Colossians 1:16-18 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; THAT IN ALL THINGS HE MIGHT HAVE PREEMINENCE (to be first; to hold first place; have superior status).”
The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to address a heresy that had arisen in Colossae, corrupting the church. The heresy and philosophies of men created a limited and false view of Jesus’ humanity and deity. He refutes the false philosophy by unveiling Christ’s supremacy and preeminence in all things.
There is not one part of life or one molecule in the universe that Jesus Christ should not permeate with His presence, wisdom, righteousness, and dominion including politics. Giving Him preeminence is in effect giving His Word preeminence or putting it as the final authority to settle all issues. He is to have preeminence over candidates, political parties, race, gender, socio-economic class, and sexual preference. Colossians 1:12-21 explains the reasons:
1. He redeemed us.
2. He is the image of the Invisible God.
3. He is before all, above all, and over every creation.
4. By Him and for Him were all things created.
5. He existed before all created things.
6. By Him all things consist and are sustained.
7. He is the Head of the Body, the Church.
8. He is the beginning and first born from the dead.
9. In Him all fullness dwells (all God-all Man).
10. His body and blood on the cross reconciled us.
The revelation of Jesus having preeminence in all things is directed in its focus to two persons:
1. The Lord Jesus Christ who is to have the preeminence;
2. The Christian who is to give Him the preeminence.
Although Jesus has the right to preeminence in the Christian’s life, it is not always given to Him. The principle rule He operates by is to allow man to yield to His preeminence (Human choice). People by choice often give preeminence to someone or something else. When the Lord Jesus Christ does occupy the place of preeminence in all things three things will become clear in the priority structure of every relationship: there is a loyalty and love to Him 1st; there is obedience to Him 1st; there is complete submission to His will 1st.
Pastor John Rasicci is the founder and Pastor of Word of His Grace Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where we are building people who are building the Church. Pastor's ministry mission is to help people discover God's dream for their Life, the Local Church, and the Last Days' Harvest. With a strong emphasis on the grace of God and with a prophetic voice, Pastor John preaches and teaches in churches, conferences, and crusades both locally and throughout the world. He has produced books, tapes, and other teaching materials to empower, enable, and equip Believers with the Word of God. Pastor John is married to his wife Candy who with their three children, Krista, Joanna, John Anthony, and two son-in-laws, Matt and Doug, serve together in the ministry. After graduating from Kent State University, Pastor John pursued a career in professional baseball before accepting the call to the ministry. He and his wife, Candy, received their ministry training from Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
John Rasicci 
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