In what ways can we support our local church as Epaphras did? The Verse in Focus “For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” – Colossians 4:13 Epaphras: A Portrait of Local-Church Commitment • Native to Colossae (“one of you,” Colossians 4:12) • Prayer warrior who “always wrestles” (Colossians 4:12) • Tireless laborer whose effort reached nearby cities (Colossians 4:13) Supporting Through Fervent Prayer • Set regular time to intercede by name for leaders, ministries, and members • Pray for maturity and assurance, mirroring Colossians 4:12 • Align petitions with God’s revealed will (1 John 5:14-15) Laboring for Spiritual Growth • Volunteer in teaching, discipleship, mentoring, or children’s classes • Encourage others to pursue Christlikeness (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Share biblical counsel that points back to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Investing Time and Energy • Arrive early, stay late, help set up or clean up (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Offer rides, meals, or childcare to free others for ministry • Participate consistently rather than sporadically (Acts 2:42) Promoting Sound Doctrine • Study the Word diligently (Acts 17:11) • Defend truth graciously when error arises (Titus 1:9) • Encourage faithful preaching by attentive listening and feedback (2 Timothy 4:2) Encouraging Unity and Love • Guard conversations from gossip (Ephesians 4:29) • Pursue reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24) • Celebrate others’ victories and mourn their losses (Romans 12:15-16) Partnering in Missions and Outreach • Pray for missionaries by name (Philippians 1:3-5) • Give financially to church-supported outreach (Philippians 4:15-17) • Join local evangelism efforts, serving shoulder to shoulder (Matthew 28:19-20) Sacrificial Giving • Tithe cheerfully and beyond as God enables (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) • Budget generosity before personal luxuries (Proverbs 3:9) • View giving as worship, not obligation (Philippians 4:18) Offering Practical Help • Use skills—technology, carpentry, administration—for church needs (1 Peter 4:10-11) • Visit the sick and shut-in (James 1:27) • Provide meals, babysitting, or repairs for families under strain (Galatians 6:10) Living as a Faithful Witness • Display Christlike character at work and home (Matthew 5:16) • Invite neighbors to services or Bible studies (John 1:45-46) • Share personal testimony of salvation (1 Peter 3:15) Living Like Epaphras Today 1. Pray persistently. 2. Serve tirelessly. 3. Guard doctrine. 4. Cultivate unity. 5. Give generously. 6. Meet practical needs. 7. Witness boldly. By embodying these practices, believers echo Epaphras’s example and strengthen their local church for the glory of Christ. |
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