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.