A Job Worth Doing

Scott Beyer
10/16/23 - Bulletin

“{Epaphras is} always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers.” (Colossians 4:12)

            Prayer is work.  Epaphras was a laborer on behalf of the church at Colossae by praying.  His prayers were effective work in the kingdom and a blessing to that congregation.  Even when Epaphras was many miles away in the distant city of Rome, he had fellowship with the saints and their efforts in the city of Colossae.

            There is power in prayer, but it is a strength that must be mined for with effort.  We must be earnest laborers if we seek to affect the world by prayer.  If you thought of prayer like a job, how would it change your habits?

            A job has some consistency to the hours – does your prayer time have that?

            A job has specific goals and focus – do your prayers have goals?

            A job requires preparation and forethought – do you keep a list of things to pray about?  A list of gratitude and a list of petition?  Have you considered reviewing your petition list to see what needs to be moved to the gratitude list?

            These things may sound like a lot of work, and maybe they are… but it’s the best kind of work to be an earnest laborer in the fellowship of the Lord.  Not sure how to contribute to the kingdom?  Everyone can pray – it’s good work.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 4:1-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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