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus has the preeminence, but is He preeminent in your life? Is Jesus the Lord of Your life? Answer the questions on the back of the outline. If He is my Lord, then I will Exalt Him.

Related Media

Related Sermons