Christ, The Image of the Invisible God

​Text: Colossians 1:15-20
Service Date: 7.20.25
Sermon:

•  The Book of Colossians, a letter in the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. However, there's a significant scholarly debate surrounding the authorship of Colossians, with some suggesting it might have been written by one of Paul's followers after his death.
• Arguments in favor of Pauline authorship include: The letter explicitly states in its opening, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother". Early Church Fathers such as Irenaeus and Tertullian recognized it as Pauline. Theological themes in Colossians align with Paul's teachings found in his other letters, like Philippians and Ephesians.
• On the other hand, arguments against Pauline authorship of Colossians include stylistic differences: Critics note that Colossians exhibit some differences in vocabulary and style compared to Paul's undisputed letters. Theological variations: Some scholars argue that the theological emphasis on Christ in Colossians represents a more developed view than what's seen in other Pauline letters. The possibility of pseudonymity: Writing under the name of a respected figure was a known practice during that historical period.
• Ultimately, whether Paul wrote Colossians himself, perhaps using a secretary or dictating to Timothy, or if it was written by a close follower, the letter has consistently been accepted as part of the inspired New Testament canon by the Church.
• Regardless of who the author is, the purpose of this passage was to combat the false teachings that had infiltrated the Colossian church. The problem was syncretism-combing ideas from other philosophies and religions (such as paganism, strains of Judaism, and Greek thought) with Christian truth. This way of thinking later became known as Gnosticism, they emphasized special knowledge (gnosis in Greek) and denying Christ as God and savior.
• Some of the things that the Colossian church began to believe was that Christ was not the source of salvation, that Christ was not the unique Son of God, God did not create the world because God would not have created evil, and that God would not have come to earth as a human. These are some of the topics that the author is trying to combat throughout the letter of Colossians.   
•   In our passage for today, it seems that the author is trying to combat the idea that God would not send himself in human form. By discussing Jesus’ connection to the Heavenly Father, the author is reminding the church that lays at the foundation of the church.
• Jesus is not only equal with God, but he is also God. He is the visible image of the invisible God. He is the exact representation of God. He not only reflects God, but he reveals God to us. It is believed that Jesus came from heaven, not from the dust of the earth like Adam and he rules as lord overall. The Colossian church also believes that without this core belief, our Christian faith becomes hollow, misdirected, and meaningless. This is a message that the author is reminding the church. This is the message that we will wrestle with today.
• If we believe that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, we can look at Jesus’ actions and words and make the connection that God, the Heavenly Father, would share the same views and expressed the same actions.
• To better understand Jesus’ actions, there are definitions that we should discuss:
• When the author of this letter states that Jesus is the image of God, the word image, “can also refer to a visible manifestation of an invisible and heavenly reality form. Properly, "mirror-like representation," i.e. what is very close in resemblance. This implies that Jesus’s actions and words are a mirror image of God, the Heavenly Father.
• Next, we will review the definition of Reconcile. In this passage the word reconcile means, “is an intensified reconciliation (stronger than katallasso) and pictures the total, complete, and full restoration of the relationship of disturbed peace.” The idea inherent in reconciling is to take enemies and change them to friends. From Enemy to Friendship! Through Jesus’ ministry, we can recall times when Jesus built friendships with those that society was opposed to. We could even acknowledge that Jesus showed love and respect to the church leaders that often opposed him and even planned Jesus’ death.
• The third word that we will review is Peace. The definition of peace in this passage states, “Peace signifies a harmonious relationship and is not merely the absence of war or uneasy truce.” Once again, this is action that we see from Jesus when we look at the scripture. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he worked to fight injustice through peaceful actions and love.
• Looking at Jesus’ example in both words and action, we would be people that bring peace and love to all people. Looking at Jesus’ example, we could be people who would reconcile with those that oppose us or who we oppose. To do that, we would need to also be humble enough to hear the thoughts and opinions of those that have differences in opinions and beliefs that we have.
• Since we are called to be people of peace and reconciliation, I have been making connections with the other churches here in Page. Over the last few weeks, I have been joining the churches in their church services. I am doing this in hopes of looking past our differences and connecting with what this faith communities have in common. Many of the churches that I have connected with are also interested in sharing in this interfaith connection.
• I believe that God is calling us to heal our communities through connection and reconciliation. The same reconciliation that brings peace to all participants. God is calling us to heal families through love and peace. We see this throughout Jesus’ teachings and his actions. It is through our love and reconciling actions that healing happens in the community Let’s us follow the lead of Jesus by following his actions.
• Let us pray:

Conclusion: Let us be people who bring peace and reconciliation to the community through actions of love and compassion.