LABOR FOR THE KINGDOM EVEN IN HARDSHIP
Sunday – February 8, 2026
Video link: https://youtu.be/74K-s6QwaVw
Greetings to all reading this Bible teaching and welcome to the ongoing study of “The Kingdom of God”. This is teaching number 135. I am spending so much time on this topic because Jesus did in His earthly ministry. Jesus has gone on to the Right Hand of the Father and left us to continue His Ministry and to do even greater things (John 14:12). Let’s turn our attention to our anchor Scripture.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Perhaps you noticed this is all in red letters. Earlier in this chapter Jesus was instructing His disciples how to pray, let’s take a look at that.
Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV)
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Do you suppose this and our text are still part of His whole discourse in this chapter? Of course it is! Early in the chapter He tells us to declare the Kingdom come into the earth and with it the will of God. Not much different than seek first the Kingdom of God and doing things His way. Between these two texts Jesus is talking about the needs of this natural life. He assures us that if we will bring the Kingdom and the will of God into the earth with our words all the natural things of life will flow to us. This is bringing Heaven upon the earth for all to see.
Now, let’s move to our next teaching text.
Colossians 4:10-12 (KJV)
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
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.
The Apostle Paul is writing to the Church at Colossae and in this part of the letter informs them that there are very few Jews (circumcision) working with him, it mainly Gentiles. As we see from verse ten the Apostle is writing this epistle (letter) from prison. It is thought to have been written around 62 AD while imprisoned in Rome. This is among the “prison epistles” which include Ephesians, Philippians, Philemon, and Colossians.
Although in prison these men are not focused on themselves but upon others. What about you and me when we are in trials? These men are supportive of Paul physically and spiritually. It seems that Aristarchus may also be a prisoner but the other may not be prisoners. In any event they continue to work for the good of the Kingdom of God. You suppose they are fulfilling the command of Jesus to “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness”? We see that the main ministry of Epaphras is to pray for that Church, body of believers at Colossae. This is a vital and pivotal ministry.
TAKE HOME:
- We are to bring the Kingdom of God, the will of God into the earth with our faith, and our love of God. We speak the will of God found very clearly in our texts.
- Are we laboring for the Kingdom of God no matter our personal circumstances?
- Who are the people called to prayer in your circle, your gathering of believers?
Lord willing, I will resume right here next Saturday. Remember, we love you, the Lord loves you, and there is nothing you can do about either one.
By: Dr. David R. Wood, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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