Colossians 4:12-14

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Wrestling in Prayer

What was the outstanding service of Epaphras?
Who was Luke?
Who was Demas? Would he be a model to follow? Explain.
For what did Epaphras pray specifically? What were the results?
What does it mean to labor earnestly in prayer?
Is it wrong to pray for programs, church buildings, finances, health, job situations, and the like?

He labored fervently in prayer for the Colossian believers.
Paul’s beloved physician, a Gentile. He joined Paul on his second missionary journey (see Acts 16:10). He was a faithful and productive Christian, writing much of the New Testament (Luke and Acts). He had a change of career, from doctor to missionary.
There was no commendation for him (perhaps a foreshadowing of his desertion). He would not be a model to follow because he was a deserter.
He labored in prayer for the church at Colossae. The Colossian believers did not capitulate to the false teaching around them, and they continued to grow spiritually.
It means hard work, wrestling in prayer to bring results. The Greek term “to labor fervently” is to agonize or struggle.
No. But following the example of Paul and Epaphras, being people pray-ers rather than program pray-ers, would seem to bring more lasting results.

Have you ever labored earnestly in prayer? This is a wonderful habit to develop. How can you wrestle for a fellow believer’s spiritual growth?
What does it mean to be a righteous person? See James 5:16. Should you expect your prayers to be effective?

Pray like Epaphras prayed. As you pray this week, keep track of your prayers. Then keep a record of when and how your prayers are answered.

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12