12. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
Fellowship isn't just for physical support and emotional support, but fellowship is essential for Spiritual encouragement as well. Paul was encouraging the church to grow in the Lord both Jew and Gentile.
Epaphras was probably the pastor of Colossae. He was concerned about his people. When I was doing missionary work in Russia I talked to Judi on the telephone, I wanted all the news that was happening at my church. I discovered news of who was sick and how some special meetings went and so forth. A pastor has ongoing interests in his people and church matters, as it did to Epaphras.
We encourage one another spiritually by praying for them. Verse 23 shows that Epaphras was wrestling in prayer for them. He was not an example of snapping "bless my family and friends". prayer, but rather he was fervently and seriously raising up their concerns and challenges before God. He prayed for them to withstand the false doctrine. He prayed for the young converts not be deceived, that marriages be godly and strong, and that families demonstrate Christ-like love. He prayed that they may stand firm in the will of God.
Luke was another team member. We know him to be a doctor, and a historian. He wrote not only the gospel of Luke, but also the book of Acts. He was the only non-Jew God used to produce Scripture. He also helped as a physician. He was an eye witness to authenticate the miracles and healings that happened. He is an example of a professional man, using his education and skill in God’s services. Not only was he a practical help but providing us all with the spiritual service designed by God to become Scripture. These trips were God ordained and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit laid down information for the church and added truths about the life and ministry of Jesus, especially some of the healings and wonderful parables. That is spiritual support to us all.
The last person Paul mentioned is Demas in v 14. Paul said almost nothing about Demas. We have other information about him in 2 Tim 4:10 “Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world." You must choose between the things or the world or Jesus Christ. It will be a struggle. We need to pray for one another
Application: Pray for our missionaries, our church members, those in need, our families, our pastors, officers, our SS teachers, our children’s workers, and students. We all need spiritual support. Do it now.
Prayer: Lord, today I pray for our church leaders and Pastor that You would give them a Spirit of wisdom and revelation that they may know you better.
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