🟦 Introduction
What does it really mean to truly do God’s will? For many, this remains a theoretical question—one that is quickly answered but rarely deeply considered. Yet this lesson shows that God’s will is not just an idea or an ideal, but something very practical that affects every area of our lives.
Using the example of Paul and his co-workers, it becomes clear that faith is more than knowledge. It is expressed in relationships, in decisions, and in the way we treat others. At the same time, the lesson makes it clear that this path does not happen automatically. It requires direction, growth, and sometimes change.
Another important point is the tension in which we live: on the one hand, we are part of this world; on the other hand, we are not to be shaped by it. It is precisely here that it is decided to whom our heart truly belongs.
Finally, the lesson leads to a very personal call: not to remain superficial, but to honestly examine where we stand. Because God’s goal is not only that we believe, but that our lives are transformed step by step.
👉 This lesson invites us to rethink our faith and consciously live in God’s will.
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✉️ CHRIST IN PHILIPPIANS AND COLOSSIANS
⛪ Lesson 13 : Standing in All the Will of God
📘 13.1 Lessons on Outreach
💛 You are not alone – God works through people
📖 1. Introduction – A real-life situation
Many people today experience something that is hard to explain: you are constantly connected with others and yet still feel alone. You might think of someone like Anna, who looks at her phone in the evening. Many messages, many contacts—and yet something is missing. No one really asks, no one truly listens. And at some point, this thought arises: “Does anyone actually care about me?”
📜 2. The biblical story – Paul and his co-workers
Paul also lived in a situation where connection was not easy. He traveled a lot, was often separated from the churches, and was even in prison. Yet he did not lose sight of people. He deliberately sent co-workers like Tychicus and Onesimus to them. They were not only to report, but also to encourage, comfort, and strengthen the believers. Paul wanted them to feel: they are not forgotten.
🌍 3. Connection to today
When we compare this to today, something becomes clear: we have many ways to communicate, but often lack depth. Paul shows us that it is not just about having contact, but about living real relationships. It is not about the number of messages, but about genuine care and attention.
💡 4. Central message of the lesson
The lesson makes it clear: God’s mission does not only happen through big words or public preaching. It often happens in small ways—through people who are faithful, who care, and who are willing to support others. These seemingly small actions have great impact.
✝️ 5. Theological focus
Here we see something fundamental about God: He is a God of relationships. He does not remain distant but actively seeks people. Paul acts in exactly this way by building connections and strengthening others.
Tychicus is described as a “faithful servant.” This shows that God does not only work through well-known personalities, but through faithful, reliable people behind the scenes. The church is therefore not just an organization, but a living network of relationships in which everyone has an important role.
📖 6. Bible texts explained
In Colossians 4:7–9, Paul describes Tychicus as a “faithful servant” and explains that he is sending him so that the believers may know how he is doing and that their hearts may be encouraged. Here we see: it is not just about information, but about encouragement and inner strengthening.
In Ephesians 6:21–22, Paul repeats the same idea. Tychicus is again sent to report and encourage hearts. This shows that this was a consistent principle: faith should connect and strengthen people—even across distance.
This idea runs throughout the entire New Testament. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are told to encourage and build one another up. This means that encouragement is a central part of faith, not just an optional extra.
Also, Hebrews 10:24–25 makes it clear that believers should look after one another and spur each other on toward love and good deeds. Faith is described here as something communal—not something lived alone.
👉 Together, these texts show:
God does not only want us to believe, but to support and carry one another.
🔧 7. Practical application
This lesson becomes very practical when we ask ourselves: who around me needs encouragement right now? Often, it is not big things, but small, intentional steps. A sincere conversation, attentive listening, or a simple message can mean a lot to someone. Everyone can be a tool in God’s hands in daily life.
🌟 8. Final thought
Paul was in a far more difficult situation than we are today and still found ways to reach people. This shows: it is not about perfect circumstances, but about an open heart.
God’s will often begins exactly where we decide to be there for others. 💛
