A few weeks ago I had started to pass on the lessons from the little letter to Philemon we were studying in our midweek prayer meeting.
Here is the second part....
Paul's Commendation of Philemon's Christianity
A. His Gratitude:v4-5
Philemon's love and faith toward the Lord Jesus was seen to be genuine, what we might call his love vertically, and his love was also seen horizontally, for all the saints. v5 In other words Philemon's relationship with the Lord Jesus translated into a relationship with his church.
If Paul knew us would he be able to say the same about our Christianity?
B.His Desire:v6
In Greek 'sharing the faith' is the word 'koinonia' which means fellowship which includes serving, giving, sharing, partnering for the sake of Christ. Paul's desire is that Philemon's engagement in 'koinonia' will result in him growing in his experience of all good things Christ gives. What Paul challenges Philemon and us with is this...'it's great what you are doing - do more!' There's always more that can be done in the work of Christ. We can always love more, be more hospitable, pray more, read more, we must never think we have arrived.
C. His Delight:v7
Paul testifies of receiving much joy and comfort from Philemon's faithfulness and the fact that the church has benefitted from it. He was the kind of man you would want to be around, you would be refreshed by his presence.
Application:
So this leaves us with the a few questions...
What kind of testimony do I have..with my Pastors, with the church?
Is it clearly marked by the graces of love and faith?
Does it translate into ministering to the saints in the church?
In what ways does it manifest itself?
We serve a great omnipotent God who has sent his Holy Spirit. By His help we can open our mouths, our arms, our homes, and our bank accounts all to the Glory of God.
Philemon - 'the blessing of a good testimony'
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