1. Epaphras: An Imitator of Christ

2. Imitating 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)

3. Imitating Christ In Heavy Duty Prayer Agonizing Prayer –Lk 22:44 “being in agony He was praying” –Col. 4:12 “laboring earnestly for you in his prayers” 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” –Col. 4:12 “laboring earnestly for you in his prayers” Constant Prayer –“Always” (Col. 4:12) Numerous Prayers –“Prayers” (Col. 4:12) Selfless Prayer –“so that you” (Col. 4:12)

4. Imitating 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. To Teach To Pray To Seek Help With False Teaching To Travel To Identify With “place membership” To Care for Other congregations

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

6. Imitating 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)

7. Epaphras: An Imitator of Christ