By David Brown

II. Christ has Authority over the Christian and the Church.

Read Colossians 1:18

We have alluded to Christ’s position of authority in the last point but Paul makes that authority clear in verse 18.

Authority & Grammar
* In verse 18 the term “head” is preceded by a definite article that renders the translation “the head” which reflects absolute authority.
* The phrase “the body” is an objective genitive that reflects that the head is sovereign over the body.
* The phrase “the church” provides further definition to the body which Christ is sovereign over.

All of this grammar emphasizes the authority that Christ has over all creation including creation and sustaining the church and believers.

Words to Remember

* The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but rather what he becomes by it.
The American Way

According to Philippians 2:9-11, Jesus’ reward is that one day at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on the earth and under the earth.Because of His work on the cross Jesus will rule over all.

Dr. David Brown (Ph.D, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) is the Senior Pastor of Roseland Park Baptist Church in Picayune, Mississippi. You can follow him on Twitter at @davidbdwb.