Faithfulness in Ministry: Lessons from Epaphras
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the life of Epaphras, a lesser-known but significant figure in the early church, as mentioned in Colossians 4:12-13. Epaphras exemplifies three key aspects of Christian living: ministry, discipleship, and intercession. Despite being a minor character in the Bible, his dedication to these principles offers profound lessons for us today.
Firstly, every Christian is called to be a minister. Ministry is not limited to pastors or church leaders; it is a calling for all believers. Epaphras is described as a faithful minister of Christ, reminding us that we are all part of the body of Christ, each with unique gifts and roles. Serving faithfully involves using our God-given talents to build up the church, not for self-serving purposes but to serve others. This service is essential for the health and growth of the church community.
Secondly, we are called to make disciples. Epaphras didn't just preach the gospel; he invested in the lives of others, helping them grow in their faith. Discipleship requires intentionality, time, and effort. It involves teaching, mentoring, and guiding others in their spiritual journey. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are better equipped to help others grow in theirs. Discipleship is crucial for the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church.
Lastly, the power of intercession is highlighted in Epaphras' life. He was a man of prayer, laboring fervently for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Prayer is a ministry that all Christians are called to engage in. It is a powerful tool for supporting and encouraging one another, even when we cannot be physically present. Intercessory prayer builds up the body of Christ and fosters spiritual unity.
Epaphras' life teaches us that God values faithfulness over fame. His story encourages us to serve, disciple, and pray with dedication and love, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. As we follow his example, we contribute to the growth and unity of the church, advancing the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Every Christian is a Minister: Each believer is called to serve in the body of Christ, using their unique gifts to build up the church. Ministry is not just for pastors but for all who know Jesus as their Savior. Serving faithfully involves using our talents to serve others, not ourselves. [05:41]
2. The Call to Make Disciples: Discipleship requires intentionality, time, and effort. It involves teaching and mentoring others in their faith journey. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are better equipped to help others grow in theirs. [19:36]
3. The Power of Intercession: Prayer is a ministry that all Christians are called to engage in. Intercessory prayer supports and encourages others, building up the body of Christ and fostering spiritual unity. [23:19]
4. Faithfulness Over Fame: God values faithfulness over fame. Epaphras' life demonstrates that our dedication to serving, discipling, and praying is what truly matters in the eyes of God. [31:23]
5. A Call to Action: Epaphras' life is a call to action for us as Christians. We are encouraged to serve, disciple, and pray with dedication and love, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. [35:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:58] - Introduction to Epaphras
- [02:08] - Prominent Biblical Figures
- [03:47] - The Significance of Epaphras
- [04:48] - Epaphras' Role in the Early Church
- [05:41] - Every Christian is a Minister
- [07:06] - Serving Faithfully in the Body of Christ
- [08:36] - Equipping and Encouraging Others
- [09:48] - Opportunities for Service
- [11:27] - Engaging in Church Community
- [14:40] - Humility and Service
- [16:00] - Allowing the Holy Spirit to Lead
- [18:19] - Making Disciples
- [19:36] - Learning and Growing in Faith
- [20:49] - Investing in Others
- [21:36] - Accountability in Discipleship
- [22:34] - The Power of Intercession
- [23:19] - Prayer as Ministry
- [24:04] - The Role of Intercessory Prayer
- [25:33] - The Impact of Prayer
- [26:51] - Practicing Intercession
- [27:35] - Unity Through Prayer
- [29:03] - Fasting and Prayer
- [30:05] - Teamwork in Intercession
- [31:23] - Faithfulness Over Fame
- [32:26] - Being Remembered in Service
- [34:13] - Serving as Unto the Lord
- [35:06] - Staying Committed in Service
- [35:27] - A Call to Action
- [37:08] - Opportunities to Serve
- [38:41] - Invitation to Know Jesus
- [39:26] - Prayer for Salvation
- [41:21] - Praying for the Church
- [43:12] - Seeking God's Will
- [44:33] - Following Epaphras' Example
- [45:41] - Encouragement to Serve
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 4:12-13
Observation Questions:
1. How is Epaphras described in Colossians 4:12-13, and what does this reveal about his role in the early church?
2. What are the three key aspects of Christian living exemplified by Epaphras as mentioned in the sermon? [00:58]
3. According to the sermon, what does it mean for every Christian to be a minister? [05:41]
4. How did Epaphras demonstrate the power of intercession in his life? [23:19]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be a "faithful minister of Christ" as described in Colossians 4:12-13, and how can this be applied to modern Christian life? [05:41]
2. How does the sermon suggest that discipleship requires intentionality, and why is this important for the growth of the church? [19:36]
3. In what ways does intercessory prayer contribute to spiritual unity within the church, according to the sermon? [27:35]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "faithfulness over fame," and why is this significant for Christians today? [31:23]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to serve others in your church community this week? [07:06]
2. Identify one person in your life who you can intentionally disciple. What steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth? [20:49]
3. Consider your current prayer life. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your daily routine to support your church and its members? [23:19]
4. Think about a time when you prioritized recognition over faithfulness. How can you shift your focus to serving with humility and dedication? [31:23]
5. What specific actions can you take to foster spiritual unity within your church community through prayer and service? [27:35]
6. How can you respond to the call to action in Epaphras' life by serving, discipling, and praying with dedication and love? [35:27]
7. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced in your ministry or service. How can you remain steadfast and committed, knowing that your labor is not in vain? [35:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Every Believer's Unique Ministry
Every Christian is called to be a minister, not just those in formal church leadership roles. Epaphras, though a lesser-known figure, exemplifies this truth by serving as a faithful minister of Christ. Each believer has unique gifts and roles within the body of Christ, and using these gifts to serve others is essential for the health and growth of the church community. This service is not for self-glorification but for the edification of others, reflecting the heart of Christ. Serving faithfully involves recognizing and utilizing our God-given talents to build up the church, contributing to its mission and unity. [05:41]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use it this week to serve someone in your church or community?
Day 2: Intentional Discipleship
Discipleship is a deliberate and committed process that requires time, effort, and intentionality. Epaphras didn't just share the gospel; he invested in the spiritual growth of others, helping them mature in their faith. This involves teaching, mentoring, and guiding others on their spiritual journey. As believers grow in their relationship with Christ, they become better equipped to help others grow in theirs. Discipleship is crucial for the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the church, as it fosters a community of believers who are rooted in their faith and equipped to disciple others. [19:36]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Think of someone you can mentor or disciple. What steps can you take this week to begin investing in their spiritual growth?
Day 3: The Ministry of Intercession
Prayer is a powerful ministry that all Christians are called to engage in. Epaphras was a man of prayer, fervently interceding for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Intercessory prayer is a means of supporting and encouraging one another, even when physical presence is not possible. It builds up the body of Christ and fosters spiritual unity, as believers join together in prayer for one another's needs and growth. Engaging in intercessory prayer is a vital way to contribute to the spiritual health and unity of the church. [23:19]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Choose one person or situation to pray for daily this week. How can you commit to interceding for them consistently?
Day 4: Faithfulness Over Fame
God values faithfulness over fame, as demonstrated by the life of Epaphras. Though not a prominent biblical figure, his dedication to serving, discipling, and praying is what truly matters in the eyes of God. This teaches us that our worth is not measured by recognition or status but by our faithfulness in fulfilling God's calling. Serving with dedication and love, even in obscurity, contributes to the growth and unity of the church and advances the kingdom of God. Our labor in the Lord is never in vain when done with a faithful heart. [31:23]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you seek recognition. How can you shift your focus to faithfulness in serving God and others?
Day 5: A Call to Action
Epaphras' life is a call to action for Christians to serve, disciple, and pray with dedication and love. His example encourages believers to actively participate in the mission of the church, knowing that their efforts are not in vain. By following his example, Christians contribute to the growth and unity of the church, advancing the kingdom of God. This call to action is a reminder that every believer has a role to play in God's plan, and their faithful service makes a significant impact. [35:27]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: What specific action can you take this week to serve, disciple, or pray for someone in your community? How will you commit to this action?
Quotes
Ministry is not just reserved for the pastor. It's not just reserved for a few leaders within the body of Christ. If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord. And Savior, you are called to be a minister today. Every believer is called to serve in the body of Christ. We're called to serve. So how do we serve? Well, we see here that the first thing Paul says about him is that he is serving faithfully. Epaphras is serving faithfully. [00:06:16] (29 seconds)
Ministry involves you and I using our God-given gifts, our time, our resources. Not that we can be self-serving. But so that we can serve others. In Romans chapter 12, verses 4 and 5, it reminds us that every believer has a role in the body of Christ. You and I have a role in the body of Christ. Why? Because it tells us that we are a part of the body of Christ. [00:06:45] (28 seconds)
Making disciples involves teaching, mentoring, helping others mature in their faith. Discipleship requires your time. It requires effort. It requires intentionality. But discipleship is essential for the growth of the church. Discipleship is essential for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Go and make disciples. It says here that they also learned from Epaphras. [00:19:04] (32 seconds)
Learning, following, and growing in Jesus Christ. We need to invest in our spiritual growth before we can invest in the spiritual growth of others. Grow in your relationship with Jesus first. And as you grow in your relationship with Christ, you'll be able to help others grow in their relationship with him as well. Which leads to the second. Once you have allowed for yourself to be discipled. [00:20:05] (24 seconds)
Epaphras wasn't just a servant. Not just a minister. He wasn't just a disciple maker. But Paul tells us that he was a prayer warrior. He was a man of prayer. He was a man of intercession. Paul testifies to his fervent intercession for the believers. In Colossae, and Laodicea, and Hierapolis as well. [00:22:52] (25 seconds)
Oh, we may not always be able to be physically present with those that we care about, But we can always lift each other up in prayer. And it's not even the sense that we stake out certain times of the day, But that's important as well. But, you know, sometimes we're just going through life, And something of the past can start to happen. [00:24:41] (18 seconds)
Consider fasting as a way to deepen your prayer life. What is fasting? It means that you're giving something up in exchange for spending that time in prayer. That's what fasting is. Fasting doesn't mean you just give something up. No, fasting means you're exchanging that specific thing for a time with the Lord. [00:28:18] (20 seconds)
Epaphras, may be one of those lesser known figures, but his story demonstrates that God values faithfulness over fame. He values faithfulness over fame. It wasn't even Epaphras that was writing these things about himself. It's Paul. Hey, by the way, Epaphras. But it's amazing when the letter got back to Colossae, when the letter got back to the churches, they're like, oh yeah, we know him. [00:31:23] (27 seconds)
And ultimately, Lord, would you help us to follow the example of Epaphras, serving, discipling, and praying for the glory of God to be seen and to be known. Lord, use me. Use me. Use me. Use me, Lord. Use me, Lord. Take the time not to point a finger at somebody else and say, Lord, use them. Use them. Why aren't you using them? To say, Lord, how can I be used? [00:44:47] (46 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?