Philemon 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Wow Friends! That’s vintage Bruh Paul; using plenty words, where few might suffice. But that’s just his style, and who am I to judge him eh, especially since I sometimes suffer from the same affliction? (smile) But anyway, this brief letter to Philemon, a co-worker in Christ’s ministry, shows us some of Bruh Paul’s Christ-like nature; forgiving, asking for forgiveness for others and paying the price for someone else. Apparently Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, which means ‘useful,’ had done him wrong then ran off to Rome, where he met Bruh Paul, was eventually converted to the faith and helped Bruh Paul in his ministry there. Now, Bruh Paul, writing from prison in Rome, is asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back. But as always, he begins with a prayer for grace and peace. ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (vs.3) Now that strikes me as a beautiful opening sentiment, and surprisingly enough the spirit just spurred me into thinking, and suggesting, that it’s one we could all adopt in our letters and missives to each other, and also to unbelievers, those who won’t rant and rave when they read Jesus’ name. I think it extends a warm, caring greeting and flavour to our messages, plus it helps to keep God on our minds. Even the unbelievers, for if they see or hear it often enough, it’s going to seep into their unconsciousness and make them more amenable to accepting Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Note, this isn’t gospel, just my take on the subject. But I’m sure many of us would experience a feeling of joy, relief or some such emotion, if most of our correspondence began with, ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘ or words which convey that sentiment. It sure puts you in a better frame of mind to receive the rest of the message, be it good news or bad. Philemon would certainly need to hear something peaceful and calm if he was to respond like Bruh Paul suggests; accepting Onesimus back, ‘not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.’ (vs.16) Here Bruh Paul is trading on Philemon’s faith, as Onesimus now has two new relationships to him, no longer a slave, but above that and also a ‘brother in the Lord.’ Bruh Paul had already softened up Philemon at the beginning: ‘I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers. Hearing of thy LOVE and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.’ (vs.4-6) Oh Friends, when someone says such nice things about you and your ministry for God, it’s hard to turn down even their most painful requests afterwards. Bruh Paul’s praising him for the LOVE and faith he’s shown towards Jesus and all the believers that pass through his life. Wishing that the sharing of his faith becomes very effective. Like he said to the Philippians: ‘And this I pray that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ (Phil.1:9-11) Yes my people, that’s also my prayer for every one of us who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why? Because that’s the only way others will know and see us as true believers; when we put our faith to work, not only in words, but also in deeds, especially emotionally difficult and painful deeds. For as James disputes; ‘What doth it profit, my brethren though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?…Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?’ (James 2:14,17,18,20) And all God’s people said, ‘Amen!’ Yes my Friends, that’s the only way to truly show our faith, by our works. Let’s get out there and do some more works nuh! Much LOVE!…talk is mucho cheap…but good deeds expensive… To be continued tomorrow…God willing.
Wow Friends! That’s vintage Bruh Paul; using plenty words, where few might suffice. But that’s just his style, and who am I to judge him eh, especially since I sometimes suffer from the same affliction? (smile) But anyway, this brief letter to Philemon, a co-worker in Christ’s ministry, shows us some of Bruh Paul’s Christ-like nature; forgiving, asking for forgiveness for others and paying the price for someone else. Apparently Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, which means ‘useful,’ had done him wrong then ran off to Rome, where he met Bruh Paul, was eventually converted to the faith and helped Bruh Paul in his ministry there. Now, Bruh Paul, writing from prison in Rome, is asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back. But as always, he begins with a prayer for grace and peace. ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ (vs.3) Now that strikes me as a beautiful opening sentiment, and surprisingly enough the spirit just spurred me into thinking, and suggesting, that it’s one we could all adopt in our letters and missives to each other, and also to unbelievers, those who won’t rant and rave when they read Jesus’ name. I think it extends a warm, caring greeting and flavour to our messages, plus it helps to keep God on our minds. Even the unbelievers, for if they see or hear it often enough, it’s going to seep into their unconsciousness and make them more amenable to accepting Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Note, this isn’t gospel, just my take on the subject. But I’m sure many of us would experience a feeling of joy, relief or some such emotion, if most of our correspondence began with, ‘Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ‘ or words which convey that sentiment. It sure puts you in a better frame of mind to receive the rest of the message, be it good news or bad. Philemon would certainly need to hear something peaceful and calm if he was to respond like Bruh Paul suggests; accepting Onesimus back, ‘not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.’ (vs.16) Here Bruh Paul is trading on Philemon’s faith, as Onesimus now has two new relationships to him, no longer a slave, but above that and also a ‘brother in the Lord.’ Bruh Paul had already softened up Philemon at the beginning: ‘I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers. Hearing of thy LOVE and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.’ (vs.4-6) Oh Friends, when someone says such nice things about you and your ministry for God, it’s hard to turn down even their most painful requests afterwards. Bruh Paul’s praising him for the LOVE and faith he’s shown towards Jesus and all the believers that pass through his life. Wishing that the sharing of his faith becomes very effective. Like he said to the Philippians: ‘And this I pray that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ (Phil.1:9-11) Yes my people, that’s also my prayer for every one of us who claims to be a follower of Christ. Why? Because that’s the only way others will know and see us as true believers; when we put our faith to work, not only in words, but also in deeds, especially emotionally difficult and painful deeds. For as James disputes; ‘What doth it profit, my brethren though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?…Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?’ (James 2:14,17,18,20) And all God’s people said, ‘Amen!’ Yes my Friends, that’s the only way to truly show our faith, by our works. Let’s get out there and do some more works nuh! Much LOVE!…talk is mucho cheap…but good deeds expensive… To be continued tomorrow…God willing.
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