Christ Above All
Focus Scripture:
“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
What You Will Walk Away With
- Christ is supreme over all things—including spiritual gifts and the miraculous.
- The goal of every spiritual manifestation is to honor Christ and advance His purposes.
- The spirituals find their ultimate meaning in pointing people to Jesus.
The Preeminence of Christ
As we conclude this month’s study on the spirituals and the miraculous, we return to the foundational truth that has guided us from the beginning: Christ is above all.
Paul declares that Christ is “the head of the body, the church… that in all things he might have the preeminence.” This means that Christ holds the first place in everything—including spiritual gifts, manifestations, and the miraculous.
The spirituals are not an end in themselves. They are not the center of the Christian faith. They are not the measure of spiritual maturity. They are tools that serve a greater purpose: the glory of Christ and the building up of His Church.
Christ is the head. The gifts serve the body. And the body exists to glorify the head.
The Spirituals Point to Christ
Throughout this series, we have seen that every spiritual gift serves a purpose beyond itself:
- Prophecy points people to Christ through encouragement and exhortation.
- Healing reveals the compassion and power of Christ.
- Tongues and interpretation build up the Church in Christ.
- Wisdom and knowledge guide believers in Christ’s ways.
- Discernment protects the Church from deception and keeps it centered on Christ.
The gifts are not the message—they serve the message. And the message is Jesus Christ.
Everything genuinely from the Holy Spirit will ultimately glorify Christ.
Guarding Against Two Errors
This month we have guarded against two errors:
- Cessationism — Denying the present work of the Holy Spirit and limiting what God can do today. This error diminishes the power of God and can lead to a cold, powerless Christianity.
- Sensationalism — Exalting experiences above Christ and making the miraculous the center of faith. This error can lead to spiritual instability, deception, and misplaced focus.
The answer to both errors is the preeminence of Christ.
- Christ is not less than the gifts—He is greater.
- The gifts do not replace Christ—they reveal Him.
- Experiences are not the goal—knowing Christ is.
A Mature View
A mature view of the spirituals holds them in proper perspective:
- They are real — The Holy Spirit still gives gifts and works supernaturally.
- They are valuable — They build up the Church and advance the gospel.
- They are not the center — Christ is the center.
- They serve the message — The gospel is the message.
- They point to Jesus — Every genuine gift glorifies Him.
This is the balanced, biblical view we have pursued throughout this series.
The Spirituals in Perspective
As we close this month’s study, remember these truths:
- God is the source of every genuine spiritual gift.
- Christ is the center of every genuine spiritual manifestation.
- Love is the foundation for exercising spiritual gifts.
- Scripture is the standard for testing and discerning gifts.
- Edification is the goal of every spiritual gift.
- Order and peace characterize the Spirit’s work.
- Humility and submission mark those who minister in the Spirit.
These principles will keep your pursuit of the spirituals grounded, balanced, and Christ-centered.
The Final Word
The study of the spirituals and the miraculous is not about learning how to perform signs or chase experiences. It is about knowing Christ more deeply and serving His purposes more faithfully.
The greatest gift is not the supernatural—it is salvation in Christ.
The greatest experience is not a miracle—it is knowing Christ.
The greatest power is not a gift—it is the presence of Christ.
Christ is above all.
He is the head.
He is the center.
He is the goal.
He is the reward.
To Him be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are above all things. Thank You for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which serve to build up Your Church and glorify Your name. Help me to keep You at the center of everything I do. Let my pursuit of spiritual gifts be governed by love, grounded in Scripture, and submitted to Your will. May my life always point people to You. To You be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Declaration
I DECLARE:
- Christ is above all things.
- My life is centered on Jesus.
- Every spiritual gift I receive will serve His purposes.
- To Him be the glory, forever and ever.
Action Points
- Read Colossians 1:15–20 and reflect on the supremacy of Christ.
- Review the key lessons from this month’s study and identify one principle you will continue to apply.
- Commit to keeping Christ at the center of your pursuit of spiritual gifts and the miraculous.
Memory Verse (Optional)
“That in all things he might have the preeminence.”
— Colossians 1:18
Written by: Dr. Abraham Peter