Walking With Jesus IV.
“Continue Earnestly In Prayer…”
Introduction and Context
We continue our studies and conversations in the Epistle to the Colossians as we seek to walk with Jesus. In the fourth chapter of the letter (Epistle) to the church at Colossae, a church started by Epaphras (Colossians 1:7-8), one of Paul’s mentees, the Apostle, continues to encourage the behavior expected of an individual growing follower of Jesus Christ, and ultimately, the local church assembly.
Interestingly, early in the letter, he clearly instructs the church to continue in “earnest prayer.” We will explore what this instruction constitutes further in the conversation. Close to the end, he asks that the letter be sent to the church in Laodecia for their reading and that the Epistle he had written to Laodecia be likewise read in Colossae. This is why today, 2,000 years later, Joy Fountain Church and churches worldwide read the epistles and learn and live in God’s will for His people in every generation.
“Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”
Colossians 4:16 NKJV
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV
The letter becomes quite personal and endearing as Paul, who had not been to Colossae, located 100 miles from Ephesus (the Ephesian Church), had, from Epaphras reports, identified many disciples he commended. He named the following people along with what they had done: Tychicus and Onesimus (vs. 7-9), Aristarchus, Mark (Barnabas’s cousin), and Justus (vs. 10-11), Epaphras (vs. 12-13), Luke Demas, and Nymphas (vs. 14-15). These men and their households were examples of Jesus Christ in the local church and community.
Guided Conversations
Scripture Text: Read Colossians Chapter 4. Discuss your findings using the questions in this sub-section:
- What came to mind as you were reading? Did any verse or sets of verses stick out to you? What do you feel the Holy Spirit pointing out to you?
- What do you understand by the sentence “continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” in Vs. 2? To help for a better understanding, let someone in the group search for the meaning of the word “earnest” in an online dictionary, preferably Merriam-Webster. Describe what you think earnest prayer looks like.
- What did Paul ask for prayer for in vs. 3-4? And what are his specific prayer requests? Please itemize them.
- Paul lists nine people in this chapter. Tychicus and Onesimus (vs. 7-9), Aristarchus, Mark (Barnabas’s cousin), and Justus (vs. 10-11), Epaphras (vs. 12-13), Luke Demas, and Nymphas (vs. 14-15). What did he remember each one for? Example: Epaphras “labored fervently in prayers” for them. Identify what each one did.
- We should find people growing with these qualities in a Jesus-loving and centered church. Would you agree?
Summary and Conclusion
Earnest (intense and serious state of mind) in prayer will first lead to spiritual growth in the church. This, in turn, will guarantee an open door for the word of God to be preached and to prevail in and around our lives. (See Acts 19:20.) What we ask for, particularly when it comes to spiritual growth, is what we will indeed receive. The ultimate will of God is to transform us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. (Read Romans 12:1-3.)
If The Lord did it in Colossae, He would do it here in our own time through earnest prayer, reading, studying, and applying His word, like the letter in Colossians Chapter 4 that we read and discussed today. Many Blessings in Jesus’ name!
Prayer Time
- Are there any Praise Reports or Prayer Requests to share?
- Thank God for the success of the Missions Banquet this year.
- Please use Colossians 4 to pray for all who call Joy Fountain Church home. Ask the Lord to help us continue to pray earnestly.
- Pray also that we all, including new believers, grow to become a reflection of Jesus like Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, and Nymphas.
- Commit “Worship The King” on December 7 and the children’s Christmas presentation on December 15 to the Lord.
- Pray for revival in Joy Fountain Church in our City, Winnipeg, and Manitoba.
Announcements
- Worship The King – Saturday, December 7
- Children’s Christmas Presentation – Sunday, December 15
- Cross Over Service – Tuesday, December 31