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What You Believe About Jesus Matters — 1/14/2025 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Shane Pruitt, National Director of Next Gen Evangelism for the North American Mission Board. Speaking from Colossians 1:15-20, Mr. Pruitt proclaims the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all things, and declares that He is worthy of our worship.
Notes
The Real Jesus: Worthy of Our Worship
In today’s world, many people are crafting a version of Jesus that fits their own preferences, ideas, and desires. This "Play-Doh Jesus" is shaped more by human thought than by the truth of Scripture. But we must be careful not to fall into the trap of creating a Jesus in our own image. If we do, we are simply making an idol, a false version of Christ that can never fulfill us. The real Jesus, as revealed in the Bible, is the only one worthy of our worship.
In Colossians 1, Paul provides us with a powerful description of the true Jesus. Understanding who Jesus really is will not only deepen our faith but also ensure we live in alignment with God’s purposes. Here are six key truths about the real Jesus that we must grasp:
1. Jesus Makes the Invisible God Visible
The first truth we encounter is that Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15 says, "He is the image of the invisible God." Jesus is not just someone sent by God—He is God. This is foundational to the Christian faith: Jesus reveals God to us in a way we can understand and relate to. If we miss this, we miss everything.
2. Jesus Ranks Above All Creation
Another critical truth is that Jesus is not a created being. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created.” He is the Creator, not part of the created order. As the "firstborn" over creation, Jesus ranks above everything—no one and nothing compares to Him.
3. All Things Are Through and For Jesus
Jesus is not just the Creator; He is also the purpose of all creation. Colossians 1:16 declares that "all things were created through Him and for Him." Our existence finds its true meaning in Jesus alone. You were made to know Him, worship Him, and be fulfilled in Him. If you’re feeling incomplete, it’s because you were created for Jesus, and nothing else can fill that void.
4. Jesus is the Sustainer of All Things
Colossians 1:17 tells us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Jesus doesn’t just create; He sustains. In moments of difficulty, suffering, or confusion, remember that Jesus is the one who holds everything together. He’s not distant or weak but actively sustaining all of creation — including you.
5. Jesus is to Be First Place
In Colossians 1:18, we learn that Jesus must have first place in our lives. He is Lord of all, and our lives should reflect this. There is no middle ground with Jesus — He is either Lord of everything or nothing at all. To live for Jesus is to give Him priority in every area of our lives.
6. Jesus is the Only One Who Can Save
Finally, Colossians 1:19-20 tells us that Jesus is the only one who can save us. We are all sinners, but Jesus, through His sacrifice on the cross, made peace and offers forgiveness. There is no other Savior. Jesus is a better Savior than we are sinners.
Action Steps
So how should we respond to these truths about Jesus?
- Know the Real Jesus: Spend time in the Word and get to know Jesus as He is revealed in Scripture.
- Live for Jesus: Give Him the first place in your life. Make Him your priority in every decision.
- Worship Jesus: Never give your worship to anything less than the real Jesus.
- Share Jesus: Spread the good news of the real Jesus to those who need to hear it.
The real Jesus is better than anything the world has to offer. He is the King of Kings, the Creator, the Sustainer, and the only one worthy of our worship. Go live for Him, worship Him, and tell others about Him—because He is worth it.