Epaphras

Ever wonder if God knows where you are? What you are doing for His kingdom?

At times, we tend to forget that our God sees everything, both great and small. He knows the works of His children weather you are serving with the children’s' ministry or evangelizing across the world.

Maybe you lead a bible study at home with your family? Or at work, you have joined a bible study. Whatever you are doing for the Kingdom of God, He knows it, He sees it and He is honored and pleased.

Have you heard of Epaphras? He was at Colosse and was converted by Paul possibly at Ephesus. This man left such an impression on Paul that we can gleam from two (2) small lines in the book of Colossians about this man.

Let’s look at Paul’s description of Epaphras in Colossians 1:7-8:

“You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. 

He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. 

He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.”

Paul so carefully introduces Epaphras as:

A co-worker - Epaphras was a minister of the gospel in Colosse.

A beloved brother - Paul is moved by the compassion that Eraphras shows for the call of God upon His life and for God's people. 

Faithful servant - Paul calls him a faithful servant. Now remember that Paul never pulled any punches. He called it as it was. Think back to the separation of Paul and Barnabas and how Paul called out John Mark for leaving the ministry midway through their journey, which later becomes the reason that Paul and Barnabas separate. 

Paul understood the hardship of doing the Lord's work and could see that Eraphras had a faithful attitude and a servant's heart. This gives us a glimpse of this simple man who leaves us a guideline of what serving the Lord is about. Although, he is only mentioned here and later as a prisoner of Rome with Paul in the book of Philemon, this man left a mark. 

Epaphras may not be well known, but nevertheless, the work God has called him to do has made a great impact. We can see that he ministers to the people of Colosse, and because of his work there, many have come to the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit is working on the hearts and lives of many.

Epaphras’ is described by Paul as faithful, beloved, a co-worker and a servant of Christ. These are wonderful attributes of a servant with a heart for God’s people. And we know that, when you have a heart for others, you will be called to prayer!

Many times, we don’t feel like the things we do unto God is noticed. We cry out for loved ones, neighbors, prodigals and much more and sometimes we just wonder ‘God, do you see the need” or "God are you near”?

The next time you feel or think like this, remember “Epaphras”. 

Only a short description is known about him, but what an impression he left. Paul shows his love and respect for the work that Epaphras is doing. We see that the Colossian church is growing in love for one another. 

What a key fruit of the spirit that reflects the very heart of God. We also see that the Spirit of God is moving and working and growing the Colossian church. All this is done through much prayer and faithfulness and Paul clearly recognizes the work that God is doing through Epaphras.

This is the message today; Don’t believe the lie, that God does not know the work you do for His glory. You don’t need a pat on the back or people to applaud you. Just remember Epaphras and how God shares in His Word the wonderful things that He accomplished through one small insignificant person that changed the hearts and lives of many, and one of those was the apostle Paul; who upon hearing from Epaphras about the work at Colosse, Paul would continue to pray for the Colossian church.

Be strengthen and encouraged by the power of the Holy Spirit to continue God's work for His glory and you too will leave a mark. You may not be seen by man, but indeed God sees all and is pleased. 

Like the Colossian church, let us also grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ; 

So, we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you.

We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.

All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better”.    Colossian 1:9-10