Philemon 1:4-7
English a wonderful language – “Lexicographer Susie Dent has cited about 20,000 words as a typical active vocabulary size for an adult English speaker” from total count of half million or more. Yet even for all precision that many words allows in communication, is important feature missing in English but present in other languages, even earlier forms of English. In this letter, “you” “your” occur 34 times total yet have no way to distinguish between singular and plural. e.g. “Grace to you” (3) plural, “mention of you” (4) singular. Reverts to plural you in closing verse. Why important?
This much more than just private letter to friend with “oh by the way” acknowledgment of others close by. Yes, bulk of letter addresses situation between Philemon and Onesimus but the whole is wrapped in address to entire house church. Is in part b/c Onesimus’ circumstances affects them too; is valuable for everyone to learn from what Paul writes… and not only about the runaway. In fact, almost halfway through letter before gets to that subject.
Beginning in v.4 Paul draws attention to some important things with regard to Philemon, also his own attitude and actions toward them. Certainly intended to encourage Philemon, also more on his mind. By highlighting these things, Paul expressing desire for similar to be present and displayed by all in Christ’s church. Must not forget Paul’s example here, demonstrating for all who heard letter read how they can think about and encourage others.
A. prayers of others v.4
frequent theme
early verses of most letters include some kind of prayer, blessing, reference to prayer, giving thanks for recipients
some have numerous references to prayer or doxology, e.g. Rom 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
not saying only to be polite or only to encourage readers – would refresh their hearts, his desire went far beyond that
usually for others
occasionally prayed / asked prayer for himself, close of Ephesians, asked prayer for words and boldness in preaching Gospel
far more often “making mention” of those to whom he writes, thanking God for them, asking for things for them
like request for self, requests for others had Gospel / spiritual focus – too often our praying is limited, practical/physical needs… should not neglect spiritual needs
essential God-given means
easy to remember things in Lord’s Prayer – daily bread, forgiveness, God’s will… should pray… and thank for those things
remember these two things:
Matt. 7.7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James 4.2 …you do not have because you do not ask.
applies just as much to spiritual things: growth in understanding / maturity / Christ-likeness, for fellow believers and selves
B. personal love and faith v.5
the real deal
had heard report of what was happening in church there, perhaps from Epaphras – kind of things to warm pastor’s heart
Philemon’s faith not flash in the pan, burning quickly/brightly, then going out – was kind that endured and produced fruit
is the expected result of faith in Christ, especially when shared in common – evident as saints show love for one another
his reputation
faith not kept hidden, separate from other parts of life – faith in Christ, if essential to who we are, must be obvious in all of life
definitely not limited to time spent together in church – life not rightly segmented into church, family, public circles
kind of love that looks for opportunities to express broadly – first to those who already share faith, then ones who need to
sound evidence
most acquaintances would not see faith first, would see works first – brothers would see / experience works and praise God
generous expressions of love in tangible ways even without words speak volumes about belief and character of person
C. gifts from Christ v.6
given to be shared
Paul had well defined outcome in mind when he prayed for them – that their sharing together in common faith would produce substantial results for all of them
that faith given to them would be shared liberally – as one grows, encourages others to grow stronger, bolder, more confident
from him to him
every good thing, every blessing has ultimate source in Christ – may be expressed through person but starts with Christ
experiencing blessing from Christ works to increase knowledge of him, understanding of how he works in lives of his people
all together fuels love for God and love for neighbor, adds to praise and glory given back to him for his goodness to us
some is good, more is better
these things already present in some measure in Philemon and rest of church – if not Paul wouldn’t have heard about it
desired outcome is more of what they had – greater more obvious likeness to Christ increasingly obvious to one another and watching world
D. encouragement for the saints v.7
giving encourages giving
sharing / fellowship that begins with faith in Christ confirmed by indwelling Holy Spirit encourages heart, not only mind
when heart motivated by love, will find expression… cannot be hidden, will be displayed in generous actions/giving to others
example encourages questions
actions not hidden from ones present with church family who are not yet committed to following Christ in faith
also not hidden from friends and neighbors, taking notice of how we behave toward one another… and them
more Christ-like we become, more often will recognize opportunities to acknowledge good gifts Christ has bestowed on us
God is glorified
this really bottom line for Christian, that God be glorified starting with us, expanding outward and embracing people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation
is something we should encourage in one another and from everyone we meet in all walks of life
Doesn’t matter how many times we hear truth from God’s word, need to hear it again. Need to ask for God’s help to understand it, apply it properly, make more part of who we are. Requires prayer and meditation and encouragement. With God’s help, together we can encourage one another to grow more effective as God’s children, be even more ready to meet him when he calls us home.
Reformanda 