Saturday 02 August 2025
A LESSON FROM EPAPHRAS
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12).
Epaphras wasn’t a pastor, prophet, apostle, or deacon; yet he had this remarkable testimony as one who always laboured fervently in prayers for the saints. The phrase “labouring fervently” is translated from the Greek word “agonizomai,” which means to strive, struggle, or contend, particularly in the face of opposition.
This is the same word used in 1 Timothy 6:12, which says, “Fight the good fight of faith….” It gives us an idea about prayer as a warfare, a fight. Epaphras was “fighting” in the spirit, contending for the saints to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
This kind of prayer is intense and unwavering. It’s not about asking God for material things but standing in the gap for others, ensuring they remain firm in God’s purpose for their lives. Have you ever prayed like that? Have you fought in prayers for Christians in your church, your city and your nation?
You can’t be a true soul winner without this kind of dedication in prayer. It requires persistence, fervency and deep passion. This is where the evangelicals of old got the expression “prayer warriors” from; this kind of prayer is a battle for the souls of men.
Like Epaphras, be that “warrior” in prayer who ensures that others stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Even right now, pray earnestly for fellow Christians in your church, city, and around the world, especially those facing trials, opposition, or struggles in their walk of faith; that they may be strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in their inner man.
Declare that they are rooted and established in God’s truth, unwavering in their commitment to the Gospel, and empowered to rise above every difficulty as they walk in victory, faith, and boldness. If you pray for them this way, consistently, they’ll surely stand firm and immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I pray right now for Christians around the world, especially those who are facing challenges and persecutions as a result of their faith in Christ; they stand perfect and complete in all your will, and their love for you grows stronger by the day. Their convictions remain unshaken, and they fulfil their divine destiny with joy and perseverance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Colossians 4:12-13 (AMPC)
12 Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in [a]everything willed by God.
13 For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
(AMPC)
2 First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,
2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.
3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior,
4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth.
James 5:16
AMPC
16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 6:15-23;
Romans 7:1-6;
Psalms 60-63
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 12:35-48;
Judges 8
