March 22, 2024 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Colossians 4
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. 18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, is writing this letter to Colosse. In it he expounds some great truths and promises. The promises are found in Chapter 1:20, 2:6 & 7; 3:1, 16 & 18. The entire book is truth.
In closing this letter Paul gives final greetings. In our text this morning we come to the greeting of Epaphras.
Epaphras was one of the folks of this church at Colosse. He was a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.Epaphras was a soul winner a proponent and preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
There it is Epaphras brought them the gospel and ministered to this church. He was not a preacher, he was a person who loved God, the gospel and the church.
He was a prayer warrior.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Do you realize, if Christians pray, they pray to thank God for meals and before bed time and that for only a few moments.
It has been said that even those of position in the churches only pray 3 minutes a day. How sad.
There is a great war going on and the prize or bounty of this war is your soul. Would it not be prudent even urgent for one to spend time in prayer with God.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Epaphras was a prayer warrior on the behalf of others, so much so that he laboured in prayer for stand and perfectness in Christ.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Epaphras spent time in the presence of God and the throne of God on the behalf of others.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Christian, how much time do you spend in prayer in the presence of God, the God who loves you and saved your soul?
Epaphras was zealous for his church and those close to his church.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
Here is an example of a person who was simply sold out to God, should out to being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian, if the welfare of the church and those in the church were dependent upon your prayer and your acting on their behalf, and your zeal, how would they fair?
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
