SUPREME 1: Supreme in Creation

 In a world obsessed with image, Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds us that Jesus is supreme over all creation. The Colossian church faced false teachers who claimed Jesus wasn't enough - that believers needed additional rules, secret knowledge, or special spirituality. This same danger exists today when we reduce Jesus to just one piece of life rather than the Supreme One over everything. Colossians 1:15-20 reveals that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God - not a lesser copy, but the exact representation of God in human form. He existed before creation and is the creator of everything seen and unseen, including all spiritual powers and authorities. Everything was created not only through Him but for Him, meaning all creation exists for His glory. Because Jesus created all things, He has authority over all things. This truth transforms how we view ourselves. Rather than defining our worth through worldly standards or chasing after image through fashions, filters, or followers, we can embrace our God-given identity. When we understand we are created by Jesus and for Jesus, we can live as God's children who are loved, chosen, blessed, forgiven, new, known, valuable, and His own. This isn't about trying harder but fixing our focus on Christ and letting go of everything else. (Preached by Steve Coots on 9-3-25 to Crossroads Youth)