Big Idea: When we see who Jesus truly is, we begin to live out who we are in Him. 1. Who Is Jesus? He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 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. Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV) Jesus Is: ✔ The image of the invisible God ✔ The creator of all things ✔ The one all things were created for ✔ Before all things ✔ The one who holds all things together ✔ The head of the church ✔ The first to rise from the dead, never to die again ✔ The one who made peace through His blood → If Jesus is first place in everything, have I given Him first place in my life? 2. Who Am I In Jesus? I Am Changed by His Grace “This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” Colossians 1:6 (NLT2) I Am Rescued From Darkness “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV) I Am Made Holy and Blameless “This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.” 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” Colossians 1:21-22 (NLT2) I Am Made Complete “So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians 2:10 (NLT2) I Am Forgiven “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:13-14 (NLT2) I Am Raised To New Life “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” Colossians 2:12 (NLT2) “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Colossians 3:1 (NLT2) I Am Hidden With Christ “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3 (NASB) Have I truly given Jesus first place in my life? What is your next step? Begin reading the Colossians Journal Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior Sign up for baptism on May 3, 2026 TALK IT OVER Big Idea: When we see who Jesus truly is, we begin to live out who we are in Him. Opening Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes to see who Jesus is and to understand who you are in Him. Icebreaker (5 minutes) If you had to describe your identity in one word (job, role, personality), what would it be? Why do we tend to define ourselves this way? Key Truth: Colossians answers two of life’s biggest questions: o Who is Jesus? → He is supreme over everything. o Who am I? → I am transformed in Jesus. Read Colossians 1:15–20 together (Christ’s supremacy). Then Read: Colossians 1:13–14 Colossians 1:21–22 Colossians 2:10, 13–14 Colossians 3:1–3 Discussion Questions Family / Youth Friendly Questions What stood out to you most from the message or the passages? Why do you think it’s important to understand who Jesus is before we understand who we are? Digging Deeper According to Colossians 1:15–20, what makes Jesus supreme over everything? List what you see in the passage. Why does this matter for your daily life? 4. The sermon said, “Jesus is not meant to be just part of your life—He is meant to be the center of your life.” What does that look like practically? What are some things that compete with Jesus for first place? Identity in Christ Which of these identity statements stands out to you most right now, and why? I am changed by His grace I am rescued from darkness I am holy and blameless I am made complete I am forgiven I am raised to new life I am hidden with Christ Why do we often struggle to believe or live out our identity in Christ? What voices or influences compete with God’s truth? Think about: your thoughts, your decisions, your relationships, your struggles Anchored in Christ. How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you live day to day? Colossians calls us to live with Jesus as supreme. What is one area of your life where you need to put Jesus more clearly in first place? Personal Reflection Complete this sentence: “Because Jesus is supreme, I will trust Him with…” This week: o Read through Colossians (or begin your journal) o Reflect daily on one identity statement o Ask: “Am I living from my identity—or trying to earn it?” Prayer: Thank Jesus for who He is: Creator, Savior, Lord, Thank Him for who you are in Him. Ask Him to help you live with Jesus first in everything.