Today's passage will serve as an echo to the introduction to Philippians we've had through this week. Paul has been lifting up and encouraging the people of Philippi. While his encouragement has been for the people, his focus remains fixed on God. This encouragement ensures that the people understand they are active participants in God's mission, and thereby have the ability to continue and get better at doing that work faithfully and uprightly; but to ensure they do not get works-focused, since it is really God who is doing the work. They, and we, get to be co-laborers with God--what a blessing!
Paul gives a similar encouraging introduction in his letter to Philemon, a portion of which is below. As we continue through Philippians and focus on things like discipleship and gospel fluency, let us mirror Paul's approach to encourage one another. Start by looking at the work God has done in your fellow brothers or sisters, discern also where God is working in them to be more Christ-like, but be sure to keep the focus on God. Today's passage is certainly my message for you, Downtown Hope, and all who read this. May the word of God encourage us to press on into the restorative work Jesus is doing in us and in the city and surrounding area.
Philemon 1.4-7
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 does verse 4 indicate is something we should be doing for one another in our church?
+ What is Paul encouraging Philemon (and us) to continue doing? [v5]
+ What does verse 6 indicate is the purpose of sharing our faith?
+ How does Paul make his encouragement more personal? [v7]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Who has been an encouragement to you? Take time over the next week to express this appreciation, mirroring Paul's personal, God-focused approach.
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Who is God calling you to be an encouragement to? Take time to recognize the work God has done in their life to date. Also encourage them where you see God at work in their life now.
Note: Even when it is right to identify where a brother or sister has slipped up, the focus is not on the sin, but on the response. Remain gospel-focused. Let them know God is at work in their lives, redeeming them through the work of Jesus and in the power of the Spirit. God is enabling them to confess and turn from sin, be forgiven and purified, and be effective co-laborers with Him.