1. The theme “The Preeminence of Christ” is, in one sense, a general theme. A teacher could develop this theme in many different areas. Christ is preeminent as Savior, as Lord, as Head. Yet the theme is very narrow when we begin to study the Scriptures as to the person and work of the Lord Jesus. He is not one alternative among many. He is the preeminent and unique One. One is considered narrow minded and a religious bigot if one stands firm that there is only One way to the Father and that is through the person and work of the Lord Jesus.
   
   
2. In this lesson, we will study to see Him in His unique and preeminent position.

1. We live in the dispensation of grace. God saves us entirely by His grace (Eph. 2:8-10). Since salvation comes by grace, God provided a way by which sinful man might come to Him and be accepted without a requirement on the part of that person. If a requirement of any kind of works were made then God would owe the person who met that requirement, and grace would not be grace (Rom. 4:1-5). That way God provided is through faith in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus (Rom. 3:21-28).
   
   
2. Religions, even the Christian religion, require man to do some religious thing(s). Salvation (having a perfect righteous standing before God) comes from being in Him (Eph. 1). We are complete in Him (Col. 2:9-10).
   
   
3. He, alone, has the preeminence as the One and Only Savior. He will not share that glory with another.

1. Religious bodies, called by man, “the church,” have the heads of their organizations. For example, the Roman church has the pope as the supreme head of that organization. He is called the vicar (Christ’s substitute) of Christ. When he speaks from the papal chair (ex cathedra), his pronouncements are supposed, by many, to be infallible (without error).
   
   
2. The unique Head of the one and true church is the Lord Jesus (Col. 1:18).
   
   
   1. That church is not of man’s organization. It is a body of believers that God is building in heaven. Every true believer in the finished work of Christ is a member of that church and is complete in Christ.
      
      
   2. The Head gives direction to the body. The risen Christ has given His infallible word to us through the apostle Paul (Col. 1:24-26). We are to study it, rightly divided (II Tim. 2:15). Christ gives authoritative direction to the body.
      
      
   3. The Head nourishes and knits together the body. He, not rituals or traditions, causes growth in the believer (Col. 2:19).
      
      
   4. The Head, alone, deserves our worship. When He is so held, false worship will become evident. Those in Him have died to the basic principles. Worship is not being subject to regulations derived from self made religion. These only have a show of humility and do not give power against the flesh. There will be no worship of angels (Col. 2:16-23).

1. Every tongue will one day confess that He is Lord to the glory of the Father (Phil. 2:9-11). Lord means one supreme in authority (We could say – preeminent).
   
   
2. Lord and Servant go together. The servant recognizes the authority of the Lord. The servant will want to do the will of his Master. The servant’s obedience will be done with a desire to do His will and through His power (Phil. 2:13).

Natural man’s highest aim is summed up by this statement, “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.”

The believer’s “essential to happiness” (yes, “joy”) is to give preeminence to Christ in every aspect of life.