Jesus Over Everything | Colossians 1

This message begins a new series through the book of Colossians by walking through the first chapter and explaining the context behind Paul’s letter to a young church in the city of Colossae. Roughly 20–30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, the gospel had already spread hundreds of miles through ordinary people who responded to the good news and shared it with others. The Colossian church existed in a culture filled with competing philosophies and beliefs that challenged the truth about Jesus, particularly denying His divinity. In response, Paul writes to clearly proclaim that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, supreme over all creation, the one through whom everything was made and through whom reconciliation with God is possible.

This message then focuses on what made the Colossian church so impactful: they were known as a faithful people whose lives were shaped by the gospel. Their faith was visible through how they loved one another, encouraged each other, prayed for one another, and lived out the good news in everyday life. The message challenges believers today to adopt that same mindset by making the gospel the most important thing in their lives and allowing it to shape their relationships, priorities, and mission. When believers thank God for each other, encourage one another, pray for one another, and live out their faith publicly, they become a church that is filled with and fueled by the gospel—reaching people and helping others know and follow Jesus.