THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST

I found this information in my dad’s study Bible and thought it would make a good post.  We will be discussing the preeminence of Christ in the book of Colossians. 

First off, what does the word ‘preeminence’ mean?  According to Merriam-Webster, it means having paramount rank, dignity, or importance.  Other synonyms of the word are outstanding, superiority, and supremacy.  

As believers, we know that Christ is superior to all because He is God.  So why would Paul stress this in his letter to the Colossian church?  During the time frame that this letter was written, the idea of Gnosticism had crept up in the church.  This was a movement that tried to marginalize Christ within the church.  It was a mix of Jewish and Greek teachings, as well as some mysticism that tried to teach that Christ wasn’t God.  They thought that there was a secret that needed to be revealed to the people in order to be saved and that receiving Christ wasn’t enough.  They also believed that Christ was an angel.  This is a blatant attack against the Gospel!  As such, Paul wrote to the believers in the Colossae to remind them of the preeminence of Christ.  He is God, there is no question.  

We’ll do a little bit more of a deep dive into Colossians to see Paul’s examples.  The examples of Christ’s preeminence are broken down into 5 sections, which will then be separated into 4 different posts for the month of September.

Christ is Preeminent in Wisdom and Knowledge 

Colossians 2:2,3 - that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

• Paul knew that discouraged and downcast believers are easy prey for the world.  So, Paul wanted them to be encouraged and maintain their enthusiasm

• He wanted them to maintain their unity through love 

• He also wanted them to maintain their understanding and grow in God’s truth, which is the source of all the treasures

Colossians 2:8 -  Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 

• At the time the philosophy was a mix of Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, local mystery religions, and Jewish mysticism.  It was threatening to the believers because it sounded intelligent, even though it was foolish.

• Worldly philosophy does not conform to Him.  Jesus is God who came to the world even though He was the creator of the world.  This is logic that makes no sense to the world, but is made clear to believers.