How can you support others in their spiritual growth, like Epaphras did? Epaphras: A Snapshot from Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.” Key Traits to Imitate • Always—prayer is constant, not sporadic • Wrestling—prayer is vigorous, focused, intentional • For you—other-centered, not self-absorbed • Goal-directed—seeks maturity (“stand mature”) and confidence (“fully assured”) in God’s will Why Persistent Intercession Matters • Ephesians 6:18—“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition… for all the saints.” • Romans 15:30—Paul asks believers to “join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” • James 5:16—“The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces results.” Prayer is not filler; it is frontline ministry that shapes spiritual growth. Practical Ways to Support Others Today 1. Schedule focused prayer slots – List specific names; pray for their growth, not merely their circumstances. 2. Pray Scripture over them – Colossians 1:9-12 is a ready-made template for maturity and wisdom. 3. Follow up with encouragement – A text, call, or note quoting the verse you prayed reminds them they’re covered. 4. Partner in accountability – Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” 5. Provide resources – Share doctrinally sound books, sermons, or studies that align with their needs. 6. Serve alongside them – Philippians 1:5 celebrates “partnership in the gospel”; joint ministry deepens growth. 7. Celebrate progress – 3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Verbally acknowledge milestones. 8. Keep confidentiality – Protect trust so believers feel safe to share genuine struggles. Maintaining Spiritual Stamina • Remember the “agonizing” aspect (Greek agonizomai) of prayer; spiritual battles require endurance (Colossians 1:29). • Fast periodically (Acts 13:3) to intensify intercession. • Surround yourself with fellow intercessors (Matthew 18:19-20) to share the load. • Guard personal holiness; effective prayer flows from a clean heart (Psalm 66:18). Desired Outcome: Mature, Assured Believers • Ephesians 4:13—“reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.” • 2 Peter 1:10—“make your calling and election sure,” reflecting Epaphras’s aim of settled assurance. • Result: disciples who stand firm, reproduce, and glorify Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). Takeaway Supporting others spiritually means laboring, pleading, and persevering on their behalf until Christ is fully formed in them (Galatians 4:19). Epaphras modeled it; now it’s our turn. |
    |