Firstborn: Colossians 1:13-23

“13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.[1]”—(Colossians 1:13–23, NASB 95)

Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Firstborn as Jesus’ resurrection was unlike any other, and firstborn in status as Christ conquered the grave. This advent, we have been celebrating the supremacy of Christ and His status as the firstborn. Often, we do not immediately connect the birth of Christ with the resurrection, it is very appropriate to connect the first coming of Jesus with the second coming. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful truth that is the basis for victorious Christian living now, and resurrection hope for the future.

1. Firstborn from the Dead in Colossians 1:18 is about Jesus’ resurrection. How was Jesus’ resurrection unique from the list below? How does that unique resurrection give us hope in the future?
 
2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Russell referenced it on Sunday as we look forward to Christ’s return and meeting Him in the air. How does this change the way we grieve the loss of a friend or family member who knows Jesus?
3. 1 Corinthians 15 is a beautiful chapter about the power and necessity of the resurrection. Read portions of the chapter together, especially the first 25 verses. List the important, yes vital, truths that Paul attributes to the resurrection. How does this encourage your faith?
4. As we navigate a broken and fallen world, we have resurrection power in the here and now. Read Colossians 1:13-22 and highlight the differences that Christ has made in us. Who did we use to be compared with who we are now in Christ?
5.In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul challenges us to walk in the new life we have in Christ. According to that passage, what are the characteristics of those who walk in our new life in the resurrected Christ?