“Never settle.” That’s the advice that many get when it comes to what school to go to, what job to take, or which person we ought to marry. The point is—here come all the clichés—aim high, set lofty goals, reach for the stars! It isn’t bad advice. We should push ourselves, strive for what’s most important, and seek what’s best. And especially so when it comes to the Christian life. Yet too many Christians settle for a lesser experience of their faith, content with indifference and complacency. We have to lift ourselves out of this malaise by looking to Christ, because we are made for more than what we often settle for.

In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul writes what many believe to be among the most majestic words he ever penned. Colossians 1:15-18 stands out as a stunning picture of the exalted Christ, which in turn serves as a call to steadfast faith and an unshakable hope in the gospel. No matter where we find ourselves in terms of spiritual maturity, we are made for more, and that’s what we find as we press further into our understanding of the person of Jesus Christ.

Series: Made for More
Message: 1 – Imago Dei: Made in the image of God
Text: Colossians 1:15-18
Todd Dugard
Harvest Bible Chapel
October 12, 2025

It is an utter tragedy that the two parts of the Bible that have been attacked so much are the Creation narrative and the future. And it’s not surprising because you need a past to have an identity, you need a future to have hope.
- John Lennox on the Keith and Kristyn Getty YouTube channel

Imago Dei – the image of God
Salus Dei – the salvation of God
Missio Dei – the mission of God

Christ is the image of the unseen God, and so…

…I am created by and for him (v. 15-16)

Colossians 1:9b-10

Exodus 33:20

1 Timothy 6:16

Isaiah 6:5

John 1:18

John 14:9b

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
- Westminster Shorter Catechism

…I am held fast by his hand (v. 17)

Revelation 1:8

Far from science having buried God, not only do the results of science point towards his existence, but the scientific enterprise itself is validated by his existence.
- John Lennox

What Christ has created he maintains in perfect order, stability, and productivity. He is the source of unity and cohesiveness or solidarity of the whole universe.
- Murray J. Harris.

…I am part of his own body (v. 18a)

The church, like a body, is:
(1) Interconnected and interdependent (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)
(2) Moves from immaturity to maturity (Ephesians 4:15-16)
(3) Is led and redeemed by the head (Colossians 1:18 ; Ephesians 5:23 )

…I am loved and led by him (v. 18b)

Romans 5:8

Addition Resources:
John Lennox
https://www.johnlennox.org/resources/