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Epaphras- A bondservant of Christ

Text: Colossians 4:12-13
26 July 2009

(I) WHO IS EPAPHRAS?

1. A member of the church at Colosse

“Epaphras, who is one of you…” Colossians 4:12a

2. A servant of the Lord

“A bondservant of Christ” Colossians 4:12b

(II) WHAT WAS HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION?

1. He had a very significant prayer-ministry

“Always labouring fervently for you in prayers…” Colossians 4:12c

2. Outstanding ministry in prayer

a) To always be in prayer

b) To actually labour in prayer

c) To actually maintain fervour in prayer consistently

(III) HOW WAS HE ABLE TO MAINTAIN SUCH A SPIRIT IN PRAYER?

1. He possessed deep spiritual insight

a) He knew that the Colossians were not “standing perfect” in their faith ( Colossians 4:10e )

b) He also knew that the Colossians did not stand “complete in the will of God” ( Colossians 4:10f )

c) He laboured fervently in prayer for them that they may “stand perfect” ( Colossians 4:12d )

i) Paul’s part was to write to the Colossians

ii) Epaphras saw his part as one of supporting Paul through prayer

iii) His faith in the Lord, that He would hear and answer prayer sustained him

d) He had a great zeal for the Lord

i) For the Colossians ( Colossians 4:13a )

ii) For the Laodiceans ( Colossians 4:13b )

iii) For those in Hierapolis ( Colossians 4:13c )

Reminiscent of the zeal of the Lord Jesus

“Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten me up.” John 2:17

(IV) OUR CHALLENGE

1. To cultivate a prayer-ministry

2. To develop a strong supportive ministry

a) Recognising the gifts of others

b) Choosing to give strong support

3. To possess the same zeal as Jesus had