January 10, 2023

Colossians 1:18 NASB95 (New American Standard Bible1995)

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.

Pastor's Commentary

The word “church” in God’s Word for today applies to the entire Body of Believers in Christ Jesus. But it also has important implications for each local assembly. First, the word is often used as a legal term to summon requesting individuals to appear before a higher authority. It is one of strong encouragement, but not one of force. However, there are consequences for those who do not obey the summon.

Second, the church does not belong to the local congregations; it is Jesus’ church. The phrase “Head of” means leaders, but also implies the One in charge of all affairs. When members of the church forget that we serve and worship at His church under His authority, we lose sight of who we are.

When church leaders and members accept and embrace Christ as the head, we have access to great potential and unlimited power. We can accomplish this by giving Him first place in everything we do and say.