Epaphras - A Prayerful Servant Of The Lord!

‘Epaphras – A Prayerful Servant Of The Lord!

Colossians 4:12-13.

a)   Epaphras came from Colosse.

b)   He was a Servant of Christ Jesus.

c)   In his Prayers for his home Church he was:-

1-  Agonising.

2-  Wrestling.

3-  Intense.

4-  Tireless.

5-  Earnest.

6-  Struggling.

d)   He prayed for his home Church to be:-

1-  Standing firm.

2-  Mature.

3-  Fully confident.

4-  Devoted completely to God’s Will.

e)   Epaphras worked hard for the Churches in:-

1-  Colosse.

2-  Laodicea.

3-  Hierapolis.

(This QT challenges and inspires me: Epaphras – A Prayerful Servant Of The Lord)

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‘Humility In Prayer Is Essential.’

Luke 18:9-14.

a)   Luke 18:9. Jesus encountered some proud and self righteous people.

b)   Luke 18:10. Jesus told a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector.

c)   Luke 18:11. The Pharisee was so self righteous.

d)   Luke 18:12. The Pharisee was so religious.

e)   Luke 18:13. The tax collector acknowledged as a sinner that he needed God’s Mercy.

f)    Luke 18:14. The tax collector and not the Pharisee went home with a clean conscience.

g)   Luke 18:14. All people who exalt themselves will be humbled and all people who humble themselves will be exalted.

(Through this Second one I know that Humility In Prayer Is Essential)

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Chris.

Sometimes the hardest thing that persons can do in Church is to acknowledge themselves as sinners. God really welcomes such Prayers if they are prayed from a truly penitent heart. It is clear that God hates pride and so should we.

Being Burdened!

‘Being Burdened.’

a)   Proverbs 28:17. We should not be burdened because we have damaged another person in some way. (True Believers are healers and not damagers!)

b)   Isaiah 43:23. God does not burden us with Worship. True Worship is a Joy and not a burden.

c)   Isaiah 43:24. We burden God with our sins.

d)   2 Corinthians 1:8. Sometimes we are so burdened beyond ourselves that we are despairing of life itself.

e)   2 Corinthians 5:4. Sometimes in this human body we groan being burdened.

f)    2 Corinthians 8:13. Burdens should be equally shared.

g)   1 Timothy 5:16. The Church should not be burdened with caring for people when their families should be caring for them.

h)   2 Timothy 3:6. Weak women are burdened with sin and led away by various passions.

(Through this QT Being Burdened is not a situation that I want to be in)

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‘What God Really Desires.’

Matthew 23:23.

a)   God is not interested in hypocritical “worship”.

b)   God does not want His People to neglect the important things.

c)    The important things are:-

1-  Justice.

2-  Mercy.

3-  Faithfulness.

4-  Then Worship will please the Lord.

(This QT teaches me What God Really Desires)

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Chris.

Burdens should be equally shared, first of all in the natural family and then in the Church family. Many families do not care about the burdens that their own family members carry. Especially in Western style society, there is generally strong independence and a lack of care in the family. Even Churches in Western society are generally lacking expressions of care. Because Christianity spread from West to East, with the exception of St. Thomas, many Eastern Churches are impregnated with Western values about burdens. The Church needs to adapt this Biblical Principle of burdens being equally shared.

We Learn From The Levites!

‘We Learn From The Levites.’

Numbers 18:21-24.

a)    Numbers 18:21. Because of their committed service in the temple, instead of living off the land they lived of the tithes of God’s People.

b)    Numbers 18:22. The Levites alone could approach the Tabernacle.

c)    Numbers 18:23. They alone could serve the Lord and His People. This was their responsibility.

d)    Numbers 18:24. The tithes were given to the Levites so that they could live and serve wholly for the Lord.

(Through this QT I Learn From The Levites)

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‘Faithfully Caring For The Servants Of The Lord.’

2 Chronicles 31:4-18.

a)    2 Chronicles 31:4. The people gave of their goods to the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves fully to the Work of the Lord.

b)    2 Chronicles 31:5-7. God’s People were incredibly generous because of their pure hearts for the Lord.

c)    2 Chronicles 31:8-10. The Leader Priests were so grateful to the Lord and His People.

d)    2 Chronicles 31:11-13. Storekeepers and storerooms were prepared.

e)    2 Chronicles 31:14-18. Teams were appointed to distribute the tithes to those people who had need priorities first.

(Through this Second one I know that it is correct to be Faithfully Caring For The Servants Of The Lord)

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Chris.

Living and serving wholly for the Lord is the calling of some people. This is a Biblical concept and we should be able to adapt our opinions and Churches to this. If God’s Servants who have responsibility to care for His Flock and to Teach His Word are not able to be fully living and serving wholly for the Lord then obviously the Ministry of the Local Church and to the Body of Christ is going to suffer. 

Close Members Of Apostle Paul's Team!

‘Close Members Of Apostle Paul’s Team.’

Colossians 4:10-11.

a)    Aristarchus, who was in prison together with Paul.

b)    Mark, who was still travelling around the Churches.

c)    Jesus Justus.

d)    These Jewish men were some of Apostle Paul’s closest workers.

e)    They were working together with Paul for the Kingdom of God.

f)     They were a great comfort to Paul.

(Through this QT I can see Close Members of Apostle Paul’s Team)

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‘Sometimes Feasting And Sometimes Not.’

Deuteronomy 14:22-29.

a)    Deuteronomy 14:22. For God’s People in the Old Testament tithing was a “must”.

b)    Deuteronomy 14:23. This tithe was a part of God’s People’s Worship.

c)    Deuteronomy 14:23. Worshipping God with a tithe taught the people to always Fear God.

d)    Deuteronomy 14:24. When the Lord Blesses the harvest, please note it did not happen every time!

e)    Deuteronomy 14:24. It may be that the Place of Worship that the Lord has chosen is too far for the tithe to be carried to.

f)     Deuteronomy 14:25. If this was the case the tithe could be sold and the money from the sale taken to the Worship in its place.

g)    Deuteronomy 14:26. Once those tithing with money had arrived at the place which the Lord had chosen. Together with their family they were to buy good food and celebrate before the Lord.

h)    Deuteronomy 14:26. Tithing Worship was joyful and not miserable if it was carried out in God’s Way!

i)      Deuteronomy 14:27. The Levites, God Servants, were to be taken care of materially by the local Believers.

j)     Deuteronomy 14:28-29. Every third year the tithe was to be stored and not cashed in. It was stored in the nearest town and was to be for:-

1-   The Levites.

2-   The resident foreigners.

3-   The orphans.

4-   The widows.

k)    Deuteronomy 14:29. This means that everybody could eat and be satisfied.

l)      Deuteronomy 14:29. If God’s People followed these instructions He would Bless them in all of their work.

(I learn many of God’s Principles in this Second one: Sometimes Feasting And Sometimes Not)

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Chris.

God raised up His Servants in the Old Testament: Priests, Prophets and Kings and He was Glorified through them. In the days of the Gospels God raised up the Disciples to be serving together with Jesus, heralding the coming New Testament Church. From the Book of Acts until today we have the New Testament Church, in the Church worldwide there have been and are: Prophets, Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers. All these are not self-appointed (self appointed ministers are frauds) but they are raised up by God and acknowledged by the Local, Regional and National Church as being so.

Pray For Our National Rulers!

‘Pray For Our National Rulers.’

Proverbs 28:15-16.

a)    A wicked ruler over poor people is like a roaring lion. (1 Peter 5:8. Like Satan)

b)    A wicked ruler over poor people is like a charging bear.

c)    Matthew 2:16. A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor.

d)    A ruler who hates unjust gain will prolong their days.

(Through this QT I desire to continue to Pray For Our National Rulers)

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‘Worshipping God With Material Offering.’

Leviticus 27:30-33.

a)    Leviticus 27:30; Genesis 28:22. Whatever we give to the Lord belongs to the Lord, it is our Worship.

b)    Leviticus 27:30. Whatever we give to the Lord is Holy to the Lord.

c)    Leviticus 27:31. Whatever we temporarily hold back from the Lord we should give to Him plus twenty percent.

d)    Leviticus 27:32. A reminder that it is Holy to the Lord.

e)    Leviticus 27:33. No differentiating should be made in our offerings to the Lord. We are to give Joyfully. If we are in debt we cannot give to the Lord because what we have does not belong to us.

(This Second one teaches me some principles about Worshipping God With Material Offerings)

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Chris.

It is important to pray for our National Rulers. Although I really do not like the way that United Kingdom is being ruled at the moment and I really long to see a Faithful Government by the people and for the people, this does not stop me from praying for the National Rulers. Wherever we are we should pray for our National Rulers. 

Our Giving To God!

‘Our Giving To God.’

a)   2 Corinthians 12:15. Includes our giving ourselves to His People in some way.

b)   Matthew 15:8. Should be with our heart.

c)   Matthew 23:23. Should be done in a sense of:-

1-  Justice.

2-  Mercy.

3-  Faith.

d)   Genesis 14:18-20. Should be done with a heart of gratitude towards God. Just as Abraham gave to Melchizedek.

e)   Genesis 28:22. Should be a response to God for all that He has given to us.

(This QT reminds me about my attitude in My Giving To God)

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‘When God Speaks Through Dreams.’

Genesis 28:13-15.

a)   Genesis 28:13. He speaks clearly about a land that He gives to us.

b)   Genesis 28:14. He speaks clearly about our future and family.

c)   Genesis 28:15. He speaks clearly about His Presence being with us.

(This Second one teaches me about When God Speaks Through Dreams)

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Chris.

God is a God of Justice. His Word is our governing line and we should be able to apply the Truths of His Word into our environments through our lifestyle and positive influence. Change can be brought into any environment gradually by a people who live in the way in which God has called them to live and in whose lives are the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Tychicus And Onesimus - A Great Team!

‘Tychicus And Onesimus – A Great Team.’

Colossians 4:7-9.

a)   Colossians 4:7. Tychicus was:-

1-A dear Brother.

2-A Faithful Worker.

3-A Fellow Slave in the Lord.

4-A Messenger who was totally trusted by Apostle Paul.

b)   Colossians 4:8. The specific purpose of Tychicus’ visit to Colosse was two fold:-

1-  That the Colosse Believers would know the condition of Apostle Paul and his team.

2-  To encourage the Colosse Believers.

c)   Colossians 4:9. Along with Tychicus Apostle Paul sent Onesimus.

d)   Colossians 4:9. Onesimus was a dear and faithful Brother who came from Colosse in the first place. He also would tell the Colosse Church everything that had been happening.

(This QT shows me Tychicus And Onesimus – A Great Team)

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‘Solomon’s Folly And Sin In His Old Age.’

1 Kings 11:1-7.

a)   1 Kings 11:1-2. King Solomon loved many foreign women who did not know or fear the living God. He had relationships with them which was strictly forbidden by the Lord.

b)   1 Kings 11:3. His life was corrupted by at least 1,000 women.

c)   1 Kings 11:4. His wives turned Solomon’s heart away from the Lord and his heart ceased from being in perfect condition with Him.

d)   1 Kings 11:5-7. King Solomon became totally idolatrous because of these women.

(Through this Second one I see Solomon’s Folly And Sin In His Old Age)

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Chris.

King Solomon “loved” many foreign women. This was not true love, this was lust. Lust is sin and not addiction. Satan is lying to the Church about the subject of addiction. If we consult the medical dictionary we will find the true definition of addiction and addicts need to be cured of whatever matter has got into their blood. Then they need not be addicts anymore. Lust is not addiction, gambling is not addiction. “Addiction” makes sin sound more pitiful and we have pity for the sex or gambling addict. NO! Lust is sin, gambling is sin and it needs to be repented of and run away from. God is Faithful to deliver us from temptation and sometimes we need the Prayers of our loving Church brothers and sisters to help us overcome too.

There Is Blessing In Fearing The Lord!

‘There Is Blessing In Fearing The Lord.’

a)   Proverbs 28:14. We should Fear the Lord always, if we do not we may face unnecessary calamities.

b)   Proverbs 23:17. Continue in the Fear of the Lord all day long and not be envious of sinners.

c)   Isaiah 66:2. God looks upon the person who fears Him.

d)   Philippians 2:12. Obey God and work out our own Salvation with the Fear of the Lord.

(Through this QT I understand that There Is Blessing In Fearing The Lord)

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‘Do Business But Trust In The Lord.’

a)   1 Kings 10:28-29; 2 Chronicles 1:16-17. This was import and export business.

b)   Deuteronomy 17:16. Business needs to be in God’s Way.

c)   2 Chronicles 9:28. Business is sometimes really international.

d)   Isaiah 31:1-3. We do not trust in the business, we trust in the Lord.

e)   Proverbs 7:16. Sometimes we may do business with beautiful items.

f)    Ezekiel 27:7. Business may sometimes call for international travel.

g)   Judges 1:26. Business may sometimes involve with international development.

(Through this Second one I counsel all my friends in business: Do Business But Trust In The Lord)

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Chris.

Sometimes we face unnecessary calamities because we do not fear the Lord or follow His Way in and for our lives.  This is a lesson that we learn by unpleasant experience. The key word here is learn, we learn from the experience and we ensure that in the future we live with the Fear of the Lord and we follow His Way. 

When Things Begin To Go Wrong!

‘When Things Begin To Go Wrong.’

1 Kings 3:1.

a)    Alliances that are not in agreement with the Word of God.

b)    Marriage outside of the Will of God.

c)    Compromise.

(This QT shows me what happens When Things Begin To Go Wrong)

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‘Follow The Lord’s Instructions.’

Deuteronomy 17:16.

a)    Do not trust in strength and worldly wisdom.

b)    Do not make the people compromise.

c)    Always do what the Lord says.

(Through this Second one I want to Follow The Lord’s Instructions and to Teach God’s People to do so)

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Chris.

Wrong is a small word that can cause so much distress to so many people in different ways. When family members do wrong things the entire family suffers the consequences, maybe for a long time. Wrong thinking in our minds can produce wrong actions in our lives. Our wrong choices can severely affect the direction of our lives.

Acting And Speaking In Front Of Outsiders!

‘Acting And Speaking In Front Of Outsiders.’

Colossians 4:5-6.

a)    Act wisely.

b)    Ephesians 5:15-17. Make the most of the time.

c)    Speak graciously.

d)    Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34. Our speech should be seasoned with salt.

e)    1 Peter 3:15. We should know how to answer each person.

(This QT reminds me how I should be Acting And Speaking In Front Of Outsiders)

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‘We Should Not Break This Commandment.’

2 Thessalonians 3:10.

a)    This Message came from Apostle Paul and his team to lazy people in the Church at Thessaloniki.

b)    This was a Command from God.

c)    It was not given to busy Servants of the Lord or students.

d)    It was given to people in the Church who were lazy, whoever they were.

e)    1 Thessalonians 4:13. The Message was that if anyone was not willing to work then they should not eat. In other words, go out and get a job. Do not rely on the Church food.

(Through this Second one I know that I Should Not Break This Commandment)

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Chris.

Our speech should be seasoned with salt. We should be careful how we talk in front of outsiders. That should surely be common sense for True Believers. We need to talk in ways that are relevant and Graceful. Also we need to have good conversations, and meaningful ones in our fellowship with other Believers.