Line By Line - Jesus Firstborn from the Dead

Oct 14, 2026 • Pastor Josh Hawkins

What does it truly mean that Jesus is "before all things" and that "in Him all things hold together"? In this installment of our verse-by-verse teaching series Line by Line: Jesus Above All, Pastor Josh Hawkins dives into Colossians 1:17–18. We examine the cosmic reality of Jesus Christ—not merely as a historical teacher who lived 2,000 years ago, but as the co-eternal second person of the Trinity, existing before time and space itself, and sustaining every atom of creation as the living Logos of God.

Moving into verse 18, we explore the radical meaning of Jesus as the "Head of the body, the church" and the "firstborn from the dead." Unlike those who were merely resuscitated to die again, Jesus went straight into death and emerged permanently victorious on the other side, ushering in the new creation. Discover how His servant-hearted headship and resurrection power dwell in you today through the Holy Spirit, securing His rightful place of preeminence over every corner of your life.

Scripture References:

Colossians 1:17–18 (Context: Colossians 1:17–22)

John 8:58

John 15:1–8

Exodus 33:12–16

Romans 8:11–23

Key Takeaways:

Christ is Co-Eternal & Sustainer: Jesus did not begin in Bethlehem; He is the eternal Logos who existed before creation and continually holds all matter, energy, and history together [04:08], [10:02].

The Church’s True Source of Life: As the Head of the church, Jesus is not a coercive tyrant but a servant-leader who connects to every believer by His Spirit, giving life, direction, and care [12:30], [17:15].

The Firstborn of New Creation: Resurrection is fundamentally different from temporary resuscitation; Jesus broke the power of death forever and guarantees our future bodily resurrection through the Holy Spirit [20:16], [24:03].

Community Discussion Question:

What is one area of your life where it is challenging to give Jesus "first place," and how does knowing He holds all things together give you peace to surrender it to Him? Let us know in the comments below!

Timestamps / Chapter Markers:

[00:00] Welcome & Opening Prayer

[01:06] Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:17–18

[02:08] The Cosmic Scope of Christ

[04:08] He Is Before All Things: The Pre-Existent Christ

[06:23] The Arian Controversy & The Council of Nicaea

[10:02] In Him All Things Hold Together: Jesus as the Logos

[12:30] Head of the Body: Connection & The Indwelling Spirit

[17:15] Servant Headship vs. Coercive Leadership

[19:16] The Beginning & Firstborn from the Dead

[22:58] Resurrection vs. Resuscitation

[24:03] Jesus Preeminent: First Place in Everything