Connect Ephesians 1:22 with Colossians 1:18 on Christ's role in the church. setting the stage: two companion verses • Ephesians 1:22: “And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church.” • Colossians 1:18: “And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.” These two statements fit together like two sides of one coin: Christ is Head over all creation for the church’s good (Ephesians 1:22) and Head of the church itself as its living, guiding center (Colossians 1:18). christ’s universal authority entrusted by the father • Matthew 28:18—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Philippians 2:9-11—God exalted Jesus so “every knee should bow.” • 1 Corinthians 15:27; Hebrews 2:8—“God has put everything under His feet.” Because God has subjected “everything” to the Son, the church lives in the confidence that nothing lies outside Christ’s sovereign rule. The One who loved us enough to die for us (Galatians 2:20) now governs the universe on our behalf. the head-body analogy: what it means for daily church life • Direction—A body moves where the head wills; Christ’s word and Spirit set the agenda (John 10:27). • Unity—Different members share one life sourced in the Head, abolishing rivalry (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). • Nourishment—From the Head the body “grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16; Colossians 2:19). • Growth—Christ supplies every joint and ligament so the church matures into His likeness. • Protection—As Head He guards His body; enemies must first answer to Him (John 17:12). • Mission—The Head directs the body’s hands and feet into a world that needs the gospel (Acts 1:8). the church’s identity under christ’s headship • Purchased possession—Acts 20:28 notes He bought the church “with His own blood.” • Holy nation—1 Peter 2:9-10 describes a people formed for His glory. • Display of wisdom—Ephesians 3:10 shows the church revealing God’s plan to heavenly realms. • Bride prepared—Revelation 19:7 pictures the body as a bride made ready for her Husband. Everything the church is and does flows from union with its Head. practical reflections: living under his headship • Worship—Honor the Head in gathered praise and private devotion. • Obedience—Submit to His commands; He leads, we follow (Luke 6:46). • Leadership—Pastors and elders shepherd under His authority, never as autonomous rulers (1 Peter 5:2-4). • Mutual care—Because we share one Head, every member matters; neglecting another part injures the whole (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). • Gospel witness—Our unity and love showcase the Head to the watching world (John 17:23). Christ remains forever “head over everything for the church” and “head of the body, the church.” Resting in His supreme authority and intimate care, the people of God thrive, grow, and glorify Him until He returns. |
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