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Col 1:7,8; 4:12,13; Philemon 23.
Epaphras was a zealous worker - a native of Colosse and he exercised a shepherd ministry. He cared for those who were thirsty and needy.
Colossians 1:7 "... Epaphras our dear fellow servant, ..."
This was said with good reason. While Paul was in prison Epaphras visited to seek advice. In seeking help, he gave much help. He was privileged to minister to God's honoured, suffering Servant, the Apostle Paul. Praying with him, sharing with him in his condition and needs, refreshing him through fellowship.
Be a dear fellow servant. We should be encouraged in making ourselves available to the Lord. A prophecy said, "I shall minister to others through you as you minister to one another." The ministry of helpfulness is His ministry of love through us.
John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
In the New Testament anything that one disciple does for another in Jesus name, is ministry. Collecting - handing out to the poor (2 Corinthians 8:1-6 ). Personal help given to Paul by Timothy, Epaphras, and others, for example, Onesimus on Philemon's behalf (Philem 13 ). Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:18 ). Stephanas (1 Corinthians 16:15 ). All general expressions of love among saints.
Modern examples come to mind.
A number of ladies decided to provide, in turn, a main meal for a family whose mother was hospitalised for two weeks. Not only was the mind of the sick mother relieved but the husband and family were cared for. What the ladies did was talked about among the neighbours, attracting some of them to attend the fellowship.
Visiting the home of a sick colleague, a Christian professor surprised the family by getting involved in ministry by mending their broken down washing machine.
Can you think of practical ways in which you can minister to saints?
There is little doubt he was successful, he was also faithful. Faithful in preaching Christ, also in ministering Christ. There can be no greater commendation. He was a minister of the church at Colosse - but more importantly, he was a minister of Christ. Are we, like him, directly responsible to Christ? Faithful out of love for Christ? Are we faithful in loving the saints and in responsibility for them?
A bearer of good tidings. He was unlike leaders who speak in a minor key - critically - depressingly - spreading unkind reports. Epaphras knew them well, extolled their virtues - was silent about their shortcomings. Careless criticism brings dishonour on the name of the Lord. Epaphras was not only OF the church at Colosse, he was FOR it.
Note three characteristics:-
Persistent prayer.
"Always". Often failure is right here. We "let go" instead of "holding on".
"not to faint", "lose heart" NKJV, "give up" NIV.
Agonising prayer.
"Labouring fervently for you" (Colossians 4:12 ), "wrestling", literally, "striving in agony" - "Agonisingly". Intensity in prayer.
Intelligent prayer.
"Stand firm" (NIV) - be mature - fully grown in all the will of God. Immaturity causes us to miss and wander from the will of God. There is a need for intelligent praying.
The reward for zealous faithfulness is greater responsibility. Enlarged vision and increased responsibility.
