Discover the Sustainer in Colossians 1
The Power and Purpose of Colossians
We’re excited to be studying Colossians with author and Pastor Louie Giglio in his new series on QAVA. The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in Rome around AD 60-62. Addressed to the church in Colossae, this letter was both a theological masterpiece and a pastoral encouragement. Paul had never visited this city personally but wrote to combat false teachings infiltrating the church—beliefs that diminished the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. Influenced by elements of Gnosticism, mysticism, and legalism, these
teachings led believers to look for additional spiritual experiences or practices. Paul’s goal was to bring the focus back to the centrality of Christ in all things—creation, salvation, and daily life. In a world full of competing ideologies and spiritual confusion, Paul’s message remains profoundly relevant: Christ is all we need.
Awe at the Center
Imagine standing in the center of a grand cathedral, looking up at the stunning architecture that seems to defy gravity and lifts your gaze heavenward. Every detail points upward—a visual sermon proclaiming something greater. In a similar way, Colossians 1:15-20 invites us to lift our eyes to Christ and marvel at His supremacy. This passage is often referred to as the Christ Hymn, a lyrical and theological masterpiece proclaiming who Jesus is.
Paul doesn’t waste words: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Col. 1:15) Just as every stone and stained-glass window in a cathedral directs our attention upward, every part of creation—from the galaxies to the smallest cells—was made by Him, through Him, and for Him.
Christ, the Creator
The opening of Genesis declares, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1) Paul echoes this foundational truth but gives it greater clarity—Christ was present at creation, actively involved in shaping the universe. John 1:1-3 reinforces this: “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God. Through Him, all things were made.” Paul’s teaching invites us to see Jesus not only as the Savior but also as the eternal Creator, sustaining all things by His powerful word.
The Glue in the Chaos
Take a moment to reflect: What holds your life together? When relationships strain or finances falter, when the weight of uncertainty presses in, it’s easy to feel like everything is unraveling. Colossians 1:17 declares, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
This isn’t abstract theology—it’s a lifeline. Christ is not a distant deity uninvolved in our struggles. He is the glue that holds the universe in place, from the cosmic level to the most personal moments of our lives. Hebrews 1:3 echoes this truth: “He upholds the universe by the word of His power.” This same power is at work in your life, binding the broken pieces together.
Reconciliation and Redemption
Paul moves from creation to redemption: “Through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.” (Col. 1:20) The Onewho formed the world also stepped into it to redeem it. The cross was not a plan B; it was the culmination of God’s plan to bring peace to what sin had broken.
This redemptive work is deeply personal. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us that He “was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.” Jesus bore our shame, taking the full weight of sin so that we could experience peace. The Prince of Peace secured our reconciliation by His sacrifice.
Application:
Trusting the Sustainer
Where do you need to believe that Christ is holding things together in your life? The chaos of our circumstances can lead us to believe we are alone in our struggles, but the truth is that Jesus is both Creator and Sustainer. He hasn’t abandoned you.
When life feels fragmented, here’s an invitation:
- Pause and Lift Your Eyes: Fix your gaze on Jesus, remembering that His power holds the universe together.
- Surrender Your Struggles: What areas of your life feel most chaotic? Name them before God and surrender them into His capable hands.
- Rest in His Sovereignty: Trust that He is not only aware of your struggles but actively working for your good and His glory.
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to trust that Christ is holding it all together?
Surrender that area to Him today, thanking Him for being both Creator and Redeemer.
To dive in even deeper, check out Louie Giglio’s 8-part series on QAVA called The Book of Colossians, where you’ll discover how a clear view of Jesus as Creator and King can transform every area of your life. From your worship to your relationships, this study will inspire a deeper faith and a life filled with purpose. Get started for free today.
