FRIDAY April 29, 2022
Bondservants of Christ
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:12-13
Paul added a warm personal touch to his largely doctrinal letter. He greeted different people who had helped him. The letter to the Colossians is likened to Romans 16:1-16, as here Paul also sent greetings to a group of people who were dedicated servants helping him in the ministry.
Phoebe, a sister in Christ, was a servant in the church in Cenchrea. She helped Paul and others in the body of Christ. I think of all the women who serve in the women’s ministry, in the coffee house, and those who clean the church. How we thank God for all the women involved in doing the work of the ministry.
Paul greeted Priscilla and Aquila. They were business people who gave a job to Paul as he was of the same trade––a tentmaker. Paul was able to make a living as he preached the Gospel in Corinth. Priscilla and Aquila were a husband and wife team who even risked their lives for Paul.
My wife and I are a team. At times we have traveled separately to share the Gospel. Sharon was brought up in a Christian home and learned from the example of her missionary parents, Edmund and Naomi Farrel, how to serve the Lord in South America. It is incredible to see God use her life.
I am so glad for my wife; she is totally sold out in serving the Lord. Seriously, I find it exciting to have a companion in the ministry. We have a common mind and move in the same direction as we serve the Lord together.
Those Paul mentioned in the last chapter of Colossians had stuck it out with him through difficult years. Their lives reflect a tremendous loyalty and genuine integrity. People should not hop from church to church, but choose a church and commit themselves to serve there. By using their gifts to enhance the ministry, they will help to reach the world for Christ.
I long for nothing more earnestly than to serve God with all my might.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
