“WHO’S NUMBER 1?” – HEAD OF THE CLASS / THE 3R’S

•    sizing up classmates in class and on playground
•    other ways of jockeying for position as become adults
•    “second rate” Colossians susceptible to scam philosophies
•    Olympic swimmer deflects attention from himself toward Jesus

RESPLENDENT: CLAIMS OUR WORSHIP FOR WHO HE IS

•    Jesus singular in divinity: image of the invisible God
•    top in rank: firstborn over creation, from the dead
•    agent / owner / disposer of everything: all things created by and for Him
•    beyond creation, and its glue
•    head of the Body - the church
•    Boudia: “All I have is Christ” – take away gold medal; Jesus is enough

REDEEMER: CLAIMS OUR THANKS AND OBEDIENCE FOR WHAT HE’S DONE FOR US

•    brought from dominion of darkness into Kingdom of the beloved Son
•    Boudia: “Take your thoughts captive” – obedience marked by how we think as well as act

RECONCILER: CLAIMS OUR OBSESSION TO PLUG INTO HIS FULLNESS

•    God’s ‘fullness’ dwells in Jesus: totality of divine powers / attributes
•    reconciled to connect: brought back into favour, harmony, made friends
•    Jesus warrants our undivided focus: seek Him first
•    Boudia: “Put your hope in the right place” – lasting satisfaction not in the wrong places