1. THE PREEMINENCE OF Christ, Col. 1:14-23

a. relation to God, image, vs: 15

b. relation to the universe:

1. Creator, vs. 16 (Jn. 1:1-3, Heb. 1:2)

2. preexistent, 17:a, Jn. 1:1, 8:58; 17:5

3. sustainer, 17b

c. relation to church, = HEAD, 18

d. relation to deity; fullness, 19; (2:9)

e. relation to man, sin, God, RECONCILER, 20-23

2. Christ the Mystery of God, Treasury of Wisdom, Knowledge (1:24 - 2:5)

a. mystery revealed,

1. Christ in you, hope of glory

2. not known before, 1 Pet. 1:10-12; Rom. 16:25

b. TREASURE OF WISDOM

a casket, coffer, or other receptacle, in which valuables are kept"' Thayer.

THIS WISDOM = IN CHRIST

c. KNOWLEDGE, (2:3b), all we need to know.

3. Christ the fullness of the Godhead, and the Christian's completeness, 2:8- 3:4

a. philosophy denounced as enemy of Christ, vs. 8

b. Christian' 5 completeness in Christ 9- 15

CONCLUSION:

1. nothing philosophy can add for Christian, 2:8

2. no powers that can conquer Christian, 2:15

3. nothing the law can contribute,
   a. not judged by it, 16
   b. not under it, 17

4. visionary angel worship nor modern revelation can help, 18-20

5. Christian not to submit to ascetic rules for CHRIST SUPPLIES EVERYTHING WE NEED, 20-23