Why 1:16? The Creator (Part 4 of 5)
In the beginning, God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in them (Genesis 1).
The Gospel of John puts it this way:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory…”
(John 1:1–5, 14)
Jesus is not only the Savior—He is the Creator. And this leads us to the next 1:16 verse in our study:
Colossians 1:16
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”
God the Creator of All
In today’s noisy, fast-paced world, it's easy to forget: God created everything.
Even the things we invent come from creative abilities that God planted in us. Whether directly or indirectly, all creation begins with Him.
He didn’t create the world and then walk away. He remains the sovereign King over heaven and earth. He rules with power and purpose—and He created us for Himself.
Not for Ourselves
Let’s be clear:
We didn’t create ourselves.
We didn’t evolve from apes.
We aren’t the result of a simulation.
We weren’t planted by aliens.
We were intentionally designed by a holy God—for a divine purpose. While He gave us free will, we were ultimately created to serve Him and be used for His glory.
Rules of a Kingdom
Every kingdom has rules. Whether you agree with them or not, a king sets the standards, and his people must follow them.
In any just kingdom:
Obey the king, and you enjoy the peace and benefits of the kingdom.
Disobey the king, and you face consequences—sometimes even banishment.
God’s Kingdom is no different. And it’s no surprise—we model earthly kingdoms after heavenly patterns (Genesis 1:26–28).
Living in God’s Kingdom
Whether we believe it or not, we are living in God’s world. Yes, there are rulers of darkness and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12), but after His resurrection, all authority in heaven and earth was given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18).
If we want to be part of His eternal Kingdom, we must submit to His standards. Learning what those standards are—and living by them—is essential to becoming a faithful citizen of God’s Kingdom.
Why Colossians 1:16 Matters
This verse reminds us of who made us, why we were made, and who we belong to. We didn’t earn our place on this earth. We were granted life because God willed it and has both a plan and purpose for every person He created.
So, the question becomes: Are you living for the One who created you—or are you living for yourself?
God didn’t create us by accident. He designed us with intention, for His glory. We were made by Him and for Him. And only when we stop living for ourselves and start living for Him, will we begin to experience the true peace, purpose, and joy that comes from belonging to His Kingdom.
What will it be? Will you choose to live for the One who gave you life?
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, we give you all the praise, honor and glory for giving us life. You alone are the creator of heaven and earth. You alone can grant and sustain life. We humble ourselves before You, acknowledging that without You we are nothing but clay, but through You we are more than conquerors and can do all things. Help us to daily acknowledge You as the Sovereign King of heaven and earth. Let this understanding reflect in how we live our lives according to the standards of Your kingdom. Forgive us for all the times that we’ve sinned against You. Lastly, we ask that You help us to recognize the purpose that You’ve designed for us from the beginning and to begin walking in our purpose. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Please feel free to make this prayer personal.