Not every sermon needs to end with three points of application because sometimes, knowing the glory of Jesus better is the point of the sermon. Last Sunday sermon had application woven throughout – worship Jesus, submit all the areas of your life to Christ, etc., but the focus was definitely not practical application. There were no “action steps” necessarily.

But there are practical applications that flows from Colossians 1:15-20, and the context gives us some clues.

1. First, think big thoughts of Christ & feel big feelings for Jesus. That is the immediate purpose for Paul penning this paragraph. He wants our minds filled with big, beautiful, grand and glorious thoughts of Jesus. So meditate on his eternality – he was before all things – not old and rickety, but eternal and glorious. Think of his power – he hung galaxies with the same ease I hang a poster. Jesus meek and mild…yes. But think how absolutely beautiful that is. Don’t settle for cute or sentimental. Dig deeper. And let those feelings stoke warm, even fiery hot, affections for Jesus. Consider the kinds of feelings of awe you get standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon or the foot of Denali. When you consider Christ, you’re considering One far greater than either of those wonders. Be in awe.
2. Second, having thought lofty thoughts of and felt deep affections for Christ, you’re in a place to step off and live accordingly. In the paragraph preceding the one we are considering, Paul calls on the Colossian believers to “live a life worthy of the Lord” (v. 10). To live a life worthy of the Lord, one must understand the Lord’s worth. That’s why Paul moved from that practical appeal to verses that extol Christ’s worth. Colossians 1:15-20 demonstrates how worthy Jesus is and gives theological weight to the appeal of v. 10. Now circle back. Jesus is infinitely worthy. Living a life worthy of the Lord is a HIGH CALLING! No half measures will do – all our heart, all our soul, all our effort, (empowered by the Spirit) must go into fulfilling this call. Every bite of bread, every swig of wine – all for His glory. Every yes, every no – all for his glory. Every waking moment, every second at rest – all for his glory. Every worldly pleasure renounced, every good gift enjoyed – all for his glory. And when we get it wrong and fall short of the glory, we repent and receive grace – all for his glory. So, when you are tempted to hold back something, remember how worthy your Lord is of your everything.
3. Third, this paragraph, which exalts Christ’s worth, provides weight for a practical application that is evident in both the paragraph preceding and the paragraph following Colossians 1:15-20. The paragraph preceding is Paul’s prayer for the Colossian church and includes a petition that they “may have great endurance and patience: (v.11). Likewise, immediately after this poem of exultation, Paul moves to exortation, including an appeal to persevere. He writes, “He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel (v. 22-23). So, before and after the verses about Christ’s preeminence, you have appeals to press on in the faith. What’s the connection? Paul holds out the prize and says, in essence, “It’s worth it!” You aren’t running the race for a mere laurel of greenery, but to inherit life with the Supreme Christ! You aren’t pressing on through sufferings and trials simply for a trophy, but for Christ. He is infinitely worth the “light and momentary” troubles you will endure. So, when you’re tempted to give up or give in, ponder how great is the prize set before you, and press on!

I thoroughly enjoyed preparing last week. In fact, I put together a playlist of songs that inspire me to think high thoughts and feel deep feelings for Christ. I share it here, hoping it encourages you in your striving to live a life worthy of the call and persevere on to inherit Jesus!