Book of Colossians | Jesus is a Supreme Reconciler

Follow Along with the Message

The Supreme Reconciliation

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.   Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Colossians 1:19-23, NIV

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but the world should be saved through him.

John 3:16-17

We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

2 Corinthians 5:20

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

1. Todd defined Supreme Reconciler as “the one who can bridge the gap and heal what is impossible to accomplish in the flesh.” As you ponder personal, national, or global issues that impact your life directly or indirectly, do you maintain hope in Christ as the Supreme Reconciler?
2. What is your response when circumstances get in the way of “continuing in your faith, established and firm”? (Colossians 1:23)
3. How difficult do you find it to remove yourself from the center of your agenda and rightfully place God at the center?
4. What compels you to behave as an “enemy” of God or in some translations “hostile in mind”? (Colossians 1:21) What prevents us from recognizing when we fall into the posture of behaving as an enemy of God?
5. The reality of what God has done for us is summarized in this quote by John MacArthur. Share your thoughts considering this teaching on Colossians.

In justification, the sinner stands before God guilty and condemned but is declared righteous. In redemption, the sinner stands before God as a slave, but is granted his freedom. In forgiveness, the sinner stands before God as a debtor, but the debt is paid and forgotten.  In adoption, the sinner stands before God as a stranger, but is made a son or daughter. In reconciliation, the sinner stands before God as an enemy but becomes His friend.  -John MacArthur

6. Satan wants to distort your understanding of God the Father and your view of Jesus. He wants you to think the Father is mean, angry, and bent on judgment. Do you unconsciously hold this belief? Does John 3:16-17 give you clarity in knowing God’s motivation is love, not judgment?
7. How would your life change if you truly believed God sees you as “holy and without blemish”? (Colossians 1:22) In your inner dialogue, what do you declare over yourself daily? How would replacing your dialogue with God’s view transform your relationship with Him and with others?