Read with Me
Philemon 4-7 (HCSB)
I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Listen with Me
Verse 8 begins with the phrase “For this reason”. This paragraph provides the basis for that transition.
Philemon really was a strong Christian. Paul would not write these words if it were not so. Paul is ultimately a truth-teller, and would not write a false description of Philemon in order to manipulate him.
Philemon was well-known as a man of faith. This refers not merely to his belief system, but to his actions based on that faith. Paul knew well that profession was not the same as possession. Philemon proved that the faith he professed was genuine by living it out day by day.
Paul prays that Philemon would be more active in sharing his faith, in bringing even more people to Jesus. Paul knew that an important way in which Christians grow both in their faith and in their knowledge of God is through being actively involved in the work of God’s kingdom. It is good to study God’s word and to be in the fellowship of other Christians. But it is much more growth-forming to be on the front lines where God can manifest his power in us.
Finally, Philemon was known for both his hospitality and his encouragement of others in the Church. He had a reputation of being warm-hearted, a reputation that gladdened Paul’s heart, not only in and of itself, but because it gave him hope that the request he was about to make would be well-received and acted on.
Pray with Me
Father, I am so impressed with the wisdom you gave to Paul as he carefully and logically crafted this letter. He was able to strike exactly the right tone, neither begging nor commanding (the latter of which was definitely Paul’s default style), but encouraging and reasoning. And I have no doubt that Philemon’s divinely encouraged response was precisely what Paul wanted it to be. Lord, help me to always remember that when I am dealing with your people that they truly are my brothers and sisters in Christ, and that I must always be pursuing your agenda, not my own, so that I can deal with them as lovingly and encouragingly as Paul did with Philemon. Amen.