Christ the Ultimate Anchor Point

Colossians 1:15-20 (November 23, 2025)

Ever feel like your phone is taking control? You're mindlessly scrolling through social media, comparing yourself to others, and wondering if you fit in. In today's world, we love competition - whether it's trying to climb up the career ladder, beating our personal bests, or getting more followers online. It can be really overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost and uncertain. We all need something to hold onto in this chaotic world. 

It is so true that the pressure to always measure up can be exhausting. We often feel like we're not good enough, and sadly that can lead to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.

Like us today, the early church in Colossae was in danger of getting lost, being disconnected from the foundation of Jesus Christ by complex spiritual ideas, secret knowledge, and demanding regulations. To counter this threat, the Apostle Paul wrote his letter, not to introduce new rules, but to issue a powerful declaration in Colossians 1:15-20: Jesus is everything—the ultimate foundation of all reality.

As we explore this passage together, let's examine what it means to be anchored in Jesus Christ. 

His supremacy over the universe (vv. 15-17)

Let's look at the bigger picture - the entire universe. Paul explains that Jesus Christ has two incredible roles.

First, Jesus shows us what God looks like by his actions in the Gospels. Since we can't see God as a spirit, Jesus' kind deeds and acts of love help us understand who He is. When we see Jesus being loving to people, we're seeing what God looks like in action.

Second, Paul says that Jesus is the creator of everything in the universe. This isn't just about being born first; it's like being a powerful king or ruler - Jesus has all the authority and power.

Think about this incredible truth: Jesus isn't just part of a story; He wrote the story! Paul wants us to get it right, so he lists all the different groups of things that were created, from those in heaven to those on earth, big and small. This was to remind the Colossians who were worried about false teachers saying they had special powers.

Paul is telling us that everything - governments, bosses, influencers, or even evil forces - was made by Jesus and exists because of Him. They're all under His control.

Jesus isn't just building a world and then leaving it; He's actively keeping everything together. Verse 17 says that He's at the center of everything, and what keeps us from falling apart is His presence in our lives. The complexity of the universe, from galaxies to tiny chemical bonds, is being held together right now by Jesus' power.

This profound truth means we're not just living in a random or impersonal world. We have an Anchor Point - the one who holds everything together. When your life feels like it's falling apart, remember that there's an invisible reality working for you, led by the supreme Lord of the universe.

To illustrate this, let's look at a true story from history. In 2010, a group of Chilean miners were trapped underground for days, unable to see any rescue team coming. Their situation seemed hopeless. But above ground, a whole international team was working around the clock on a complex plan to save them. The miners' only hope was anchoring their trust in this unseen work.

This connects directly to Jesus, our Anchor Point of the universe (vv. 15-17). When we feel like we're stuck in our own darkness, this powerful reminder anchors us to a reality far truer than our temporary struggles: the supreme Lord of the cosmos is actively working on our behalf, sustaining our lives and executing His rescue plan.

His supremacy over the church (v. 18)

Now that we've seen Jesus' authority over the entire universe, Paul focuses on how Jesus leads the church.

Christ is the ultimate source of life, direction, and identity for the church, as Paul writes, "And he is the head of the body, the church" (vs 18). This analogy underscores that just as a physical body depends on its head for life and guidance, the church is a living entity, not merely a social club or organization, that draws its strength and purpose from Jesus.

When we're feeling lost or uncertain about our role in the world, Paul reminds us that we're connected to Jesus, who is also connected to all of us. He gives us stability and direction when we're feeling adrift.

Paul uses another powerful title for Christ: "He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead" (vs 18). This refers specifically to Jesus' resurrection. While others have been raised from the dead before him, he was the first person to conquer death permanently and rise into a glorious, immortal life.

This reality isn't just an idea; it's our foundation for stability. When we're struggling with anxiety about the future, grieving over loss, or fearing our own failures, we have an anchor in Jesus. Our hope isn't based on fleeting circumstances; it's anchored in His resurrection and glory.

As Paul explains, Christ's supremacy means "He might be preeminent" (vs 18) - He deserves to have first place in everything. This is a reminder that our lives should center around Him and follow His example.

A true story from history can inspire us to anchor our hope in Jesus' resurrection. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton led a crew of 27 men on a ship called the Endurance. Their vessel was crushed by ice, leaving them stranded with no way to communicate or get help. Yet, over the course of almost two years, not a single man lost his life - thanks in large part to Shackleton's leadership and hope.

Just like Shackleton, we can find our anchor when our world feels like it's falling apart. When our physical anchors (our careers, health, etc.) are broken, we must turn to the one who is unbreakable. Christ, as our "firstborn from the dead" (v. 18), is our hope - our rescue plan. We're not safe because of our own strength; we're secure only in His commitment to bring us safely home.

His supremacy over our work of reconciliation (vv. 19-20)

Now that we've seen how God, who is utterly supreme and holy, connected with broken and rebellious humanity, let's explore what that means.

Paul writes, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (vs 19). This means that Christ's divine nature, power, and attributes are fully present in Him. And it's through this presence that God is able to connect with us.

The word "reconcile" in verse 20 means to restore a broken relationship. Because of our sin, we were alienated from God and hostile towards Him. But at the cross, Christ didn't just forgive our sins - He reconciled us to Himself. This reconciliation was accomplished through the blood of His cross, which is the ultimate symbol of peace.

This is not a negotiation or a self-help program. It's an execution. God did what we deserved: full punishment for our sin. But in doing so, Christ created lasting peace. And this peace is not just personal; it's cosmic. He reconciles all things, whether on earth or in heaven.

The story of Jean Valjean from Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables is a powerful illustration of this process. Valjean was once completely anchored to his past, defined by his failures and the law. But then he encountered the Bishop of Digne, who showed him unconditional grace and set him free. This act of grace became a new anchor point for Valjean, and his life was forever changed. 

Similarly, when we come to Jesus Christ, He becomes our new anchor point. We're no longer anchored to our old identity defined by sin; instead, we're reconciled to God through His blood on the cross.

But here's the challenge: living according to this new identity in Christ is not always easy. It's a daily choice to follow Him and live as people who are forgiven, rather than still living under the weight of our old life. But when we make that choice, we experience the fullness of God dwelling within us, and we're anchored in the peace that only Jesus can provide.

The cross stands as the ultimate anchor point where God's perfect justice and boundless love meet in dynamic harmony. It's a reminder that our hope is not based on our own strength or circumstances; it's based on the unbreakable commitment of Jesus to bring us safely home.

What Is Our Anchor Point?

Now we understand how knowing Jesus' supremacy can practically change our lives.

When we see everyone else's highlight reel on social media, it's easy to feel inadequate and uncertain about our place in the world. But if Christ is genuinely supreme, then He is the only anchor that can hold us securely in the storms of life.

The keystone analogy is powerful here. Just as a Roman arch stands strong only when the keystone is set at its center, Jesus is the keystone that locks all reality into place. And just as the keystone bears the weight and locks the other stones into place, He is the one piece that gives our lives their integrity.

To live anchored to Christ's supremacy requires daily, intentional surrender. Here are three areas where we must structure our lives around His supremacy:

1. Anchor Your Mind in His Supremacy: We must consciously choose to anchor our thoughts on the immutable truth of who Christ is. When anxiety or insignificance tries to creep in, we must remember that Jesus created all thrones and dominions, and they are ultimately under His feet.
2. Anchor Your Hope in His Resurrection: In moments of despair, we must anchor our hope not in what we feel, but in what is eternally real: Christ is risen. He is the Firstborn from the dead, the Pioneer who went ahead. Because He lives, our future is irrevocably secured.
3. Anchor Your Allegiance to His Lordship: We must daily surrender and ask ourselves, "How can I actively give Jesus first place?" This involves looking at our calendar, bank account statements, relationships, and honestly asking how we can prioritize Christ's supremacy.

Brothers and sisters, Christ is more than a teacher or an option; He is the preeminent Lord, the center of all reality, and the ultimate anchor for our soul. Stop letting this temporary world define your worth or path. Instead, anchor yourself firmly to Him.

In addition, this Thursday marks Thanksgiving Day. As we gather with family for a joyful time, I encourage everyone to share what they are thankful for. Above all, let us proclaim that the primary reason for our deep gratitude is Jesus Christ, who serves as the Ultimate Anchor for our family, our church, and the entire universe. Amen?

Message Prayer

Dear God, we come to you, acknowledging your Son Jesus as our ultimate Anchor Point. We willingly surrender our thoughts, our past failures, and our future into your hands. Grant us the strength to stand firm in your power, trusting completely that the very force sustaining the cosmos is also upholding our lives, now and eternally. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.