Christ’s Ministers

A Minister simply means Servant. So we are all ministers aren’t we?

They are also referred to as overseers and elders.

How do we know who are Christ’s ministers?

“You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf” Colossians 1 v 7

Let me use 2 other occasions Paul mentions Epaphras:

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”  (4:12)

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.”  (Philemon 23)

So Christ’s ministers are:

1. Fellow servants. Epaphras is the servant of the central figure: Christ.
   1. They get down into the dirt and wash feet.
2. Faithful ministers of Christ: Epaphras has proven his worth.
   1. They stay the course.
3. Represent others: Epaphras has given a glowing reference of the Colossian community.
   1. They speak well of others.
4. Intercessors: Epaphras wrestles in prayer for the Colossians.
   1. They lead and are known as people who pray
5. Knows suffering: Epaphras is also in prison or house arrest with Paul.
   1. There is evidence of the sacrificial life.
6. Are ordinary: Epaphras does not have any special title but appears to have begun the work.
   1. They don’t use their titles or credentials to lord it over people.

If you can’t spot any of the above then question the validity of what is before you.