Imagine the church body we would be if we all consistently encouraged one another like this. And we aren’t just talking a worldly, uplifting, “you got this!” encouragement–Paul’s encouragement to Philemon here is rooted deeply in the Gospel, which he knows, trusts, and believes will produce life-altering effects in someone once they become a “saint,” or a true believer.

We are challenged today from two sides: Paul’s, the one who prays for the saints, and Philemon’s, the one who leaves such an impact on others because of the way he loves [see John 13.35].

As the days grow darker, let's read these few verses and allow the various reminders to rekindle the flame within our hearts.

[Philemon 1.4-7]

1.4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What was the goal of Paul’s encouragement to Philemon in these 4 verses? [Hint: last 5 words of v. 6]

+ There were no cell phones, social media platforms, or live streams to virtually any local body in the early church. So how does that influence the way we read Paul saying he “hears” about the love, faith, and good works of people/churches within his letters?

+ What does Paul mean in v. 6? What might a “for the sake of Christ” lifestyle look like?

+ How does this passage reveal the impacts our individual walks have on the rest of the church, and vice versa?

+ Read John 13.34-35

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What do these verses reveal about my personal prayer life? What about my sense of community?

+ Do people know me by the way I love, ultimately revealing the “for the sake of Christ” life I follow?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I be encouraging in this way?