Big Idea: Because Jesus is supreme over everything, He deserves first place in our lives. Because Jesus is supreme over everything: 1. Step Out Of Darkness and Live In The Light For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 (NASB) As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV) “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT2) This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7 (NIV) • You can’t walk in the light while holding onto the darkness. 2. Trust Jesus To Be Lord Over Your Circumstances 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17 (NASB) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) • Are you allowing the one who controls the universe to control your life? 3. Follow Jesus As The Leader Of Your Life 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. “For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:18-20 (NASB) “But because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:24-25 (NLT2) But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV) Am I willing to let Jesus have first place in my life? This week, take one intentional step: Step out of darkness; bring one hidden area into the light Trust Jesus is Lord over your circumstances Follow His leadership; take one step of obedience (serve, forgive, act) Following Jesus in Believer’s Baptism May 3, 2026 TALK IT OVER Big Idea: Because Jesus is supreme over everything, He deserves first place in our lives. Leader Focus: ✔ Review questions beforehand so you are prepared ✔ Honor your time commitment as a group ✔ Keep discussion relational, not reactive ✔ Reinforce grace, humility, and unity Opening Prayer: Ask God to help you not only understand His Word—but to respond to it and live it out this week. Icebreaker (5 minutes) What is one area of life where people tend to want control (circumstances, relationships, etc.)? Why is it hard to give that up? Read Colossians 1:13–18 together. Key Truth: Jesus didn’t come just to be part of our lives— He came to rescue us, rule over us, and lead us. Discussion Questions Step Out of Darkness and Live in the Light (Colossians 1:13–14) Family / Youth Friendly Questions Which of the three action steps stood out to you most this week? Why? • Step out of darkness • Trust Jesus To Be Lord Over Your Circumstances • Follow His leadership Why do you think it’s hard to actually live this truth out? What does it mean that Jesus has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness”? Why do we sometimes continue to hold onto areas of darkness even after being rescued? What is one area where you feel God calling you to step into the light? Trust Jesus To Be Lord Over Your Circumstances Read Colossians 1:15–17 Paul says everything was created “by Him, through Him, and for Him.” What does that mean for your daily life? Where do you personally struggle to trust Jesus with your circumstances? Follow Jesus as the Leader of Your Life Read Colossians 1:18-20 What are some common things that compete with Jesus for first place in our lives? What is the difference between believing in Jesus, and actually following Him? What is one specific area where you sense Jesus asking you to obey Him right now? Personal Reflection: Which statement do you need to act on most this week? • I need to step out of darkness • I need to trust Jesus to be Lord over my circumstance • I need to follow Jesus more closely Optional Group Exercise Go around the group and have each person complete: “This week, I will put Jesus first in…” Encourage honesty and specificity. Pray for: • courage to step into the light • surrender to put Jesus first • faith to follow His leadership