EPAPHRAS. v. 23 The Gospel succeeds wherever it is preached, evidenced by the salvation of souls and the proclamation of its truth. The fruitful process of salvation and the development of godliness in the lives of believers is a significant reason for thanksgiving. The further the Gospel spreads, the greater the benefits for those who believe and the more glory it brings to God. The grace of God is the essence of the Gospel, and when it is embraced, that truth centers on our Lord Jesus Christ. We also have reason to be thankful for those who share the Gospel, like Epaphras. Faithful ministers of the Gospel work diligently to convey the message and share its blessings.
It is not very different for us. We hear about some distant, previously unknown place, so we meditate, pray, and intercede; then, God raises our interests until we seek to make connections! Amazingly, the Spirit of God calls us to show interest, and before long, He reveals places and people who need to know the Gospel. It is God we need for a connection! People around us ask how we know individuals far away. Neighbors are generally limited to coworkers and relatives. They wonder how we come to know people in Asia, Africa, South America, and other parts of the world. It is God's will that we forge connections! I am still amazed by God's ways. When I was young, it didn't occur to me that I would meet people from distant nations, and even my wife would be from far away. God Himself arranged all the connections!
For some reason, Epaphras was also a “fellow prisoner” of Paul and a “dear fellow servant.” Based on what we know about him, it is clear that he was a man devoted to the Lord, trusted, loved, and appreciated by Paul. He was from Colosse and deeply committed to the assembly there, which made him understandably concerned about the believers he loved in the Lord.
What a wonderful recommendation that stands as an example for us. He impresses upon us the idea that God is the Source of Christians' love for one another and for those in need of salvation. The love of Christ in believers compels us to urge sinners to reconcile with God. It extends beyond our natural tendencies to recognize that we are privileged to be ministers of Christ. In this role, we work and pray earnestly for God's blessing on His people and their well-being. There is more to divine service and “goodwill to men.”
A God-given concern for the Lord’s people inspires love that originates from God and is instilled in the hearts of His servants. Through those who love and serve Him, the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted as the Preeminent One, the Redeemer of sinners, the Lord of His people, and the Supreme Authority of the universe.
When God saves him, a man alone in the place of his birth may find it difficult to return home and share with those who knew him best something of matchless worth that has changed him from within. It may be challenging to convince them that he never fell under some spell. Often, people listen to mysterious tales and enjoy them as a form of entertainment. However, when sin is exposed, not only his but theirs, people start to rail, even going so far as to seek physical restraint.
A strong reputation ensures that people will listen to what he has to say, making it a valuable endorsement for the message he delivers. When this is combined with faith and godly fear, people may desire what you already possess. Working alongside fellow servants who share similar beliefs fosters fellowship and mutual faith. However, when one is isolated from all sisters and brothers, one must rely on personal testimony, which holds weight with skeptics.
"A faithful minister of Christ" is a title to be desired. When one serves the Lord, he should speak carefully because he is not merely the servant of men like someone hired to preach. He seeks the good of the people and the glory of God. From that kind of servant, you can trust his explanations of the truth he must share for the common good. Those who live out what they preach understand that eternal matters are at stake, and their motivation is the knowledge that they are speaking for the Lord. Love in the Spirit is not merely an emotion. We don't manufacture it to generate positive feelings about God and others. This love comes from the Holy Spirit, covering a multitude of sins and allowing us to see others as God sees them. God's love within us values others even when we dislike them. Yet, that love persists because of the Spirit's influence. We encounter love in various ways. We felt it on salvation's first day; a love for the brethren was implanted in us. Before, if they approached, we would try to avoid them. As we observe those around us, we contemplate their destiny and desire for them to understand the way of salvation, so they can escape punishment for their sins if they accept the Lord Jesus as their Savior.
There is also a love for God's interests. Communion in prayer and reading His Word becomes a significant part of our lives, fulfilling a need that can only be met by heeding God's will. Love arises because we desire to gather with God's people in fellowship and worship. The words of the Gospel bring joy to our hearts, and learning from other Christians provides a strong foundation for our love.
Some very special people deeply care for those they know who need help. Their primary concern is to support and meet the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ. The bond they share is both natural and physical as caring individuals, but their interest also extends to the welfare of spiritual growth. A person with such genuine interest is someone the Lord's people cherish. They fear that the lost souls they know may perish in their sins, and they desire for believers to grow in grace, faith, and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of focusing solely on their own pursuits, they “labor in prayer” so that the needs of those they know are being met.
A believer who looks on the needs of others and personally seeks to meet them is a good example of the Master, who has sent them into His work to labor for Him. They have learned to see the people they minister to through the eyes of the Lord. They apply practical help to them and labor for them in explaining the Word of God, as well as seeking to meet the physical needs of others. They know what is needed and labor personally to meet those needs and don't complain when others don't seem to heed what they think is urgent. So, they hasten to take the time necessary to pray fervently that those needs can be supplied.
A laborer understands that the Lord's people have a special need for God to empower them to stand firm in Christ, despite what the world considers important and what others might say. This laborer persistently prays as an intercessor, asking God on their behalf to protect the saints from evil and the subtle traps set by the world, the flesh, and the devil. Enemies attempt to lead the people of God away from the path of obedience and pressure them to make poor choices, turning them into the devil's prey.
It is a strong recommendation to be recognized by others as someone who prays earnestly. People like Epaphras care for God's people and faithfully serve in their best interests, even though most will never recognize or appreciate the value of such individuals. Epaphras was mature in his convictions and was not afraid to declare God's will as he witnessed for the Lord.