Epaphras: An Imitator of Christ

Epaphras: An Imitator of Christ

Imitating Christ

In Faithful ServiceImitating Christ

In Faithful Service• Preacher, Teacher, or Elder In Colossae

– “just as you learned it from…” (Col 1:7)

• Informed Paul of the Colossian church’s strengths and need for help– Col. 1:8, 2:8

• Description– Bond-Servant, Faithful Servant (Col. 1:7)– Bondslave of Jesus Christ (Col. 4:12)– Fellow Prisoner (Philemon 1:23)

• Preacher, Teacher, or Elder In Colossae– “just as you learned it from…” (Col 1:7)

• Informed Paul of the Colossian church’s strengths and need for help– Col. 1:8, 2:8

• Description– Bond-Servant, Faithful Servant (Col. 1:7)– Bondslave of Jesus Christ (Col. 4:12)– Fellow Prisoner (Philemon 1:23)

Imitating Christ

In Heavy Duty PrayerImitating Christ

In Heavy Duty Prayer• Agonizing Prayer

– Lk 22:44 “being in agony He was praying” <agonia>– Col. 4:12 “laboring earnestly for you in his prayers”

<agonizomai>

• Constant Prayer– “Always” (Col. 4:12)

• Numerous Prayers– “Prayers” (Col. 4:12)

• Selfless Prayer– “so that you” (Col. 4:12)

• Agonizing Prayer– Lk 22:44 “being in agony He was praying” <agonia>– Col. 4:12 “laboring earnestly for you in his prayers”

<agonizomai>

• Constant Prayer– “Always” (Col. 4:12)

• Numerous Prayers– “Prayers” (Col. 4:12)

• Selfless Prayer– “so that you” (Col. 4:12)

Imitating Christ

In Deep Concern for the ChurchImitating Christ

In Deep Concern for the Church

• (Colossians 4:13) For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

• (Colossians 4:13) For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

• To Teach• To Pray• To Seek Help With

False Teaching• To Travel• To Identify With

“place membership”• To Care for Other

congregations

• To Teach• To Pray• To Seek Help With

False Teaching• To Travel• To Identify With

“place membership”• To Care for Other

congregations

The Lycus River ValleyThe Lycus River Valley

(Col. 4:13 ) “…he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.”

Imitating Christ

In Love For God’s WillImitating Christ

In Love For God’s Will• Epaphras’ aim and purpose was clear.

– “The will of God” (Matt 7:21)

• Perfect and Fully assured in all…

• Depended On Their – Knowledge of God’s Will (1:9)– Application & Fruit of God’s Will (1:10)– Strength & Steadfastness From God (1:11)

• Epaphras’ aim and purpose was clear.– “The will of God” (Matt 7:21)

• Perfect and Fully assured in all…

• Depended On Their – Knowledge of God’s Will (1:9)– Application & Fruit of God’s Will (1:10)– Strength & Steadfastness From God (1:11)

Epaphras: An Imitator of Christ

Epaphras: An Imitator of Christ