1. Colossians

2. Colosse: Town and Church
A Town of no great significance – but some history
A mixed population of Jews and Greeks
Church founded mid-late 50’s AD – a good start but problems quickly arose
Paul’s letter written about 62AD

3. The problem – Beware: Enemy Action!
Syncretism
Gnosticism
Jesus no longer supreme

4. The Founder - Epaphras
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
 He is one reliable worker for Christ! I could always depend on him (MSG)
 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

5. A Man of Star Qualities! “A dear fellow servant and
a faithful minister.”
“Epaphras, my dear fellow prisoner..”

6. A Man of Prayer!
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” [James 5:16]
Organised and methodical
He knew his people
Persistent
“I vouch for him that he is working hard for you…”
Are we men, men of prayer?
Pray through the Directory

7. Part of a Praying Community
“So Peter was kept in prison but the Church was praying earnestly for him.” [Acts 12:5]
We always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you – v3
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask…v8

8. Included Nearby Towns
“I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.” [Col.4:13]
Let’s pray for other churches!
Let’s pray for Open Door
Let’s pray for ICE
Ecumenical Prayer Evening – January 22nd

9. Always Wrestling in Prayer…
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” [Col. 2:2] “Pray diligently, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.” [Col. 4:2 MSG]