The Battle Hymn of Christ (Part 3): A Man’s Solid Foundation
Christian iconography-style image of a man kneeling in surrender before Jesus Christ. Jesus stands radiant with outstretched hands, light emanating from Him, symbolizing divine acceptance and authority.
Power alone doesn’t make a true king.
A tyrant can dominate. A conqueror can seize.
But only a rightful ruler can sustain.
In this second strophe of St. Paul’s hymn in Colossians 1:15-20, we see that Jesus Christ is not only the Creator of all things (Col. 1:16) but also the One who holds the universe together (Col. 1:17). Without Him, it all falls apart.
He Alone Is Supreme Above All Things
“And He is before all things…” (Colossians 1:17a)
St. Paul doesn’t hesitate.
Jesus Christ is not one among many—He is πρὸ πάντων, before all things.
This phrase establishes both His eternal existence and sovereign status over all creation. The Greek αὐτός is emphatic: He Himself. He is not a created being (see also John 1:1–3) but the eternal Son of God.
This is consistent with St. Paul’s earlier declaration in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus is the “firstborn over all creation,” not meaning He was created, but that He holds the position of highest rank and authority.
If you remove Christ from the center of your theology or life, everything else loses coherence.
Christ Is the Force Holding the Universe Together
“…and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17b)
Here’s the seismic truth of this passage: Jesus is the sustainer of all things.
The Greek word συνέστηκεν (synistēmi) is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. It means creation is not just a past event—it’s an active reality constantly upheld by Christ’s power. This word emphasizes the continuous and active role of Christ in sustaining the universe, not just a one-time act of creation.
This echoes the message of Hebrews 1:3, where we read that Christ “upholds the universe by the word of His power.”
Physics doesn’t hold it together.
Luck doesn’t hold it together.
It's not you who holds it all together. It's not about control. It's about trust.
Christ does.
This truth crushes the anxiety that comes from trying to control everything.
When you truly grasp that Christ sustains everything, fear loses its grip. You’re free to love, lead, and live without the weight of self-focus.
Christ, the Head of the Church
“And He is the head of the body, the church…” (Colossians 1:18a)
St. Paul now narrows his scope from the cosmic to the personal.
Christ isn’t just the sustainer of the universe—He is the Head of the Church.
The Greek emphasizes αὐτός again—He Himself. No substitute. No rival.
This parallels Ephesians 1:22–23, which says that God “put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body.”
Just as a body without a head is lifeless, a church without Christ’s authority is dead.
It doesn’t matter how many followers, how modern the branding, or how passionate the leadership is—without Christ at the head, it is directionless.
This truth also applies to you.
If you’re trying to lead your home, team, ministry, or inner life without being rooted in Christ, you’re operating without the Head.
When Men Disconnect from Their Source
The Colossians were being pulled into a false gospel—philosophies and mysticism that undermined Christ’s supremacy (Colossians 2:8).
And many men today are no different.
We chase control. We build identities on performance, reputation, and appearance—but we’re cut off from the source.
Then we wonder why it all starts to crack.
St. Paul’s call is to return to the One who holds it all together. Not just as a belief—but as your foundation.
Because fear erupts when we think we must hold it all ourselves.
But when you fix your life on Christ—perfect love casts out fear.
Christ is not just enough. He is everything. In Him, you find security, peace, and fulfillment.
The Call to Vigilance and Virtue
Ask yourself:
Is Christ holding your life together—or are you doing it alone?
Have you confused leadership with control and discipline with self-reliance?
Are you rooted in the One who sustains all things—or just trying to keep the appearance of strength?
If your answer unsettles you—good.
Now is the time to return to your Source.
Christ created you, Christ sustains you, and Christ leads you.
He alone holds all things together.
