“Faithful To One Another”

Tuesday, November 07, 2023

BIBLE READING: Romans 12.10; Colossians 1.3-8; 4.12-13; Philippians 2.19-23; Philippians 2.25-30; Romans 16.3-16

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.” (Colossians 4.12-13)

Epaphras is mentioned briefly 3 times in Paul’s writing (Colossians 1.7; 4.12; Philemon 1.23). He is probably the one who shared the gospel and helped start the church in Colossae (Colossians 1.6-7). However, it is not his accomplishments but the quality of his person to which we are drawn. The descriptions of Epaphras include “our dear fellow servant,” “a servant of Christ Jesus,” “always wrestling in prayer,” and “working hard.” This brief sketch reveals more than just a motivated worker. Epaphras demonstrated a deep care for those in whom he had invested spiritually. In short, Paul describes him as “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1.7).

Faithfulness is an obvious quality we must have; but have you thought about what that looks like towards others? Timothy showed his proven worth with a selfless “others first” attitude in his work (Philippians 2.19-21). He served Paul faithfully as though a son to a father (Philippians 2.22). Many others became as family to Paul in their hospitality and encouragement (Romans 16.13). Epaphroditus nearly died of illness to complete the work of Christ for the brethren (Philippians 2.25-20). Prisca and Aquilla risked their necks for Paul’s life and the church (Romans 16.3-4). I’m not saying that we must always pursue such extreme measures, but we must develop a more committed resolve to love and serve one another. For all the things we can do for the kingdom, this is a key and critical work we all can do. After all, Jesus said we would be known by our love for one another (John 13.35).

I want to draw our attention to 2 key expressions made of Epaphras that ought to motivate our faithfulness towards one another:

• “[He is] always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers” (Colossians 4.12). He had an intensity, concern and even struggle for his brethren daily in his prayer life. I imagine his efforts carried through even beyond his prayer time and weighed heavy in his mind. His struggle moved him to actions that brought other believers together in love. When was the last time you struggled on behalf of others and not just yourself? Would your prayers be described as selfish or selfless?
• “He has worked hard for you” (Colossians 4.13). Think about what this looked like. Obviously, this man wasn’t a casual churchgoer who simply filled a pew. He did things that were difficult with the intention of serving the brethren. Perhaps he attended to them in their needs. Perhaps he had hard conversations. Perhaps he sacrificed his personal time to invest in the needs of others. Whatever he did, it was evident to Paul and others.

You don’t have to have a title to work hard for others (see Mary in Romans 16.6). You just have to be committed to faithfulness. So let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10.24) by being more faithful to one another.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12.10

Share