REAL FAITH EXP RESSES LOVE AND GOOD THINGS INTRODUCTION: Paul s gratitude and praise of Philemon was based on his first hand observation of Philemon s character. He along with Epaphrus and Onesimus could testify to the type of man they had known him to be. I. THE COMMENDATION OF PHILEMON 4-5 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers note prayers seems to always include thanksgiving (gratitude). Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; thanksgiving - well and grace; our response to grace. Paul is practicing what he teaches and preaches. The thanksgiving becomes a commendation of Philemon s character and faith. Philemon embodied the good qualities of the Christian life. 1
This truth of praying with thanksgiving emphasizes the fact that Paul remembered the Christian people who stood with him in ministry and the Christian life. From the prayer of Paul it is apparent that Paul knew nothing negative about Philemon. Paul does not correct him, and there is no suggestion that anything was wrong in his life. There is no threatening language that might assume Paul felt forgiving Onesimus would be difficult for Philemon, but rather a spirit that expected he would. A. Philemon s Sincerity 5 hearing of your love and faith suggest that the hearing was continuous. Speaks of consistency; great characteristics 1. Seen in his Character toward the Savior. your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus. as a result, Philemon was concerned about the Lord and desired to please Him. Because the Lord had forgiven him, Philemon could forgive others. 2
Conviction from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Conviction from the Word of God. Both provide the impetus to do what is right. you have (ECHO) continuous motive of his concern for the Lord. 2. Seen in his Character toward the Saints. love toward all the saints #1 Reason missionaries in North America leave the field; CONFLICT. love in love of will and choice. of self-sacrifice and humility. Love is a fruit of the Spirit and a manifestation of genuine saving faith. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Believers should not need to be taught this love. 3
1 Thessalonians 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; Its source is already in us by His Spirit. Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Because Philemon s faith was real, it manifested itself in true biblical love. This love expressed itself in concern for people. faith (which you have) not saving faith (personal) but his daily, practical faith. First seen in salvation but then continues daily for spiritual sustenance. The value of faith depends on the value of the object. Love is manward. Faith is Godward. 4
B. Paul s Clarity 6 that shows the purpose. the sharing of your faith may become effective. 1. Participation 6a Real faith and love will inevitably result in a concern for fellowship. There is no place in the Body of Christ for an individualism that does not care about others. To not forgive leads to a rift in the fellowship. By forgiving Onesimus, Philemon would maintain the harmony, peace, and unity of the church in his house. sharing KOINONIA; fellowship or participation; belonging; mutual sharing of life. effective means powerful. As Philemon forgives Onesimus, it sends a powerful message to the church about the importance of fellowship: (BROKEN FELLOWSHIP). 5
What becomes effective? 1. Evangelization. 2. Contribution. Kind deeds of charity which spring from your faith. 3. Internalization Communion with Christ by faith. 2. Provision 6b by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you (us) in Christ Jesus acknowledgement (EPIGNOSIS); combines experiential and intellectual meaning, stresses a personal acquaintance with knowledge. EXAMPLE: In college, I was ignorance on fire. Today- fire and light. Ken Hemphill (SWBTS President), Rather be ignorance on fire than intellect on ice. Therefore, knowing how to apply the faith to the matter at hand comes from experiential knowledge. 6
Philemon could read of forgiveness or hear a sermon (or a series) about it. But until he forgives, he could not have experiential knowledge of it. By forgiving Omesimus, Philemon would experience that good thing in him known as forgiveness. By walking in obedience to God s will, believers experience the good things God has placed within them. It is thrilling to grasp a truth from Scripture intellectually. But it is far more exciting to live that truth out in practice. Practicing the truths of Scripture leads to the knowledge that brings spiritual maturity. It is wonderful to understand what it means to trust God, but more wonderful to experience His power in the times when we trusted him with not strength on our own. EXAMPLE: It does not take money to give money away; it takes faith to give money away. Average believer gives 2.3% to charity. Great Depression it was 3.3%. Only 5% of believers give 10% or more. 7
The truth is: Giving is a heart issue, not a money issue. If the minimum giving of all churchgoers was 10%, we would receive $165 billion additionally. Church could do with the kind of money: $25 billion could relieve global hunger, starvation and deaths from preventable diseases in five years. $12 billion could eliminate illiteracy in five years. $15 billion could solve the world s water and sanitation issues, specifically at places in the world where 1 billion people live on less than $1 per day. $1 billion could fully fund all overseas mission work. $100-$110 billion would still be left over for additional ministry expansion. Those are amazing numbers. 6. good things goodness; speaks of the character of God; ( in you ). 8
The blessings the Lord gives us are for His glory, first and foremost; blessings which have Christ as their goal. In Christ Jesus (Apologetics Bible) for the glory of Christ; Christ is the object of the good thing. Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' 3. Possibility 7 refreshed speaks of an army resting from a march; you are a breath of fresh air. 9