DIGGING DEEP NO. 1083 May 13, 2025 A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS (PART 11) THE MAN WHO PRAYED Col.4: 12- 18.

We met Epaphras at the beginning of this study; He was the man who founded the church in Colossae Col.1: 7- 8. He had been led to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and had returned home to share the good news of salvation. It seems likely that Epaphras also founded the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis Col.4: 13. What motivated Epaphras to share the gospel? He was a servant of Christ, Col.4: 12. Paul called him “Our dear fellow servant — a faithful minister of Christ,” Col.1: 7. Epaphras loved Jesus Christ and wanted to serve Him and share His message of salvation. But he did not do it alone. Epaphras also believed in the ministry of the local church and in working with other believers; he was not just a servant; he was a fellow servant. One of the secrets of the ministry of Epaphras was his prayer life.

He prayed constantly – Vs.12 He was a good example of Paul’s admonition: “Continue in prayer. Epaphras did not pray only when he felt like it, as do many Christians today. Nor did he pray when he was told to pray, or when the other believers prayed. He was constantly in prayer, seeking God’s blessing.

He prayed fervently – Vs.12. The word used here means “agonizing.” It is the same word used for our Lord’s praying in the garden Lk.22: 44. We get the impression that prayer was serious business with Epaphras. If church members today put as much concern and enthusiasm into their praying as they did into entertainment, we would have a revival!

He prayed personally – Epaphras did not pray around the world for everybody in general and nobody in particular. He centered his intercession on the saints in Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Prayer for Epaphras was not an impersonal religious exercise, for he carried these people in his heart and prayed for them personally.

He prayed definitely – If you had asked Epaphras “What are you praying for?” He could have told you. His great desire was that the believers in those three assemblies might mature in their Christian faith. Paul used four significant words to summarize the prayer of Epaphras, and these four words also summarize the message of the book of Colossians: perfect, complete, all, and will. He prayed sacrificially – Vs.13. Real prayer is difficult. When Jesus prayed in the garden, He sweated great drops of blood. Paul had great conflict (agony) as he prayed for the Colossians 2: 1, and Epaphras also experienced “much distress.” There must be zeal and concern in our praying. If there is no burden, there can be no blessing. All of the men with Paul were named and commended in one way or another, but Epaphras was the only one commended for his prayer ministry. This does not mean that the other men did not pray, but it does suggest that prayer was his major interest and ministry.                                                               

The man who strayed – Vs.14b. Demas is mentioned only three times in Paul’s letters, and these three references tell a sad story. First he is called “Demas — my fellow laborer” and is linked with three good men Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke Philemon 1: 24. Then he is simply called “Demas”, and there is no special word of identification or commendation Col.4: 14. But the third reference tells what became of  Demas: “For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” 2Tim.4: 10. At one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul, but he was reclaimed and restored. Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed. His sin was that he loved this present world. The world entices the believer with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life 1Jh.2: 15- 17.

Project 1 – What are the things that can make a believer abandon the work of God, brethren, salvation, and Savior?

Project 2 – And what are the things we should do to strengthen ourselves and make us stand firm in our faith even in times of trials and tribulations?

In Conclusion, 1Cor.15: 58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.