Message Notes for March 9, 2025

Series: Colossians – The Power of Christ in You

Title: Knowing Jesus

God has a plan for our lives that empowers us to a transformed life on this earth and an eternal inheritance in heaven. 

If we know who Jesus really is then we can know the impact He can have in our lives.

Part two:

 Colossians 1: 15-23 ESV   He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

 Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. ²⁴ But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of March 9, 2025

Series: The Power of Christ in You

Title: Knowing Jesus

• Share with your family and group how you have best come to know Jesus. How does knowing Jesus affect how you live each day?  How does knowing Jesus give you greater access to His power in your life? 
• Read Colossians 1: 15-23.  What does it mean that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God”?  Why does Paul describe Jesus as being “firstborn”?  What does this name have to do with creation? 
• In vs. 16, what implications does this verse have for understanding Jesus’ authority over the physical and spiritual realms? What is the significance of Christ being the agent of creation of “all things” in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible?  How does this help you understand that Jesus is the only one worthy of worship?
• In vs. 17, what does it mean to you that Jesus holds all things together?  How is this true among human beings and in the universe? How do you see Jesus’ involvement in the world today?
• In vs. 18, what does it mean for Jesus to be the “head” of the church? What role does He play in the life of the church? Why is the church described as the “body” of Christ, and what does this analogy teach us about the relationship between Christ and believers?
• In vs. 19-20, what does it mean that “all His fullness” dwelled in Jesus? How does this speak to Jesus’ divine nature? What is the significance of reconciliation through Jesus’ death? Why was His sacrifice necessary for reconciling “all things”?  How does the cross bring “peace” between God and creation, as well as between  humanity and God?
• In vs. 21-23, what does it mean to be “alienated from God”? How does sin cause separation from God? How does the concept of being “enemies in your minds” highlight the inward nature of sin and rebellion against God?  What did Jesus do to reconcile us back to Him?
• What does it mean to “continue in your faith” and remain “established and firm”?
• Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other.  What was your biggest takeaway from this lesson?  How can you pray that into your life?