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INFORMED CHRISTIANS
MONDAY, JULY 18
Philippians 2:24-30

2 Corinthians 4:8-15

 

“…I will not forget thy word.”

 

INFORMED CHRISTIANS
 
In difficult times the believer can receive great encouragement from the fellowship of the saints. The early Christian churches lived under tremendous persecution and hardship. The men who did the work of the ministry among the struggling young churches worked under unbelievable difficulties (1 Cor 4:11-12). Many of them, such as Trophimus, Timothy, and Epaphroditus suffered serious physical illness during their ministries (Phil 2:26; 1 Tim 5:23).
 
The workers in the early church found great strength in their fellowship with the churches. The believers at Philippi were greatly concerned about Epaphroditus, a missionary from among them. And he, in turn, was concerned about them (Phil 2:26). This concern was expressed in an informed prayer life. Despite the shortage of workers, the Apostle Paul thought it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to Philippi so the concerned and praying Christians there would be informed about his situation.
 
Surely we should have the same concern for our pastors, missionaries, and fellow believers. Scripture often challenges us to show this concern for one another by prayer. Certainly we will not pray with any real fervour unless we are informed about those for whom we are praying. So it is important for the prayer life of our local churches that we be informed about the needs, plans and blessings of our church and its missionaries.
 
Epaphroditus risked his life for the cause of the Gospel. God had spared him. Now he would inform the church and they would all rejoice together. We cannot weep with those who weep or rejoice with those who are joyful if we do not know the situation of believers in our fellowship. Let us care enough to be informed about our church programmes and workers in order that we might truly fellowship together in the Gospel.
 
THOUGHT: What is necessary for a really effective prayer life?
PRAYER: Father, may I have real, godly care and concern for those whom I pray for.

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