“Many are unable to make definite plans for the future. Their life is unsettled. They cannot discern the outcome of affairs, and this often fills them with anxiety and unrest. Let us remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to shape our future. ‘By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.’ Hebrews 11:8.
Paul’s relationship with the Colossians was different from his relationship with those in Philippi. He included them among those who “have not seen my face in the flesh” (Col. 2:1). Nevertheless, Paul assures them, as he did the Philippians, that he thanks God for them and is “always” praying for them.
Read Colossians 1:3–8. What three things does Paul thank God for?
The Philippians were understandably distressed when they heard of Paul’s imprisonment. Now his work was severely limited. He could not travel. He could not preach. He could not visit the synagogues and teach people about Jesus as the Messiah. He could no longer raise up churches. The Philippians sent Epaphroditus to ascertain the apostle’s condition, to encourage him, and to ensure that his physical needs were being met.
Some years ago, there was a pastor who talked about prayers that revolve around me, me, me, and my needs or desires. He aptly characterized them as “selfish little prayers,” because God has bigger things in mind.
Read Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9–11. What is its focus, and what big requests does he make? What does it tell you about prayer?
“God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. Therefore stand fast. . . . If you serve God faithfully, you will meet with prejudice and opposition; but do not become provoked when you suffer wrongfully. Do not retaliate. Hold fast your integrity in Jesus Christ. Set your face as a flint heavenward. Let others speak their own words, and pursue their own course of action; it is for you to press on in the meekness and lowliness of Christ.
Paul’s typical greeting in his epistles calls Christians in those places “saints”; that is, through baptism they have been set apart as God’s special people, just as the people of Israel, through the practice of circumcision (Exod. 19:5, 6; compare 1 Pet. 2:9, 10), had been set apart as a “holy nation.” (This has utterly nothing to do with the Roman church’s practice of canonizing people as “saints.”)
