A. V. 29 "Whereunto I also labour,"

1. This word "labor" means to work so hard you become fatigue. As I have said before Paul’s life was totally dedicated to the work of Christ. Here is his example.

2. Paul labored so hard for Christ in witnessing for Him and teaching truth he had no time for other things. Maybe more so than any other Christian ever. 1 Corinthians 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

3. There is a reason God used Paul to write 13 books of the bible. Paul was a very humble man and he would never brag, this was simply facts that God allowed to become scripture.

4. Paul always spoke about his prayer life and encouraged us to pray often. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing." The word "ceasing" means without omission or lapse. When are we finished praying? When the Lord stops supping out hearts with thing to pray about. We see the Lord Jesus pray this way Luke 22:44 "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."

5. This is what Paul taught men around him to do. Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."

B. Vs. 29b "striving according to his working,"

1. While the word "labor" means to work so hard you become fatigue the word "striving" is an Olympic type word and it means to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary) . Paul did not allow the Gnostic teachers teach without a fight.

2. "according to his working" Paul knew what he was doing was for God and that God was his strength and this energized him. Ephesians 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," and in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

3. Paul went on to describe this power working in him. "which worketh in me mightily." The word "mightily" means force or miraculous power. It is literally the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s men.

C. Chapter 2:1a "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you,"

1. Paul start with "For I would that ye knew" or "I wished you could have a complete understanding" Church members fail sometimes to understand what a Pastor goes through for them. Prayer time, study time, visitation, on call for 24/7, they have one life, even if they have a secular job, thrie lives are dedicated to the church and even other Christians outside of the church.

2. Let’s not forget Paul said this labor brought him to tears Acts 20:31 "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."

3. Adam Clarke's said "He agonized with God, and his agony was for them."

4. Paul did not fight the Gnostic teachers for that would be worthless however his battle was with these church members.

D. 2:b "and for them at Laodicea"

1. Paul’s prayer and tears were not only for the church at Colossae but for all the churches and Believers. He was an Apostle all Christian and churches were his concern. Just as my concern goes beyond this church.

2. Paul mentions the church at Laodicea. This city was real close to Colossae and had similar problems. We also see this church mention in Revelations as one of the seven church of Asia Minor.

3. Paul did not write a letter to this church as far as I know but did desire this same letter be read there. Colossians 4:16 "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea."

4. Vs. 1c "and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;" again stating he had never seen either one of the church however that did not stop his fervent prayer and concern for them.