The “Beginning” (and Initiator): The Beginning and the Head

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 8 - Wednesday 

The “Beginning” (and Initiator)

“And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).

When Paul calls Christ “the beginning,” he is not merely speaking about time. He is speaking about authority, source, and initiation. Jesus is not just first in sequence—He is first in rank. As Head of the church, He directs, sustains, and gives life to His body. As “the beginning,” He is the origin of the new creation, the One who launched resurrection life through His victory over the grave.

The connection is powerful: the One who started the new creation is the One who leads it. The church does not invent its mission, define its truth, or supply its power. Everything flows from Christ. Just as a body cannot function without its head, the church cannot function apart from its living, reigning Lord. And individually, we cannot thrive spiritually unless He truly governs our lives.

Paul has carefully built the case for Christ’s absolute preeminence. Consider what he has already shown:

1. Jesus perfectly reveals the unseen God.

2. He is the Creator through whom everything came into existence.

3. He existed before all things and holds all things together.

4. He is the living Head of His church.

5. He began both the original creation and the new creation through resurrection.

6. By defeating sin and death, He secured the resurrection of all who trust Him.

7. Though eternal, He now stands in supreme authority as Head of redeemed humanity and of the church.

This is not abstract theology. It is a call to surrender.

If Christ truly has preeminence, then He must have first place—not just in doctrine, but in daily decisions. You cannot claim Him as Head while running your own life. So what must change?

Perhaps your priorities need realignment. Maybe your time, your thought life, or your ambitions are centered more on personal success than on obedience. You may need to let go of control, confess hidden sin, or stop treating Christ as an advisor instead of Lord. Preeminence means He sets the agenda. It means you measure success by faithfulness, not applause. It means you trust His Word above your feelings and His will above your comfort.

Don’t overcomplicate it. Ask yourself plainly: Who is actually leading my life right now?

If the answer is not clearly Christ, then today is the day to reposition Him where He belongs.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Beginning, the Author of life, and the Head of Your church. Forgive me for the ways I have tried to lead myself. Reorder my priorities and reshape my desires so that You truly have first place in my life. Teach me to trust Your authority, follow Your direction, and live in the power of Your resurrection. May everything in me reflect Your preeminence. Amen.

More on Lesson 8: The Preeminence of Christ 

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians