majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him in Philemon 4-7,
"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear
about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I
pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will
have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your
love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother,
have refreshed the hearts of the saints."
As Paul addresses his friend, Philemon, he makes an observation of
him. It has to do with his faith in Jesus Christ and the love he has
for the saints. Paul prays for him that he would be active in sharing
his faith, so that he might have a full understanding of "every good
thing we have in Christ." Paul goes on to speak of the "great joy and
encouragement" Philemon's love has brought him because of the
refreshment Philemon's love has brought the hearts of the saints.
In this observation I see some things connected. The faith of Philemon
in Jesus Christ brought a love within his heart for "all the saints"
that resulted in the of refreshing the hearts of the saints - and
great joy to the apostle. In the midst of this love of Philemon is
Paul's prayer that he be active in sharing his faith that will bring
him further understanding of the good things we have in Christ.
Faith-love-refreshing/joy-sharing the faith-increased understanding.
These are all strung together with the Holy Spirit behind it all.
Faith results in the Holy Spirit coming into our lives to produce
fruit, among which is love. Love brings refreshing and joy and the
opportunity to share our faith. As this process rolls along, it brings
us further understanding of the wonderful blessings we have in Jesus
Christ. Our faith in Jesus Christ is like a snow ball rolling down
hill. It grows and encompasses more as it rolls along. Here there is
no stale stagnated religion. Here there is no dry theological
bickering to fall into. Here there is no tedious life without meaning,
without joy and without purpose. Here there is no waiting in our pews
for boring sermons to get over so we can get to Sunday dinner. Here we
find love and passion for the things and people of God! Here we find
love and purpose within life - true love and true purpose! Here we
find transformation taking place, growth and vitality!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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