Connect Epaphras' dedication in Colossians 4:12 to other biblical examples of faithful prayer. Colossians 4:12 in Focus “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the whole will of God.” What Stands Out about Epaphras • One of the Colossians—he understood their daily pressures • A servant of Christ—his identity shaped his intercession • “Always laboring earnestly”—prayer pictured as strenuous work • Goal-oriented—asking that believers “stand mature and fully assured” in God’s will Echoes of Faithful Intercession across Scripture Abraham (Genesis 18:23-32) • Drew near and pleaded repeatedly for Sodom’s survivors • Persisted until God granted a limit of ten righteous Moses (Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 14:13-19) • “Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God” (Exodus 32:11) • Stood in the gap after Israel’s sin, and the LORD relented Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-13) • “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly” • God answered with Samuel, who became a lifetime servant Samuel (1 Samuel 12:23) • “Far be it from me to sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you” • Viewed prayerlessness for God’s people as sin Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-37; James 5:17-18) • Publicly called on God to turn Israel’s heart back • James highlights his earnest prayer as the pattern for believers Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11) • Fasted, mourned, and confessed the nation’s sins • Sought success to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls Daniel (Daniel 9:3-19) • “I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and petition” • Interceded for mercy and restoration after exile The Lord Jesus (Luke 22:32; John 17:9, 20-21) • “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail” • High-priestly prayer covers present and future believers Paul (Romans 10:1; Ephesians 1:16-19; Philippians 1:9-11) • “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation” • Consistently prays for spiritual insight, love, and purity in the churches Epaphras Again (Philemon 23) • Named as Paul’s “fellow prisoner” — prayer that costs freedom Common Threads in These Prayers • God-centered confidence—appeals to His character and promises • Persistence—wrestling, pleading, pouring out the heart • Self-forgetful love—others’ salvation and growth placed first • Specific aims—maturity, repentance, restoration, bold witness Living Out the Pattern Today The same Spirit who empowered Abraham, Moses, Hannah, and Epaphras indwells believers. Their examples urge continual, earnest, purposeful prayer so that fellow Christians grow into full maturity, anchored in the perfect will of God. |
    |