The Nugget:
Col 4:12 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.
My Comment:
Paul, in his one-sentence summary of the prayers of Epaphras for the Colossians, first described the manner or how Epaphras conducted his prayer ministry. Now Paul describes the what or content of those prayers.
Scripture interprets Scripture. To learn more about prayer, read and study the cross references given for the next key words of Colossians 4:12, that ye may stand, as I share them below.
The cross references now given for that ye may stand at Colossians 4:12 are:
that ye may stand. or, be established. Gr. histēmi (S# G2476, Luk 21:36). Rom 14:4, 1Co 16:13, Gal 5:1, +*Eph 4:1, *Eph 6:13, Php 4:1, 2Ti 4:5, *Jud 1:24.
These texts read as follows:
Luke 21:36
36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
King James Version
What Jesus said in Luke 21:36 is most important. This verse is best studied by means of reading the cross references given for this verse. In any case, what Jesus commands, if followed, leads to our final goal of taking part with Him in His eternal Kingdom here on earth, not the third heaven!
Romans 14:4
4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
King James Version
In context, Paul was writing in Romans 14:1-4 that strong believers are not to judge weaker believers about scruples weaker believers may have about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid. Jesus had already taught that dietary restrictions as followed by the Jews of that day were no longer in force, but that all foods were clean (Mark 7:19, “purging all meats,” that is, cleansing all foods, so that now all foods are clean). We are not to destroy the faith of weaker believers by flaunting our liberties in Christ in matters of diet before them. Paul speaks in Romans 14:5 regarding the subject of the day that is to be observed for worship. There are some who would improperly claim that Christians must worship on the Seventh Day Sabbath as specified in the Ten Commandments. Paul speaks of these matters as stumbling block issues (Romans 14:13) which we are to avoid when possible and not judge one another about.
1 Corinthians 16:13
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
King James Version
We are to stand fast in the faith. We are to be unwavering and not tossed about with every wind of doctrine. We are to conduct ourselves as men and be strong in our faith. In this day, the Bible is the source of our spiritual food. If we do not eagerly and regularly, even daily, read and study the Bible, we will not be strong in our faith!
Galatians 5:1
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
King James Version
This is a major issue! Don’t get caught up with “the yoke of bondage” that some religious faiths and their followers may attempt to impose on you. We are to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.
Ephesians 4:1
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
King James Version
Ephesians 6:13
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
King James Version
We are engaged in spiritual warfare whether we realize it or not. We are to put on the whole armor of God. Paul lists what the pieces of this armor are in Ephesians chapter 6. The only weapon for offense that we are given is the Bible, the “Sword of the Spirit,” which is the word of God. I encourage all believers to get serious about God and get serious about reading and studying the Bible. Much falsehood is being spread by those who claim to support what is right or good or true. God hates all liars (Proverbs 6:16, 17). Don’t become a victim by falling for the propaganda (Proverbs 14:15). In political matters be careful not to base your vote on what you perceive as a candidate’s personality, your feelings about how well you like or dislike them. Base your choice on where the candidate has stood over time on the issues that matter. In this voting season the choice is clear for any Christian. Christians must not vote for those on the left or far left of the political spectrum. Vote for the side that has historically stood for the correct economic principles and which stands for Israel (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:6). Be sure you vote early when that is an option. The participation rate of Christians has been extremely low in past elections here in the United States of America. As a result, the wrong people have been placed in office where they are currently doing much harm. Make sure you vote and encourage others to do the same.
Philippians 4:1
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
King James Version
Stand fast in the Lord. Don’t give in because you seem to be in the extreme minority if you are a Bible believing Christian. Truth is never determined by a majority vote. Truth must agree with what the Bible teaches.
2 Timothy 4:5
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
King James Version
We are to expect difficulties and afflictions. They will come our way. The Devil does not like his territory to be interfered with. Jesus has told us to rejoice, for great is our reward in heaven when we experience these things (Matthew 5:11, 12).
Jude 1:24
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
King James Version
[Tags: Daily Bible Nugget #873 Colossians 4:12 Part 6. Prayers of Epaphras Part 7. The prayer life of Paul Part 8.]