Sent By God’s Gracious Design—Colossians 1:1-2
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father” (Colossians 1:1-2)
One of the things that impresses me about the apostle Paul is that he was focused on his mission and this continually fueled passion his entire life. In just about every one of his letters to the church, Paul opens with this idea of being sent as an apostle by God’s will...
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1).
“Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God...” (I Corinthians 1:1a).
“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father...” (Galatians 1:1a).
(For a full list: Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; I Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:1).
Sent By the Will of God
The word apostle simply means ‘sent one’. Paul makes it abundantly clear that he was sent by the will of God. The beautiful thing about Paul, is that he understood what many of us don’t; He knew he had a calling and a mission in life. God designed him in a way to fulfill it. He gave him the character traits, the desire, the passion and drive to do it. Then as Paul unraveled the mystery of the gospel (Colossians 1:25-29), he took what he knew and what he was created for and revolutionized the world. In fact, he still has impact today.
God Has a Will for Your Life
As in our example from the apostle Paul, the definition of the word will means, "gracious design", rather than "determined resolve". This means God graciously designed you in a way for a specific calling in life. He does not make you do it or determine the outcome, rather He delights in seeing you operate in the way He’s designed you. Romans tells us how to find and confirm what God’s will for us is; “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
If you are unsure of your calling, start by asking God what He’s designed you for and then begin to listen by renewing your mind to His truth found in the scriptures. Just like Paul, God will show you what you need to know and since He’s designed you for this purpose you will begin to discover and walk in your calling.
Grace & Peace To You
“...to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father” (Colossians 1:2)
God extends His spiritual favor and blessing of grace to you. This is what Paul and Timothy prayed for the believers in Colosse; “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding...” (Colossians 1:9). Today, I join with them in praying this prayer for you as well. I pray that you know what you are created for and walk in it passionately without apology the rest of your life.