Alejandro Bullon - Leccion 8 - La Preeminencia De Cristo

Study of the Epistle to the Colossians

Introduction to the Study

• The speaker expresses joy in studying God's word again, specifically focusing on the epistle to the Colossians after completing Philippians.

• Colosas is located 18 km from Laodicea, which is mentioned in Revelation as receiving a letter from John. Paul wrote an epistle to the Colossians.

Purpose of This Week's Lesson

• The lesson aims to teach that Christ is fully God and not dependent or created by God, emphasizing His divine nature.

• Paul addresses false doctrines emerging in Colosas that claim Christ is lesser than God, highlighting the need for clarity about Christ's true nature.

Nature of Christ

The Image of God

• The first subtopic discusses how Christ represents the invisible God, referencing Colossians 1:15 where Jesus is described as "the image of the invisible God."

• The term "image" goes beyond mere reflection; it signifies a deeper revelation of God's character through Jesus. Many misinterpret this as implying inferiority to God.

Revelation Through Jesus

• Jesus embodies God's thoughts and character, making them accessible to humanity; He reveals what God desires and thinks through His life and teachings.

• Key quote: "Jesus is the thought of God made audible," indicating that understanding Jesus helps us understand God's intentions.

Understanding 'Primogénito' (Firstborn)

Clarifying Misinterpretations

• Some interpret "primogénito de toda criatura" (firstborn over all creation) as suggesting Jesus was created or dependent on God; however, this interpretation overlooks Paul's further explanations in verses 16 and 17.

• Paul clarifies that all things were created through Christ, asserting His role as Creator rather than creature—contradicting claims of Him being merely a creation Himself.

Biblical Context of 'Primogénito'

• The term 'primogénito' does not solely refer to birth order but can signify preeminence or authority within biblical context, reinforcing Christ’s divine status rather than implying He was created first among creatures.

Understanding the Concept of "Primogénito" in Relation to Christ

The Meaning of "Primogénito"

• The term "primogénito" is discussed, emphasizing that it refers to Christ as the firstborn, but not in a literal sense of being created. Paul clarifies that Christ is the creator.

• The biblical use of "primogénito" does not strictly relate to birth order; for example, Israel is called God's firstborn despite existing nations before it.

• Paul uses "primogénito" to signify distinction and supremacy rather than creation. David was also referred to as firstborn despite being the youngest son.

• Christ's status as primogénito indicates His supreme role as creator, existing before all things and through whom everything was made.

Christ as Head of the Church

• Colossians 1:18 states that Christ is the head of the church, which is His body. This establishes a vital connection between believers and organized faith.

• Emphasizing unity, one cannot claim love for Christ while rejecting involvement with His church; this would be contradictory.

• An analogy compares loving one's spouse (head and body), illustrating how one must embrace both aspects—Christ and His church—to truly express love for Him.

Imperfection Within the Church

• Acknowledgment that churches are imperfect due to their members' flaws; everyone contributes to this imperfection.

• Despite imperfections, God loves the church deeply. It remains essential for salvation akin to Noah's Ark during the flood—imperfect yet necessary for safety.

The Role of Resurrection

• Transitioning into another aspect from Colossians 1:18, where Christ is described as primogénito among those who have died—indicating He was the first to resurrect.

• This usage reinforces that “primogénito” signifies supremacy over death rather than mere chronological order in resurrection events.

The Role of Christ in the Church

Christ as the Initiator of the Church

• Cristo resucitó para ser la cabeza de la iglesia, destacando que la organización de la iglesia es una idea divina y no humana.

• La iglesia de Dios ha existido desde Adán y Eva, quienes fueron los primeros miembros antes de que el pecado causara divisiones en la humanidad.

• A lo largo del Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento, Cristo se mantiene como la cabeza de la iglesia, reafirmando su papel como iniciador.

Reconciliation Through Christ

• Cristo no solo inicia la iglesia, sino que también actúa como el reconciliador entre Dios y su pueblo.

• Colosenses 1:19-20 menciona que a través de Cristo se reconcilian todas las cosas con Dios, haciendo paz mediante su sacrificio.

The Impact of Sin and the Need for Reconciliation

• El pecado crea una separación profunda entre Dios y los hombres, llevando a un estado de desesperación y oscuridad sin esperanza.

• Cristo es descrito como el puente que permite a los humanos acercarse a Dios sin miedo debido a su naturaleza pecaminosa.

Assurance of God's Love

• Se enfatiza que aunque enfrentemos sufrimientos por el pecado, esto no significa que estamos abandonados; Dios nos ama profundamente.

• La invitación es levantarse ante las dificultades al confiar en el poder de Dios, recordando que siempre hay esperanza.