III. As the body of Christ the Church has many co-operating and mutually dependent members.—1. The members are as numerous as are believers or as are offices. 2. Their mutual dependence and co-operation illustrated in the work of spreading the Gospel. 3. Let each one know his own place and duties.

IV. As the body of Christ the Church must grow up to completeness and maturity.—1. Each believer is first a babe in Christ and advances to the measure of the stature of a man in Christ. 2. As a whole the Church is gradually augmented and increased—from Abel onwards. 3. To gather in and perfect the elect is the peculiar work of time.

V. As the body of Christ the Church must be restored to perfect soundness and health.—1. Christ receives the Church—dead. 2. The first step towards perfect soundness is a resurrection. 3. Hence each believer is quickened with Christ in order to be healed. 4. The bodies of the saints shall likewise be perfect.—The Physician. 5. In heaven no one shall say, “I am sick.”

VI. As the body of Christ the Church is the object of His unremitting care.—1. To provide for the wants of his body is man’s unceasing care. 2. Christ has made ample provision. 3. He now ministers to His Church’s wants—clothing, food, defence, habitation.

VII. As the body of Christ the Church is the instrument through which He accomplishes His purposes.—1. The body the instrument of the heart or soul. 2. The Church the instrument of Christ. 3. The Church but the instrument.—Stewart.

Christ the Firstborn from the Dead—

  1. In the dignity of His person.
  2. Because He rose by His own power.
  3. Because He is the only one who rose never to die again.
  4. Because He has taken precedence of His people who all shall rise from their graves to glory.

MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Verses 19, 20.

The Reconciling Work of the Great Mediator.

After showing the grand pre-eminency of Christ in both the natural and moral creation, and thus declaring the inferior and subordinate position of those angelic powers whose nature and office the false teachers in Colossæ unduly extolled, the apostle here proceeds to point out the special fitness of the great Mediator for that lofty relationship. It is grounded on the fact that in Him all fulness dwells. Observe—