Be effective (Philemon v4-7)

source: http://performanceinsightllc.com/

Last time, we heard how Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, reminded us that with Jesus we have a new outlook in life. In verse 2, Paul clearly identifies that Philemon's life has changed and is now using his own home as a place of worship for fellow Christians.

We now hear the thanksgivings of Paul, despite his current predicament of imprisonment, he still has a lot to thank God for.

Verse 4-5:
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

As with verse 1, Paul is stating his position, his faith and his determination to contend his faith no matter what life throws him. It is quite pertinent for Paul to declare God to be 'my God' bringing a sense of belonging and of a personal relationship with God and reminding the reader that Paul was important in his conversion. It is likely Paul has had deep discussions with Onesimus (the servant of Philemon - more later) regarding his master and the way he conducts business. Indeed, Paul would have been interested in Philemon's progress as a 'new' Christian since his conversion. Paul was clearly happy and joyous about the 'love and of the faith' that Philemon showed in the way that he lived, (the church in your house v2). Truly a reason to be thankful to God. Normally, Paul puts faith before love, but here, notice how 'your love' comes before 'the faith that you have', this perhaps points towards the topic of the letter, trying to remind the reader about his Christian love when it comes to dealing with the matter at hand.

verse 6:
... and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become more effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

Paul, once again makes links with Philemon's change of life with him sharing his faith in his home (cf v2), but he acknowledges that Philemon may have some further work to do in order for it to become more effective. He knows that Philemon's faith is active, that much is evident, but Paul wishes to help him make his faith effective, when it comes to the situation with Onesimus. Paul encourages Philemon to show generosity toward Onesimus as he does with those in his congregation, which is a natural outgoing of his faith in Christ. Paul is pointing out here that if Philemon follows through with his generosity he will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the blessings that belong to him in Christ.

Verse 7:
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

'my brother' clearly Paul counts Philemon as a close colleague, a brother in Christ and this is confirmed when he tells Philemon that he has derived much joy and comfort from [his] love. Here, Paul maybe encouraging his former convert, Philemon, by showing how much he means to him, telling him he is doing great work already referring to the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Philemon is spreading the Gospel in his congregation, he is sharing the love of Christ with others and through this action, he is encouraging his congregation which, as the word gets back to Paul, encourages Paul.

This, then, is what the power of the Gospel does for you. It makes your faith active AND effective. Being active in your faith is not sufficient, even the devil and his demons have faith, but your faith must be effective.

From our passage above, it is clear that Paul wishes for Philemon to make that next step in order to receive the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. He wants him to make his faith more than just action. Paul wants Philemon to acknowledge that he needs a deeper relationship with and understanding of Jesus to move forward. His faith must pulsate throughout his whole life, not just as gospel sharer to his congregation. Every aspect of his life must be governed by this faith and this includes the part as master to slaves.

As we will see next time, Paul has a big favour to ask of Philemon and it weighs heavily upon how Philemon conducts his business. Does he live two separate lives, a Christian for the congregation and a master of slaves and never the two meet?

Having reminded Philemon that his life has been changed by the power of the Gospel, Paul points out that he must now act accordingly and grant his wish as a fellow brother in Christ.

But why can't you continue to live the way you did before Christ entered?  Why must your life be completely changed? Why can't you just hold onto the part you enjoyed? Will that really make a difference?

Of course, the love of Christ is all-changing (that is, it changes all, every last bit, all kit and caboodle!). Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you become changed. Your sins are forgiven, you have died to your old life and have become alive in Christ. All your life, every part of it must reflect that, otherwise you have not given yourself completely and not completely giving yourself to Jesus, is not being effective in your faith.

You see, the Gospel that changed Philemon's life speaks of Jesus once and for all dying on a cross to take our punishment for our sin. He died completely. Not a little bit. It wasn't just a little part of him that died that day, it was every part of him. Completely, undoubtedly and undeniably Jesus died!

To die, is to give your all. There's nothing more to give, because you have given your very life. That is what Jesus did for you (and me!). He gave his all so that we don't have to.

So, if he gave his all on the cross, why then, should we only give a part of ours?

Just as Paul urged Philemon to become more effective in his love and faith so that he can have the full blessings of Christ, we too must become more effective in our lives by allowing Christ to have ALL of it. Not just the good bits, the bad bits as well. Warts and all!

Only then, will our faith be active and effective for the sake of Christ.

Get a New Outlook On Life. (Philemon 1-3)

Source: thoopid.com

A brief background of Philemon uncovers this to be Paul's shortest letter in the Bible. Although it is addressed specifically to Philemon himself, it is not a personal letter for his eyes only. It is predominantly about Onesimus, a servant belonging to Philemon, which suggests that Philemon was wealthy. The opening verses enlightens us to more information about this wealthy man. On the surface, this letter is very much a character reference for Onesimus, in order for Philemon to accept him back, but, as we delve deeper into the passages, we will see a far greater message being shared.

Verse 1
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker ...

The Apostle Paul introduces himself at the start, to make it clear who has written the letter, perhaps to ensure it is received with the intention it has been sent. Paul has Christian authority over the reader and "is bold enough in Christ to command" (v8) him to follow his instructions. Paul opens most of his letters this way, leading each time with this authority. Also, Paul was an actual prisoner for the sake of Christ (Act 27-28) at the time, this was his first imprisonment in Rome around A.D. 62. No doubt, after 30 years of ministry, Paul would have counted his imprisonment for Christ's sake, as a blessing. "a prisoner for Christ Jesus" also gives the reader hope.  Although Paul is unable to verbally preach the gospel, he is still able to share the gospel through word, thereby giving those who 'look up' to him encouragement to keep to the path.  Timothy was a close companion of Paul who traveled with him and a devout "brother".  Then we get to the intended reader, Philemon.  We know that Philemon was a slave owner (v16), that he probably lived in Colossae and he became a Christian through hearing Paul (v19) and he was considered by Paul as a "beloved fellow worker".

Verse 2
... and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:"

Apphia is Philemon's wife and it is possible that Archippus is their son (although there is little evidence for either way!), but we do know Paul considers him a "fellow soldier", this is most likely because of the support that he has given Paul in his ministry labours. The "church in your house" suggests that Philemon saw it upon himself to organise a Christian community in his very own home, this may or may not include his servants (nothing suggests either way). This is likely due to his conversion and seeing a need for a congregation to form in Colossae to continue to spread the gospel.

Verse 3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This greeting indicates a prayerful concern for Philemon and his congregation that they may fully understand the grace that God gives and his peace through Jesus Christ, his son. This may suggest that Paul wants the congregation to think carefully what he is about to talk about and that everything he says is grounded in the grace and peace of God the Father and through Jesus Christ.

Even at the start of the letter, Paul fully submits to Christ Jesus (v1) admitting that he is a prisoner for Christ Jesus. If anything, this shows Paul's conviction about his faith in Jesus, that he is willing to continue to preach the gospel even if his very life is in danger.  In the first few verses, Paul, once a man who persecuted Christians for following Christ (Acts 8), now openly confesses that he does everything for the sake of Christ (v1).

If anything this should encourage us today, especially if we face persecution.  I don't just mean those who are in fear for their lives, but those who are ridiculed or overlooked because of their faith. Believing in Christ, following Christ, having fellowship with Christ and believing in the truth, the real truth, despite what people say, do or think no matter what temptation is the faith that Paul shows here in these opening words, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus.  Of course, he was actually in prison, but that was for preaching the gospel of Jesus.

As we will read later, I think this is quite a poignant point Paul is making here.  Opening with the reminder that he is a prisoner, whose freedom is governed by others and then writing a letter to Philemon about a slave who has become a Christian (more on this later).

Paul also gives his thanksgiving to God for his work in Philemon's life. Although the details are sparse, it is definitely clear that Philemon's change is due to the work of Jesus in his life. His life has been radically changed and he, himself (a master of slaves) serves a new Master, our Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of this change, Philemon uses his time, talents, treasures and possessions to minister to others and the sharing of the gospel.

This is what Christ's love does for us; it radically changes our perception of life. He loves us enough to die for us that we might be reunited with God the Father. This very fact is enough to alter anyone's outlook on life.

Do you need a change? A new outlook on life? Look no further.

Jesus is the answer!

Praise God, through Jesus Christ (Jude v24-25)

Source: Hasbro Monopoly

After a letter reminding us to contend the faith because hell's no joke and in a world where false teachers have risen to the highest ranks of our Christian communities, we must Persevere, despite temptation, Jude concludes with an uplifting and encouraging hymn of praise to God.

Verse 24:
"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy ..."

Jude is directing his readers back to what they first believed, the truth!  This verse speaks of Christ.  That he is the one who presents us 'blameless' before God because we are now identified with the character of Christ, we are saved and justified by his blood.  Jude reminds us that whilst we are 'kept for Jesus Christ' (v1), our struggles are his struggles and we must rely upon him for our daily strength.  What he has done for us, surely deserves our 'great joy'!

Verse 25:
"... to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

There is only One God who has the splendour as bright as the radiance of pure light 'glory'; the position of absolute rule 'majesty'; an ability to carry out his sovereign will 'dominion' and an absolute right to do so 'authority'.  Despite the false teachings, despite those who wrangle their way up through the ranks to persuade others to follow them, Jude ascribes that God saves us 'through Jesus Christ our Lord' and that through him, and him alone, we can praise God.

What a hope!  Through all the darkness and wickedness that exists within our world, God loves us enough to send someone to be our beacon of light, to be our refuge, our fortress, our saviour.  Not just anybody, but his only son, Jesus Christ!

We come to him caked in stinking, filthy sin, worthy only of God's righteous wrath, yet Christ presents us blameless to God because he has taken it all.  Our choices in life determine our path, we cannot choose to go to heaven by our own efforts, that is impossible!  If it were not for God's grace and mercy, we would continually fail him.  All roads of human effort lead to the fiery damnation that is hell, yet Christ keeps us from stumbling.

This does not mean everything will come easy to us.  Surely, we will still be tempted away from God's glory and majesty.  We will still listen to friends who persuade us to do things that are not really pleasing to God.  We will still form cliques in our churches, circumnavigate toward people of like interests/abilities/statuses (etc.) and be tempted to do things that are worldly and self-edifying for the sake of just 'fitting in'.

If anything, Jude is a stark reminder of the righteous judgement that God gives to those who chose the world over him.  His judgement is for all his creation, not just a portion of it.  No one can escape it, not even the angels!

However, because only God deserves the glory, majesty, dominion and authority in the universe, he has provided us with a 'get-out-of-hell card'; a 'Lamb' who John the Baptist witnessed about in John 1:29 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'.

Christ took our sin upon himself.  He carried the judgement of God so that we don't have to.  All we must do is contend the faith and persevere.  Remember, that 'through Jesus Christ our Lord', God sees us blameless (despite your natural, world passion-loving sin) and because of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice, we are made perfect in the eyes of God.

Our sin is forgiven and God's promise of eternal life is given to us not because of the things that WE do but ONLY because of his love for us.  This alone is enough to warrant us to give God the glory, majesty, power and praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!