Incomparable Christ

On Sunday we discovered the point of Colossians 1.15-20 is simple. Christ is incomparable. He has no equal in who he is or what he does. He stands supreme. What’s the application? Look again at verse 18. ‘That he might be preeminent.’ Ultimately and finally, he will be crowned and confessed as the King of all the earth (hear Philippians 2 this Sunday). Until that day he reigns in the hearts and homes of those who believe? Does he hold an incomparable place in your life? Is he second to none? In your worship? Do turn to him for security? Or false saviors?

Start with another love relationship. How did you deepen it? You spent time with the person. You began to know their heart. You enjoyed activities together. While Jesus is more than a hobby, sports fanatics can religiously quote statistics of favorite players. They move heaven and earth to watch them in action. Begin here.

Where should we start? Here is what I would suggest.

Grab your reading guide. Set a place and time. Then remember our study of Acts 22 read with these two questions in mind. First, who are you Lord? Jesus is living and active. In 30 or 50 years we cannot begin to mine the depth of the character of Christ. Learn more of his heart and habits. Then ask, what shall I do Lord? How can you live different because of what you have read? I try to share on Twitter and Facebook insights from my daily readings.

Use the Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond method as you journal. Take one verse or two and dig deeper into it. Give time for Jesus to speak and hear it.

Above all, remember this axiom. Long obedience in the same direction. Spiritual growth and progress does not happen in an instant. The disciples spent days and nights with the Master over three years. Next year you can look back and say with great joy, ‘I love Jesus more now and will love him even more next year.’

You can find the small group guide here (All Things New for 12/03/17). You can also download the Message 2017 Bible Reading Guide here (The Message).