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Another Day 15 Service With Love: Digging Deeper

March 24, 2023 by Rebecca Adams 1 Comment

Another Day 15 Service With Love: Digging Deeper

Rebecca Adams

March 24, 2023

Borders,Busy,church,Community,Digging Deeper,Faithfulness,Fervent,Forgiven,Freedom

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Purposeful Pace"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why is prayer included in this list of actions? (verse 7)

The phrase, “The end of all things is near”, and ones similar to it like, “The Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8), or “The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5) are found frequently in both Old and New Testaments. They express urgency and the necessity of working for the Lord while it is still called “today”. (John 9:4)

When an author uses one of these phrases, it accompanies a specific call to action for believers, those who have already been granted the assurance of their certain rescue when Christ returns to judge the world.

Make no mistake, all these Christians have sinned grievously against the Holy God, but the difference between them and everyone else, is they have acknowledged their sin, confessed it to God Himself, and accepted His complete forgiveness of their sin. (1 John 1:9) In place of sin and eternal distance from God, the Lord gives His own Holy Spirit to dwell eternally inside the soul of all who call on Him with genuine faith, effectively drawing them into close, intimate relationship with Himself. (Romans 10:9)

Each call to action in connection with these phrases is meant to align the believer more closely with the Lord in preparation for the increasingly intense battle against evil as we move ever closer to the Day of Eternal Judgment.

James calls believers to “strengthen your hearts” (James 5:8) while Paul says, “wake up from sleep” and “put on the armor of light”. (Romans 13:11-12) Considering the workings of the enemy on all sides, the accompanying allure of sin (1 Peter 4:2-3), and the quickening Day of the Lord,

Peter calls believers to pray. Other actions follow, but Peter places prayer at the top of the list, honing in on that special, intimate relationship between Warrior God and adopted, forgiven child.

The Everyday Application

1) Why is prayer included in this list of actions? (verse 7)

We often relegate prayer to a last resort. Our words reflect what our hearts truly believe when we say things like, “All we can do is pray”, “There’s nothing we can do except pray”, or “We’ve tried everything else, we might as well pray.”

To the Lord, prayer comes first because the power source of our battle isn’t found in the things we can do, the brilliance with which we devise a plan, or our ability to take control, but in our complete reliance on the God of All Victory. He holds all power.

Even the final “battle” between God and Satan at the end of time won’t be a battle. The Lord will speak to silence Satan once and for all, and it will be over. The God who spoke creation into existence, holds galaxies by His breath, and knits our DNA into every cell, is more than able to thwart every attack, calm every storm, heal every disease, and bind up every broken heart, but it all begins and ends in relationship with Him.

We look around and see un-answered prayer and begin to doubt whether “prayer” works, but we forget it isn’t the “prayer”, but the ONE we talk with in prayer who holds our hearts.

Amazingly, when we grow familiar with bringing everything to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, His desires become ours. (Philippians 4:4-7) Fear dissipates, peace embraces, and shockingly, it no longer matters as much that we “get our way” and “make prayer work” because we have the better, we have God Himself.

Don’t believe me? Try it! Pursue God for who He is, not for what He can do for you. Talk with Him, about everything. You’ll soon discover why Peter places prayer at the very top of his “call to action” list for believers!

The Original Intent

2) What is the motivation for the believer’s call to action in these verses? (verse 8)

We’re studying these few verses from Peter’s letter to the dispersed, persecuted believers of the early church, but context is everything, no matter what portion of Scripture you’re reading.

Reading context and slowing down for right understanding safeguards us from the danger of mis-applying God’s Words to our lives and completely misunderstanding the kind of God He is. Context matters! Study God’s Word, ladies, but do it well!

Backing up in this chapter, we find we are in the middle of Peter’s discussion. Verses 1-6 describe the evil in the world, which accurately reflects the evil naturally growing in our hearts. Human beings are vile creatures, lusting after ourselves and our own desires. Full of idolatry (that is, worshipping anything other than God alone), we actively rebel against the Holy God, choosing our own ways and desiring our own control, wishing to be our own “gods”.

All true believers will recoil at evil because the Spirit of the Holy God lives within them, calling them to be holy as God is holy. (1 Peter 1:16) His Spirit changes a believer’s appetite! (verse 4) It’s a good thing for our appetite and attitude toward sin to shift, causing us to desire righteousness as we honor the Father who adopted us and calls us His own.

The danger, however, because we still feel the pull of our old nature to sin, is to judge, condemn, and revile the people who are lost in the disease of sin just as we once were. The powerful antidote here is genuine love like Christ’s, not just for their physical needs, but for their souls! (verse 8)

The Everyday Application

2) What is the motivation for the believer’s call to action in these verses? (verse 8)

Peter reminds the believers in verse 5, “They will give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.” This is meant to remind the scattered believers who are in danger because of un-believers, that they too will stand at the coming Judgment Seat. Believers are covered in the righteousness of Christ, but those who continue to reject Christ, will earn their just reward without any rescue and will be sentenced to continue the path they have chosen all their lives on earth, rebellion and separation from God.

The punishment is now far worse for eternity, for no mercies and graces from the Lord will be experienced in Hell as they were on earth. No kindness, no acts of love, only the eternal awful wrath of God against sin.

This reminder should motivate every single believer to become more passionately serious about genuinely loving their neighbor across the street, at the grocery store, and around the world. This reminder of all humanity’s default destination for eternity, should quickly break down the arrogant barriers we’ve erected to think we are somehow better than any other sinner on the planet.

All people desperately need the Love of Jesus “that covers a multitude of sins”. We do, they do.

Let’s get busy and love well by showing them His love in practical ways and by verbally sharing who Jesus is and how He loved them enough to take their place and die their death, so they could live forever inside the life of forgiveness and righteousness!

The Original Intent

3) What is the target goal for this collection of actions? (verse 11)

“Be hospitable without complaint”
(verse 9) reminds us to open our hearts and hands and homes with all generosity. The lack of complaining evidences how this generosity flows from a heart that knows exactly how much she has been forgiven of and how much Christ’s love has covered her sins.

When complaints rise up in hard relationships, stress, or hurt, remember Peter’s call to action that’s backed by the love of a Savior who gave Himself, humbly, for us to not only be forgiven for eternity, but be wrapped in peace and comfort by His constant presence on earth.

It’s hard to complain when we remember how loved we are, and it’s hard to love well when stinginess fills our hearts. The Lord has given every single believer gifts through the Holy Spirit for that Christian to actively live out in everyday life. Perhaps it’s singing, leading others to worship, easily understanding difficult biblical truths, being a good friend, making people feel welcome, cooking delicious meals, folding laundry, running a well-maintained home, or making flowers flourish.

Whatever your specific set of gifts, we are all called to live hospitably (read: openly generous) without complaint. Why? Peter tells us this glorifies God, meaning it reflects His character to the world around us.

When we take seriously each of these action steps, intentionally incorporating them into our everyday lives through the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit, we impact the world by showing them what kind of God would love them enough to save them from eternal separation from His goodness.

The Everyday Application

3) What is the target goal for this collection of actions? (verse 11)

Remember these verses we are studying are in the middle of Peter’s discourse? Let’s not forget the closing section. Though it sounds beautiful and like our authentic love would be well-received, welcomed, and embraced by the people we are trying to love and serve with the Spirit’s power, Peter tells us otherwise. He tells us to prepare to be reviled for loving people well in the Name of Christ. (1 Peter 4:12, 14)

People love their evil ways, otherwise they wouldn’t be stuck doing them instead of enjoying the full life offered by Christ. Evil revolts against holiness, including holy love. While some will soften when we love them like Jesus, and we pray they will embrace Christ as their own personal Savior, expect pushback along the way.

Peter says, “don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you […].” (verse 12) Suffering for doing good doesn’t sound pleasant, but Peter reminds us it’s infinitely better than suffering for doing evil, which is why Christ came and sacrificed Himself, so He could take our suffering for evil upon Himself. (verses 15-16)

Remember that Peter is writing this letter to persecuted Christ-followers, and he is urging them to keep following because, though it is hard, the goal of bringing glory to the Lord Jesus, who holds all rule and reign over all things and will one day bring us Home to dwell with Him forever is worth it.

Together, let’s set our hearts to fervent prayer, upon loving well as Christ loves us, and on living for the Lord’s glory and not our own. When we suffer for following Jesus, let’s remind each other as Peter does to “trust [ourselves] to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.” (1 Peter 4:19)

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Jesus taught, “You [true believer in Jesus!) are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Because “light carrying” is so important, He instructed, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Be a shiny sheep, serving others, showing them Jesus and giving Him glory? Yes, please!
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Posted in: Borders, Busy, church, Community, Digging Deeper, Faithfulness, Fervent, Forgiven, Freedom Tagged: kind, love, prayer, see, serve, tenderness

The GT Weekend! ~ Philemon, Week 3

March 4, 2023 by Katelyn Palmer Leave a Comment

The GT Weekend! ~ Philemon, Week 3

Katelyn Palmer

March 4, 2023

Faith,Family,Fellowship,Forgiven,Freedom

Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
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and worshiping the Creator who
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Pray His Words Back To Him!

Colossians 3:12-15

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against one another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts.
Read More Of His Words

Prayer Journal Entry

Yahweh, my studies this week reminded me that every book, every verse, every word in the Bible is rich with knowledge from Your hand. Thank you for opening my ears to Your Word. Please prepare my heart as I continue to meditate on verses like Galatians 5:14, Colossians 3:12-17, and the entire book of Philemon. Allow me to internalize and use these truths as anchors for my daily life in order to bring You glory and peace to my community. 

Fill me with the strength of the Holy Spirit and empower me to be Your ambassador. (2 Corinthians 5:20) Our world may be divided today, but, Lord, You give assurance for the kingdom of perfect unity to come; empower us to live for your kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10) In Your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

Worship Through Song

Journal Prompts

JOURNAL ONE

Philemon covers less than 2 pages in our Bibles, yet within its single chapter there are many images and lessons to glean. In verses 18-19, Paul takes on Onesimus’ debt to Philemon, accepting responsibility for payment in order for Philemon to be reconciled to Onesimus.

This is a reflection of Jesus’ sacrifice through His death on the cross to reconcile us to God. He took the punishment on Himself that we deserved because of our rebellious sin against God. A key to reconciliation is forgiveness and the goal is unity in the body of Christ. In order to obtain either of these, we must submit to the will of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in our lives, keeping in mind the need for forgiveness between ourselves and God.

The act of reconciliation among believers also serves to put the focus back on God rather than on us or worldly things. With our focus on God, we are able to recognize the strength of Christ’s love binding us together, which is far superior to the evil powers trying to separate us from Him. This process takes deliberate effort and sacrifice, but is rewarded by bringing glory to God and living with Christ’s peace in our communities.

JOURNAL TWO

Our second Journey Study this week was rich with biblical lessons from Philemon, but it also taught us an important study tactic when reading the Bible.

We must approach each book of the Bible with the questions of who the book was written for, when the book was written and the historical context of that time period, and the overarching goal of the book. With this background knowledge, we can identify the literal implications of the book for its direct audience and how that correlates with our spiritual and physical lives today.

When we apply this study tactic to Philemon, we are able to see how Philemon’s actions in daily life led Paul to be confident in his ability to surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in order to reconcile with Onesimus, further unifying the body of Christ. We are also reminded that submission to God is an ongoing choice allowing us to move forward with the confidence and expectation that God will answer our prayers.

JOURNAL THREE

Yesterday, we finished our Journey Into Philemon with an example of Paul’s preaching illustrated in his own life. In the closing verses of Philemon (verses 23-25), we read several names of coworkers offering greetings to Philemon and his church.

One in particular, Mark, had some sort of previous grievance with Paul. (Acts 15:38-39) Paul’s inclusion of Mark’s greetings in Philemon evidence Paul’s reconciliation with Mark. This is further supported by 2 Timothy 4:11, when Paul requests Mark’s company on a mission. This seemingly small detail proves the consistency in Paul’s preaching, as well as in his actions, as they relate to the spread of the gospel and promoting unity within the Body of Christ.

The greatest leaders put their teaching into practice and lead by example, just as Jesus did, which is what Paul does here. Paul’s closing benediction to Philemon reminds us again of the intimacy of the first churches. They knew, supported, and prayed for one another on a personal level we should all strive to emulate in our own homes and churches as we seek to foster intimacy and love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
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Posted in: Faith, Family, Fellowship, Forgiven, Freedom Tagged: family, forgiveness, prayer, study, Truth

Philemon Day 15 Friends & Neighbors: Digging Deeper

March 3, 2023 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 15 Friends & Neighbors: Digging Deeper

Merry Ohler

March 3, 2023

Broken,Christ,church,Community,Faith,Family,Fellowship

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Friends & Neighbors"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:23-25

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why did Paul include the names and greetings of others in his closing sentiments in this particular letter? (verses 23-24)

When we consider Paul’s sermons, travels, and many contributions to the canon of Scripture, it’s easy to forget Paul was only one member of the body of Christ. But Paul didn’t forget. In every letter, Paul’s words pulse with humble love and compassion for the whole church.
 
To understand why Paul included personal greetings to others in his letter to Philemon, we must remember Paul’s overall purpose was to champion unity between Philemon and his runaway slave-turned-brother in Jesus, Onesimus.

Paul intentionally highlights relationships within the family of God as he mentions Timothy writing with him, and extends greetings to Philemon, Apphia, a woman believer, and Archippus, who all serve a house church. With respect, Paul lovingly refers to Philemon, Apphia and Archippus as beloved fellow worker, sister, and fellow soldier highlighting the unique, counter-cultural relationships of those who serve Christ. 

There is no blood relationship between these individuals, but the fondness and love communicate a strong bond between these fellow believers. From this foundation of love, Paul compels Philemon to embrace his slave who is now a brother alongside him. Paul’s brotherly love for both men is clearly felt.

As Paul closes, he widens his lens to greet Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. Just as he opened his appeal to Philemon with an emphasis on relationships between believers, he closes the same way. 


Paul deliberately mentioned several believers Philemon would recognize or personally know. This is likely two-fold. First, calling out specific names of others who knew about this letter placed an additional layer of accountability for Philemon to forgive Onesimus. Second, Paul illustrated God’s design for close-knit relationships to be shared between believers. He wanted Philemon to recognize that Paul counted Onesimus as one such brother in Christ, and to encourage Philemon to forgive Onesimus and consider him the same way. 

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Paul include the names and greetings of others in his closing sentiments in this particular letter? (verses 23-24)

We don’t have a clear picture of whether Philemon was a believer when Onesimus left his household, but regardless, Paul used his letter to remind Philemon of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Regardless of where Philemon was in his journey with Jesus, it would have been a cultural offense to his position, person, and authority to have a slave run away. By law, he held the right to exact punishment, even death, from Onesimus. 

But Paul wanted Philemon to see a fuller picture. Just a few lines prior to his closing sentence, he had offered to pay whatever debt Philemon felt Onesimus owed him, knowing full well the debt might include death. Paul may not have experienced the same thing Philemon experienced when Onesimus ran away, but he did experience a parting with Mark when Barnabas split from his company. Yet, Paul was purposeful to include Mark in his closing, illustrating Christ’s reconciliation and restoration at work in himself.

We need reminding about the big picture sometimes, too, don’t we? When we feel hurt by the words, actions, or even betrayal of a brother or sister in Christ, forgiveness doesn’t always come easily. The pain of the wound can prevent us from seeing the whole picture. In those moments, we need to remember we are not only people in relationships, we are ambassadors of Christ Jesus, co-laborers in the Kingdom of God, and ministers of the gospel of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 3:5-17, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

Unforgiveness and offense are contrary to our redeemed lives. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we are called to follow Christ, die to self and allow the forgiveness and redemptive work of His death and resurrection to foster reconciliation in our relationships. (John 12:26, Ephesians 4:25-32)

The Original Intent

2) What relationships are represented in these verses? (verses 23-24)

Epaphras was an evangelist from the same area as Philemon. (Colossians 4:12) It’s possible he was the first to evangelize there, and he would have been known either personally or in name by Philemon. Paul wrote that Epaphras was a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, indicating Epaphras was imprisoned not for committing a crime, but for his work to spread the gospel. Paul considered Epaphras a co-laborer who was also a worker for the gospel. (Colossians 1:7) The relationship between the two was undoubtedly strengthened by their shared imprisonment and suffering for Christ.

Mark and Paul were co-laborers in ministry and mission together. At one point, Mark and Paul parted ways when Barnabas and Paul disagreed (Acts 15:36-41), but Paul includes Mark among a list of faithful servants, evidencing their relationship has been repaired. Aristarchus accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys, and was imprisoned with Paul at one point. (Colossians 4:10) Their relationship was cemented in their shared work as evangelists and workers in the Church, and furthered by shared suffering for the sake of the gospel.

At this time, Paul considered Demas a fellow worker for the spread of the gospel. (Colossians 4:14) Later in 2 Timothy, we hear more about Demas, but at the writing of this letter he was a fellow worker in ministry with Paul.

Luke was the “beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14) and intentional co-laborer with Paul. He accompanied Paul on many missionary journeys, and remained with him in his imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11). Brothers in Christ, Paul and Luke were close partners in the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Everyday Application

2) What relationships are represented in these verses? (verses 23-24)

Each relationship represented in these verses is rooted in Christ and the spread of His gospel. The language used implies close, family love and respect, and appreciation for each person’s role. 

These relationships portray God’s design for His family, for all His adopted sons and daughters by faith in Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters in Christ, working together to serve His people and spread His gospel. Working and serving in their individual roles, but all needed, respected, loved and appreciated for who God created them to be in the body of believers. (Romans 12:4-8)

Paul was a high-profile member of the body of Christ, but Christ’s church is filled with men, women, and youth who answered Christ’s call and served faithfully, whether their names were ever known beyond their small circle or not. We may only hear about Epaphras and Archippus a few times in Scripture, but we know from what is shared that they were faithful men of God who served Jesus and their respective mission fields well. 

There is a very real temptation every believer may experience when we see the work Christ does in and through another Christian, to question whether or not we “measure up.” Whether we’re doing enough or being enough in comparison to others. When our eyes and thoughts begin to focus on these questions, we’ve lost sight of who we are, why we’re here, and what our mission is: Christ and His gospel. When we find ourselves struggling, we can take encouragement from Paul’s words to Philemon and remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is our ruler and Savior; all glory belongs to Him alone. 

The Original Intent

3) Why did Paul close by praying, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”? (verse 25)

Paul had just finished a very specific letter to Philemon and extolled the relationships between believers and fellow workers in the body of Christ. He highlighted what a blessing Onesimus was to him and emphasized how Onesimus was now a brother in Christ. Paul wrote all these things while being fully aware of the challenging circumstances surrounding the way Onesimus left Philemon.

He knew Philemon had every right to extract punishment from Onesimus; at that point Philemon could have legally killed Onesimus for running away. Paul knew Philemon would only be able to forgive and receive Onesimus by the grace of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his prayer echoes this understanding. Paul prays that Philemon will be granted grace through Jesus Christ to not only forgive and receive Onesimus, but also to receive him as a brother and fellow worker for the gospel.

The Everyday Application

3) Why did Paul close by praying, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”? (verse 25)

Paul knew it would only be by the supernatural grace of Jesus Christ that Philemon would be enabled to forgive and receive Onesimus after his crime. Paul also knew Philemon had chosen to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. He prayed for grace to rule in this matter, and that Philemon would respond through the reality of that grace in his spirit.

The same is true for us if we’ve surrendered our sinner-souls to the God who offers to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, even though we don’t deserve such rich grace. (1 John 1:9) We are all sinners, saved only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We may think otherwise, but the reality is that in our flesh, we are utterly unable to forgive and release the debt we feel others owe us for any sin, wound or infraction. It is only by the power of God’s redemptive and sanctifying work in our spirits and lives, and the grace we have access to in Christ Jesus that we can forgive others. Thank God for His gift of grace through Christ Jesus!

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The GT Weekend! ~ Another, Week 3
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Another Day 15 Service With Love: Digging Deeper
March 24, 2023
Another Day 15 Service With Love
March 24, 2023

Philemon Day 15
Journey Study

I cannot recall a sermon preached about Epaphras or Aristarchus.

Yet, clearly they were hard-working and faithful companions to Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament. From their stories, we learn we don’t have to be well-known to do great work for Jesus. These lesser-known men were simply faithful to God’s call and faithful to their mentor, Paul. Here is a lesson for all of us!
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Posted in: Broken, Christ, church, Community, Faith, Family, Fellowship Tagged: bound, Community, faith, family, prayer

Philemon Day 14 Abundant Expectation: Digging Deeper

March 2, 2023 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 14 Abundant Expectation: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

March 2, 2023

Affectionate,Christ,church,Community,Digging Deeper,Faith,Freedom

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "Abundant Expectation"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:21-22

Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Why was Paul confident of Philemon’s obedience? (verse 21)

Philemon from Colossae was a personal friend of Paul’s who converted to Christianity through Paul’s ministry, possibly during his time in Ephesus. (thegospelcoalition.org) Philemon led a church from his home in Colossae (Philemon 2) and Paul knew Philemon was a sincere believer in Jesus who desired to follow the Way of Christ and fulfill His commands.

Based on this understanding, Paul was confident in asking Philemon to carry out anything, even something difficult; he was certain of Philemon’s obedience based on his character. (Philemon 21)

The original Greek word for obedience suggests an “obedience of love, as to a father and benefactor.” Paul relied on his strong friendship with Philemon to ensure his suggestions would be adopted. Dr. Thomas Constable asserts that Paul also used the strong term obedience because it “indirectly reminded Philemon of [Paul’s] apostolic authority.” Paul may have been subtly reminding Philemon that not only was he Philemon’s friend and brother in Christ, but he was also his spiritual father.

Paul trusted that Philemon’s respect and friendship with him and his love for the Lord would cause Philemon to recognize the will of the Lord and would result in his active response. Albert Barnes suggests “It is evident from the Epistle that Paul regarded him as a sincere Christian; as a man of strict integrity; as one who could be depended on to do right.” Paul was confident that someone who assisted him so well in ministry and who loved the Lord like Philemon did (1 John 5:3) would not hesitate to follow through on Paul’s suggestions once he realized they aligned with the precepts set out by God.

The Everyday Application

1) Why was Paul confident of Philemon’s obedience? (verse 21)

In verse 21, Paul told Philemon he was confident in Philemon’s obedience to his promptings about how to treat a fellow Christian. (Philemon 16) Paul appealed to Philemon’s love of Paul and love of God to convince him to follow Paul’s prescription for harmony with his brother. Justin Taylor asserts, “Building a love-based rhetorical masterpiece, Paul writes in such a way that Philemon will not be forced to grudgingly concede but will gladly comply of his own accord. Paul frames his appeal so that it’s an offer that Philemon will want to accept.”

Paul knew that Philemon, as a devoted follower of Christ, would choose to follow God’s teaching and love his fellow Christians with the love of God. (John 13:34-35) Paul believed Philemon, shared the same dedication and love for the Lord that Paul had (Philippians 3:7-8), and this convinced him Philemon would do what he himself would do, which was follow the Lord’s will.

It reminds me of the confidence faithful marriage partners have in each other. They each believe their spouse will obey the commitments made to loyalty and faithfulness on their wedding day. Because they both hold their marriage vows as sacred, they are confident in each other’s obedience to those vows. Similarly, Paul and Philemon both valued the grace and freedom found in Christ (Romans 6:14), so Paul believed Philemon valued obedience to God’s Word and submission to His Spirit. (Luke 11:28)

The Original Intent

2) Why does Paul expect Philemon to do more than Paul instructs? (verse 21)

In his personal letter to Philemon and company, Paul asked Philemon to treat an escaped slave and recent convert to Christianity as a brother in Christ. He even wrote that he knew Philemon “would do even more than I say.” (Philemon 21) Paul believed that anyone as committed to the cause of Christ as Philemon was would not be content to live out minimum expectations.

Philemon understood the grace of Jesus (Ephesians 2:8) in his own life, and Paul believed this would inspire him to extend grace to others (Matthew 7:12). Paul also knew Philemon followed Paul’s own good example of life in Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1-2), which went beyond fulfilling duty and extended to giving and living sacrificially to bring God glory and make His name known (Romans 12:1).

In writing to Philemon, Paul kindly urged his friend to show the escaped slave, Onesimus, grace and forgiveness and welcome him as a brother in Christ. Stephen Cole claims Paul wanted “mercy to triumph over raw justice. He also wanted to leave the door open for Philemon to free his slave. . . “ Paul did not ask more than reconciliation as brothers in Christ, but he expected that Philemon would follow the teachings and practices of Jesus that would lead him to free Onesimus and perhaps enable Onesimus to return to Paul as a ministry helper. (Philemon 13). Paul believed Philemon would not only comply with his recommendations but go above and beyond to accomplish the will of God.

I pray we would also desire to attune our own hearts to the heart of God, ready to go beyond doing just what is expected in order to fulfill God’s deep purposes for our lives.

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Paul expect Philemon to do more than Paul instructs? (verse 21)

Most of the truly good educators I know work well beyond the 7:00 to 3:00 workday set out in their contracts. They are not required to do more to fulfill their duties, nor are they paid more money if they choose to spend time working off the clock. Still, I see teachers grading papers on weekends, calling parents in the evenings, tutoring kids before school, and spending their own money on supplies and materials. They choose to do more than expected because of love for their students and their commitment to their profession.

Paul knew his friend, Philemon, was the same way. Philemon’s love for God and dedication to the cause of Christ was strong, and Paul relied on this to motivate Philemon to comply with his request. Paul suggested Philemon forgive and accept his escaped slave, Onesimus, back as his brother in Christ after Onesimus was converted by Paul. (Philemon 21) Paul was only asking for acceptance, but he seemed to expect Philemon would go beyond acceptance and free his slave.

Chuck Swindoll suggests the letter to Philemon reveals “that lofty doctrines such as the love of God, forgiveness in Christ, or the inherent dignity of humanity have real and pertinent impact in everyday life. The book of Philemon illustrates that principles like these can and should profoundly affect the lives of believers.” Paul showed Philemon how he could put the love of God into practice by treating his slave as a brother in Christ. (Galatians 5:14)

Paul wanted Philemon not only to recognize his slave as his equal in the eyes of Jesus, but to go beyond what the Roman law required by forgiving him and setting him free.

The Original Intent

3) How will the prayers of the saints restore Paul to his friends? (verse 22)

The apostle Paul relied heavily on the prayers of his friends. In verse 22, he wrote, “I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.” He believed in the power of prayer and knew God allowed the prayers of the saints to move His hand (1 Chronicles 5:20) and accomplish His will (1 John 5:14). He made a similar request in Romans 15:30, where he asked the church “to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf.”

He also proclaimed the effectiveness of prayer in Philippians 1:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:11. David Edmond Hiebert writes that Paul “believed in prayer as a mighty working force in the spiritual universe. As such he sought and valued the prayers of others on his behalf, and he himself faithfully exercised such intercession for the saints.” Paul understood that, through prayer, people could cooperate with God’s plan.

When believers saw their prayers answered, they were encouraged and their faith was strengthened. Paul believed that with his friends in Colossae praying for his release from prison, he could soon expect to visit them.

While Scripture and history do not tell us if Paul ever visited Philemon and the church in his home, we do know he was released from prison for a time, as he mentions visiting various places after he was known to be imprisoned. (1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 4:20, Titus 1:5)

Paul was confident God would hear and answer the prayers of the saints for his release, and God honored his faith and persistence. We can have this same confidence that God hears our prayers (1 John 5:14) and answers them (Matthew 21:22). We can rejoice that the power of prayer in our lives is real and effective!

The Everyday Application

3) How will the prayers of the saints restore Paul to his friends? (verse 22)

Some people view prayer like they view a wish or a hope, as a nice but benign gesture. But, believers who practice praying deeply to the God they have come to know and trust, understand the undeniable power of prayer.

Andrew Murray believed “Prayer opens the way for God Himself to do His work in us and through us. Let our chief work as God’s messengers be intercession; in it we secure the presence and power of God to go with us.” Scripture declares that prayer changes situations by inviting the presence of God to work and move through faith. In Matthew 18:19-20 we are told, “If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

Paul believed in the power of prayer so much that he regularly asked fellow Christians to pray for him. In verse 22, he asked Philemon to “prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.” He wrote to Philemon while under house arrest, but he trusted the prayers of the saints would move the hand of God to free him from his chains.

Paul did not trust in the prayers being prayed, but in the One leading His people to pray. (Hebrews 4:16) Paul knew God used the prayers of His people to perform His will, and he lived out this firm belief. (John 15:7-8)

Like Paul, let’s pray for our friends and ask believing friends to pray for us, inviting God to work in every situation we face.

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Journey Study

Pack your bags, Philemon! Paul is taking you on a guilt trip.

That’s how I used to view this compact Bible book. On the surface, Paul begins with a bold appeal to Philemon to do what is right (verse 8) and ends with confidence Philemon will exceed his expectations (verse 21).

Even though Paul assures Philemon he doesn’t want him to act out of obligation (verse 14), my readings left me thinking Paul had backed Philemon into a corner, pressuring him to obey (verse 16).

Yet even as we focus ONLY on verses 21-22 today, we can appreciate the DEPTH and richness of Scripture.
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Posted in: Affectionate, Christ, church, Community, Digging Deeper, Faith, Freedom Tagged: faith, family, love, prayer, servant

Philemon Day 13 Abundant Expectation

March 1, 2023 by Sarah Young Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 13 Abundant Expectation

Sarah Young

March 1, 2023

Bold,church,Community,Gospel,Grace,Welcome

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 21-22 
Philippians 2:1-4
Colossians 3:1-17
Galatians 5
Psalm 86:1-7

Pack your bags, Philemon! Paul is taking you on a guilt trip.

That’s how I used to view this compact Bible book. On the surface, Paul begins with a bold appeal to Philemon to do what is right (verse 8) and ends with confidence Philemon will exceed his expectations (verse 21).

Even though Paul assures Philemon he doesn’t want him to act out of obligation (verse 14), my readings left me thinking Paul had backed Philemon into a corner, pressuring him to obey (verse 16).

Yet even as we focus ONLY on verses 21-22 today, we can appreciate the DEPTH and richness of Scripture. 

If we scratch past the surface, 
we see Paul’s words speak to the beauty of the united body of Christ, 
the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through believers surrendered to His will,
the corporate maturity that follows as individuals submit to Jesus,
and the confidence with which Christians can pray.

Instead of a guilt trip, we travel with Philemon on an incredible journey as Paul unpacks remarkable truths about our amazing God. 

If we circle back to Paul’s introductory commendation of Philemon’s “love for all the saints” and his “faith [. . .] in the Lord Jesus” (verse 5), we can better understand why Paul is so confident Philemon will exceed his expectations in welcoming back Onesimus, his fugitive slave-turned-disciple. (verse 20).  

Furthermore, we realize Paul was not simply counting on Philemon’s acquiescence (verse 8), but was trusting Philemon to submit to the work of the Spirit within him. The Holy Spirit would be accomplishing the work of reconciliation when Philemon accepted Onesimus as a brother in the Lord, strengthening the believers as the UNITED body of Christ.

We, too, have been given this work of reconciliation. We have ALL been slaves to sin, deserving death, facing eternal separation from God. But then, God sent His one and only Son to the world to die in our place and pay the penalty for OUR sin. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, whoever believes in Him and accepts His FREE gift of salvation will be forgiven of their sin, restored to relationship with God, and begins a NEW, eternal life in Christ. THIS is the good news we have been commissioned to share! 

Paul writes of how Jesus brings ALL people TOGETHER to form the united body of Christ.  Indeed, people from all tongues, tribes, and nations will join as one in heaven, singing and praising God forever and ever. (Revelation 7:9-17) Paul expects rich and poor, Jew and Greek, slave and free to come together as equals to worship the Savior Who died for them all.

I am sure if Paul were to write a letter to believers in ANY church today, he would have the SAME expectations as he did for those in Colossae: 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another [. . .] Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts.” (Colossians 3:12-15, emphasis mine)

Like Philemon, we ARE called to love our neighbor, even the one with the annoying dog who barks at 3 am, the reckless driver who cuts us off, the coach who doesn’t give our children equal playing time, and fill in the blank. The same Holy Spirit who helped Philemon greet Onesimus as a “dearly loved brother” (verse 16) will work in and through us to continue the work of unifying and strengthening the body of Christ.

Philemon wasn’t able to control or change his circumstances. 
Nor can we.  

However, like Philemon, we CAN CHOOSE to surrender to God, who is constantly willing to re-shape our hearts. When our focus is on Jesus, what’s happening AROUND us fades in comparison to what God is doing IN us. Our trust grows as we look to our Sovereign Shepherd who works all things for our good and His glory, in His time, and in His way. (Romans 8:1-17)

This confidence becomes evident as we live in earnest and eager expectation of answered prayer.  Consider Paul, who was so positive Philemon’s prayers would be answered for Paul’s release that he instructed Philemon to prepare his guest room! (verse 22) Paul was relying on the Spirit to work in Philemon to accomplish reconciliation with Onesimus AND for Paul’s own restoration to freedom. 

We can have the same confident expectation as we pray TODAY. The same Spirit is guiding and teaching us, leading us in Truth. (John 16:13-25) The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us, empowering and equipping us to carry out the divine ministry God has given us. (Romans 6:1-11; Romans 8:1-11)

So we end our journey through Philemon with Paul’s prayer for unity in the body of Christ, the growth and maturity of believers, and the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being firmly rooted and established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us– to Him be the glory[.]” 
(Ephesians 3:14-21)

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Digging Deeper

Paul knew that God used the prayers of His people to perform His will (John 15:7-8).

Paul asked for prayer and prayed constantly himself because he believed that when God’s people prayed, God worked in them and through them to perform His will and His Word.

Like Paul, let's pray for our friends and ask them to pray for us, inviting God to work in every situation we face.
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Posted in: Bold, church, Community, Gospel, Grace, Welcome Tagged: faith, family, love, prayer, surrender

Philemon Day 5 For Glory: Digging Deeper

February 17, 2023 by Shannon Vicker Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 5 For Glory: Digging Deeper

Shannon Vicker

February 17, 2023

Digging Deeper,Encourage,Faith,Family

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "For Glory"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 1:6-7

6 I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. 7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) Who is the one praying in these verses and who is he praying for? (verse 6)

Backing up to the beginning of this letter, verse 1 leaves no possibility to mistake the author’s identity as the apostle Paul. Along with Timothy, his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), Paul is writing from prison to fellow Christ-followers, Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus along with the believers meeting in their home. (verse 2)

Philemon is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament outside of this epistle. However, we know he was a believer and can assume he knew Paul based upon his greeting in the epistle. While Paul mentions two others by name and the house church, Philemon is the main audience of Paul’s words.

We also know these words were not meant to stay solely with Philemon, but to be shared with the believers in the house church. The principles of Paul’s message went beyond one person to the larger church body in Colossae. (Colossians 4:9, 17) 

The Everyday Application

1) Who is the one praying in these verses and who is he praying for? (verse 6)

While Paul wrote these words primarily to Philemon, he never intended his epistle to stop there. In his greeting, Paul intentionally included those who regularly gathered in the house church to make clear he intended his message to be heard and received by them as well.

As believers today, centuries removed from Paul’s first intended audience, we can be assured his message applies to us as well. Letters from apostles were carried from city to city to encourage, teach, train, and rebuke the global church as a whole. We are simply part of the still-growing Body of Believers known as Church, albeit two thousand years later.

Because all of Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), and God timelessly never changes (Malachi 3:6), neither does His message. (Psalm 33:11) We must always approach Scripture with ears ready to hear and hearts humbly ready to accept the word of the Lord He desires to plant within us. (James 1:21-22)

Paul’s words, timely and relevant for Philemon and the church in Colossae, are equally timely and relevant for us; let’s read it that way!

The Original Intent

2) Why does Paul pray for Philemon? (verse 6)

Prayer and Paul are commonly seen together in his letters, in fact, Paul frequently began his letters by praying for those he was addressing. (Philippians 1:3, Colossians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:3)

Although the idea of praying for the recipients of his letter is not unique to this particular letter, the specificities of this prayer are unique. Praying for fellow believers in other churches was something Paul did regularly in the course of his everyday life.

To Paul, prayer was like breathing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and as he did, it was often filled with intercessory prayers for fellow believers like this one for Philemon and believers living alongside him. In this letter, Paul prays specifically that Philemon’s “participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.” (verse 6)

This idea of putting faith into action and becoming effective for kingdom work is something Paul knows Philemon will need if he is to follow through with the appeal Paul will make in the rest of his letter.

Following Christ is hard, it costs our pride, and Paul knows that for Philemon to continue to be effective for sharing the gospel in real life his “participation in the faith” and “knowing every good thing” about Christ through His Word will be essential. 

The Everyday Application

2) Why does Paul pray for Philemon? (verse 6)

This repetition of praying for other believers is a lesson every believer can grow more consistent and deeper in, regardless of how long we have been following Jesus. Not only did Paul privately go before the Lord on behalf of other believers, but he often wrote out those prayers as a testimony and encouragement to those for whom he prayed. (Colossians 1:9-10)

Paul prays for Philemon to be effective in his faith and to have knowledge of the goodness the Lord Jesus’s glory was bringing about in Paul and Timothy. Paul does not shy away from sharing his prayers, which sets an example for every Christ-follower’s prayer life!

First, we are called to pray for others; it’s expected for every believer to be praying for other brothers and sisters.

Second, there is something sacred in sharing those prayers with those for whom you’ve prayed. Sometimes we will blithely say “I’ll pray for you”, but never follow through. Neither must we be guilty of the opposite, praying for someone and never encouraging them by letting them know of your prayers on their behalf. It’s certainly not required to share every prayer you pray, but we should follow the Spirit’s lead to share our prayers when He prompts us. Together, let’s be obedient to bless and comfort others through our written-out or spoken-aloud prayers over others. There is a blessing in reading the words of another believer lifted up for you in prayer.

Third, we are to pray specifically. Know the needs for the ones you pray, and pray using that understanding as you carry them to the Lord in prayer. Let’s begin following Paul’s example of how to pray!

The Original Intent

3) How have the hearts of the saints been refreshed? (verse 7)

The refreshment Paul speaks of directly connects his thought to the words at the beginning of verse 7 regarding “joy and encouragement from your (Philemon’s) love”. Expositor’s Bible Commentary defines this love as “The “love” which gives Paul such “great joy and consolation” is not love directed to himself, but to others; and the reason why it gladdened the Apostle was because it had “refreshed the hearts” of sorrowful and needy saints in Colossae.”

Philemon has refreshed and encouraged others in the love he has shown and it was exactly what the believers needed. In turn, this genuine love encouraged Paul’s heart as well. So we find this truth at work in the spiritual realm, the more we pour out the love of Christ, the more His Spirit encourages and brings joy to His people!

The Everyday Application

3) How have the hearts of the saints been refreshed? (verse 7)

Expositor’s Bible Commentary says, “No man can ever tell how far the blessing of his trivial acts of kindness, or other pieces of Christian conduct, may travel. They may benefit one in material fashion, but the fragrance may reach many others. Philemon little dreamed that his small charity to some suffering brother in Colossae would find its way across the sea and bring a waft of coolness and refreshing into the hot prison house.” 

As I pondered this quote, it led me to dwell on acts of kindness bestowed on me. They have been a refreshing blessing to me, but many times they prod me to share even more kindly and generously to others. When I share with others how someone’s kindness affected me, they are also stirred up to live with kind generosity. The rippling effects of kind love cannot be calculated!

Philemon refreshed the saints through his acts of kindness, which should encourage all who claim to love Jesus to follow Philemon’s example. We never know when a simple act of kindness will refresh those who were directly impacted as well as those who have witnessed the kindness. There is something refreshing in being reminded kindness still exists in our broken world and it goes a long way in lifting the hearts of those who experience it.

Together, let’s find simple ways to express the simple gift of kindness to those around us. 

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As we practice tuning the ears of our hearts to know His voice through His Word, we will be drawn deeper into worship, which naturally leads to a life fully surrendered to the Love of Christ. Working like an ever-deepening spiral, the more we know Him, the more we will worshipfully surrender, the more our faith grows, and by the Spirit’s work, our effectiveness for the Lord increases exponentially.

This surrendered life resulting in effective faith, deeply refreshes the hearts of our “fellow ones”, brothers and sisters in Jesus. Joy floods and encouragement abounds from this rich well of surrendered following of the Lord Jesus.
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Posted in: Digging Deeper, Encourage, Faith, Family Tagged: church, generosity, kindness, love, prayer

Philemon Day 5 For Glory

February 17, 2023 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

Philemon Day 5 For Glory

Sara Cissell

February 17, 2023

Broken,Faith,Fullness,Holy Spirit,Journey

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philemon 6-7
Psalm 92:1-4
1 Kings 17:1-16

In 1 Kings 17, the prophet Elijah is sent to a widow’s home during a multi-year drought. He asks her for bread. Her reply captures her desperation: 

“As the Lord your God lives, I don’t have anything baked–only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.” (1 Kings 17:12)

Elijah urged the woman to bring him bread, declaring the flour and oil wouldn’t run out until it rained again. 

Day after day, her jars never remained empty.
The Lord persistently filled the vessels.
Neither the flour jar nor oil jug wrought their own provision;
the Lord was their miraculous provider.

Why bring this Old Testament story into the midst of a Journey Study about an early church pastor? Philemon’s New Testament challenge, and perhaps your own circumstances, share similar threads with this long-ago widow, her lack, and her faith. 

Daily, the widow who fed Elijah removed “that last bit” of oil and flour from their containers and experienced afresh the Lord’s provision. Philemon, as a believer who carried the Holy Spirit inside him, had the opportunity to do the same, look at his lack and experience the Lord’s Presence. 

Paul prayed over Philemon, “I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.” (Philemon 6)

Paul’s prayer summons Philemon to become an active participant in walking out His surrender to the Lord while reminding him that effective faith is possible only through Christ. 

As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:10, his work on behalf of the kingdom was effective only through “the grace of God that was with me.” The widow’s vessels were lacking, and as we look inside, or around us, we may come to much the same conclusion: lack. Philemon was already demonstrating faith, but the becoming effective of faith required a deeper knowing, a real-life, ongoing experiencing, of every good thing already set out for him through Christ.

Did God know, since the beginning of time, He would continuously satisfy the widow’s lack with His infinite supply? Abundantly, yes.

He knew the same for Philemon when He sent Christ to satisfy the debt Philemon owed for his sin. Just as surely as the Lord God knew He would give enough to the widow, He knew He would one day deposit His own Spirit of Holiness inside Philemon to lead and guide him into knowing Himself deeply.

Sister, take a breath with me, He offers the same for us.

How do we know more of the Almighty?
By reading His Word, empowered by the breathing of the Spirit of God in us.

Psalm 92 focuses on praising the Lord for what He has done and who He is.
The psalmist testifies of an experiential walking with and knowing of the Lord God.

“
For You have made me rejoice, Lord,
by what You have done;
I will shout for joy
because of the works of Your hands.”
Psalm 92:4

“You have lifted up my horn […] I have been anointed with the finest oil.”
Psalm 92:10

“The Lord is just;
He is my rock…”
Psalm 92:15

In keeping our eyes focused on “the glory of Christ” (verse 6), our growth will be cultivated by Him and defined by His character, enabling us to fulfill the Lord’s purposes, effectively living out our faith in the everyday. 

As we practice tuning the ears of our hearts to know His voice through His Word, we will be drawn deeper into worship, which naturally leads to a life fully surrendered to the Love of Christ. Working like an ever-deepening spiral, the more we know Him, the more we will worshipfully surrender, the more our faith grows, and by the Spirit’s work, our effectiveness for the Lord increases exponentially.

This surrendered life resulting in effective faith, deeply refreshes the hearts of our “fellow ones”, brothers and sisters in Jesus. Joy floods and encouragement abounds from this rich well of surrendered following of the Lord Jesus.

“
For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.”
Philemon 1:7

Paul observed the impact of Philemon’s life on those around him, and documented it in the pages of Scripture. May we live worthy of similar description by those in our spheres of influence! 

The widow in 1 Kings 17 obeyed the Word of the Lord, offering up her lack to the God of infinite Supply.

Her act of faith-filled worship brought refreshment physically and spiritually while ensuring her survival and increasing her faith.

Paul prodded Philemon and, by extension, us, to do the same.

Suppose we chose to lift our lack to the Supplier in faith, listening attentively to learn His voice in ever more intimate ways through His Word, and allow Him to make our offering effective to not only His kingdom, but usher in refreshment to the Church?! 

Dear sisters, I pray our hearts are captivated by the glorious Gospel:
Having conquered sin through His death and resurrection,
Christ has sent His Spirit to live within us.

May we recognize that on our own, we are ordinary earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7), as incapable of sustaining life as the widow’s hollow jars. Like Philemon, may our faith become effective as we embrace the Spirit’s leadership, surrendering every part of us to be used for His glory.

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Philemon Day 5
Digging Deeper

Philemon refreshed the saints through his acts of kindness, which should encourage all who claim to love Jesus to follow Philemon’s example. We never know when a simple act of kindness will refresh those who were directly impacted as well as those who have witnessed the kindness.
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Posted in: Broken, Faith, Fullness, Holy Spirit, Journey Tagged: faith, God's Word, prayer, worship

Surrender Day 10 True Joy: Digging Deeper

February 3, 2023 by Rachel Jones Leave a Comment

Surrender Day 10 True Joy: Digging Deeper

Rachel Jones

February 3, 2023

Enough,Faith,Freedom,Generous,Giving,Glory,Greed

Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

This DD Connects With "True Joy"
Why Dig Deeper?

Read His Words Before Ours!

Matthew 6:16-24

“Whenever you fast, don’t be gloomy like the hypocrites. For they disfigure their faces so that their fasting is obvious to people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 19 “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Read More Of His Words

The Original Intent

1) How does the Father reward those who fast in secret? (verse 18)

In Matthew 6:17-18, Jesus gave these instructions about fasting, “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting isn’t obvious to others but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” When Christians fast, they demonstrate to God how much they love him and how they want to draw closer to Him.

As Andrew Murray explains, “Fasting helps express, deepens, confirms the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves, to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.” Jesus instructed His disciples to fast in secret so they would not gain recognition from others for being pious. Instead, God would reward them.

Scripture tells us that fasting is the humbling of the soul (Psalm 35:13), and God promises to reward this humility. Hebrews 11:6 tells us God rewards those who seek Him. Sometimes when we seek God through fasting, God rewards us with what we are practically seeking through prayer. He did this with Anna, who prayed and fasted for the Messiah to come and was blessed to see Him before she died. (Luke 2:36-38) But, as David Mathis points out, “He rewards it not just with what we’re asking for with our fast, but ultimately with who He is as our desire, enjoyment, and satisfaction.”

When we fast, God rewards us with more of Him and with a greater understanding of how He satisfies our deepest hunger and thirst. (John 6:35) What we give up for God in secret He rewards in greater intimacy with Him. Taking less for ourselves brings us more of God. (John 3:30)

The Everyday Application

1) How does the Father reward those who fast in secret? (verse 18)

When election-day rolls around in the United States, you know it’s coming—the obligatory posting of “I Voted” stickers on social media. That tiny adhesive flag becomes a status symbol for a few days every year. While it encourages the privilege of voting, which is admirable, it also demonstrates that you are one of the “good guys” as a responsible, upstanding citizen who exercised your right to vote. Even children at the polls with their parents snag a sticker so they, too, can be cool, though everyone knows they didn’t actually vote.

There was certainly no “I Fasted” sticker back in Bible times, but Jesus did warn against showing off that you had been fasting in Matthew 6:17-18, when He admonished His followers to fast in secret and expect to be rewarded by God. Fasting focuses believers on what God has for us and what He longs to do in us. This is one way He rewards our fasting; He uses our time of devotion to Him to pour Himself into us.

Susan Gregory writes, “I knew what it was like to be so hungry for more of God that the only way to be fed was to fast.” God uses our offering of fasting to capture our attention so we can focus on His plans and purposes and carry them out in our lives. David H. Roper asserts, “God always rewards hidden spirituality. He hears every private prayer; He recognizes every secret gift; He notes and richly rewards each unseen act of devotion. You will be strengthened, and the Lord will make you all that He wants you to be.”

Fasting in secret, with God as our only witness, feeds us in a way no food ever could.

The Original Intent

2) Why does the heart disclose our treasure? (verse 21)

In Matthew 6:20-21, Jesus urged His disciples, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He was teaching them that what was valuable were the eternal, spiritual things that could not be damaged or lost. He wanted them to cherish the things of God above the things of the world. (Colossians 3:2)

One way we lay up treasures in Heaven is by giving God the treasures we have on earth. John Piper suggests that “laying up treasures in heaven is giving money away for Christ’s sake rather than accumulating it.” When we care for the poor and needy (Matthew 19:21), the widow and the orphan (James 1:27), and worship God with extravagant giving (Matthew 26:6-13), we show that our hearts are set on heavenly things.

Albert Barnes explains that “To have treasure in heaven is to possess evidence that its purity and joys will be ours. It is to be heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 1:4)” When we care more about money and what it can bring us than we care about God’s kingdom, we risk heartache and pain as we elevate these idols above the Lord in our heart. (1 Timothy 6:10) When we concentrate our time, money and attention on God, then our heart will rejoice in the things of God. (Psalm 16:11)

The Everyday Application

2) Why does the heart disclose our treasure? (verse 21)

One look at credit card statements from our time as DINKS (Double Income No Kids) shows you where our priorities lay at that time: dining out, weekends away, antique store shopping and furniture purchases indicate we were busy building a relationship and a home. After we had 2 kids and I became a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom), the credit card statements told a different story: diapers, braces, and sports team fees indicated we were focused on the care and raising of children. We spent our time and money on the things that mattered most to us.

Jesus taught that if you look at where your treasures lie, that is where your heart lies also. (Matthew 6:21) It is okay to spend your money on earthly treasures like antiques and vacations, but it is not okay to make them your heart’s treasure. Can you live without them? How much would it hurt your heart if you couldn’t have those things anymore?

Our hearts should treasure heavenly things, that which impacts the Kingdom of God, the most. Charles Ellicott asserts, “Men may try to persuade themselves that they will have a treasure on earth and a treasure in heaven also, but in the long-run, one or the other will assert its claim to be the treasure, and will claim the no longer divided allegiance of the heart.”

While it is okay to earn money and spend money, Jesus taught us not to value money, or anything, over heavenly things. (Matthew 6:33) Ruth Chou Simons writes, “if your treasure is Christ/You have all you need/Through the One who did all that was necessary/For you to be pleasing/To the only One that matters.” We don’t need to set our hearts on storing up earthly treasures because everything we need we have in Christ.

The Original Intent

3) How can the “light within you” be darkness? (verse 23)

In Matthew 6:23, Jesus stated, “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness!” Adam Clarke writes that “An evil eye was a phrase in use, among the ancient Jews, to denote an envious, covetous man or disposition; a man who . . . loved his own money and would do nothing in the way of charity for God’s sake.”

Jesus wanted His followers to know that anyone who let love of money or greed affect their view of the world would have a dark outlook. If your eye is bad, that means your outlook and your perspective are clouded and you cannot see clearly. (Ephesians 4:18) The light of God’s Word is not illuminating your mind, and you are living in darkness. (Psalm 119:105)

David Guzik explains, “Jesus tells us that either our eye is directed at heavenly things (and therefore full of light) or it is directed at earthly things (and therefore full of darkness) […] our attitude towards material treasure will either bring great light or great darkness to our lives.” When we love money and earthly things more than God, we will live in a deep darkness that affects everything we do. We can ask God to help us see things from His perspective (2 Corinthians 5:16) so we will focus on heavenly things and have God’s light shining within us. (Matthew 5:14-16)

The Everyday Application

3) How can the “light within you” be darkness? (verse 23)

One of my favorite Christmas tales is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. After encountering the gruff, angry old miser, Ebeneezer Scrooge, at the beginning of the story, it is gripping to travel back in time to witness him as a caring young man with hope for the future and love in his life. The juxtaposition of the bitter old man next to his younger, happier self, remembering the way his heart used to feel, is sorrowful. After seeing how greed and avarice dampened the light in his life, it makes his eventual transformation into a generous, compassionate man all the more powerful.

Scrooge is an example of Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6:23, “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light within you is darkness, how deep is that darkness!” The love of money that Scrooge succumbed to sunk him into deep darkness, but be warned that any sin we put ahead of God eventually results in this same spiraling, stealthy darkness meant to steal, kill, and destroy our lives. (Romans 1:21, John 10:10) Evie Polsley writes, “God had so much He wanted to show me in His Word, but I had closed my eyes to it because it wasn’t enough for me. It wasn’t what I wanted to see. I had created my own darkness, my own blindness, because I wanted to be in control.”

There are times we find ourselves choosing things that lead us into darkness, even on an everyday basis. (John 3:19) This is when we turn to Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12), to help us throw off darkness and walk in His light (Romans 13:12-14).

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Surrender Day 10 Journey Study

…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart (read: deepest joy and delight) will also be.”

Joy is a naturally produced “fruit” of the Holy Spirit living, working, and breathing inside our surrendered souls. (Galatians 5:22-23) Therefore, true joy is a result of an ever-deepening walk with the Lord, one which grows over time with dedicated discipline to focus or hearts on the unseen and eternal.

Conversely, what enemy deadens our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s voice? A heart and mind satiated with the pleasures of this world.
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Posted in: Enough, Faith, Freedom, Generous, Giving, Glory, Greed Tagged: eternity, giving, money, prayer, treasure

Pause VI Day 14 Whole Life Generosity

January 19, 2023 by Melodye Reeves Leave a Comment

Pause VI Day 14 Whole Life Generosity

Melodye Reeves

January 19, 2023

Faith,Fullness,Provider,Security

Read His Words Before Ours!

Philippians 4:15-20

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Read More Of His Words

Do you ever wonder why so many people suffer from lack of food, clothing, or money? In light of this passage, it’s especially difficult to believe God always provides when it appears to us that believers may not have everything they need.

“And my God will supply all your needs …”

Sweet friend, ponder this: perhaps it is because our greatest needs are not material. If you haven’t meditated on the previous passage (Philippians 4:11-13), I encourage you to pause now and look back. Spend a few minutes reading, re-reading, and prayerfully allowing these God-breathed words to seep into your soul. Paul mentioned his ability to be content in every circumstance. His secret was understanding that his joy wasn’t found in gifts themselves, but in the Giver.

“… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s reflect on these things from God’s perspective. He is a gift giver. Paul knew the supply of our needs comes through Jesus Christ, and his joy was found in that reality. The most important thing to Paul was not the gifts themselves. How beautiful is this kind of joy! What deep love Paul demonstrated through his own thankfulness for the spiritual reward they would receive because of their financial investments in his ministry. (verse 17) He knew God’s spiritual resources are endless.

Paul had faithful friends and supporters, but we know he did not believe Christ followers would never experience lack. Paul endured many hardships, including being without. (Philippians 4:12) What we are promised is God’s faithfulness to fully supply us with what we need to continue to serve and glorify Him. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Paul’s secret was knowing God is trustworthy to be generous in every way we need Him!

Today's Pause Challenge

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write out Philippians 4:15-20 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). 

2) Take time to read through all of chapter 4. Copy down onto notecards the verse or verses about Paul’s joy that inspire you or maybe even convict you. Share them with someone and why they touched your heart.

3) Continue to memorize Philippians 4:4-5

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Pause VI
Day 13

Paul had a secret.

But it was a different kind of secret. It was a “sacred secret” that wasn’t to be kept from public knowledge. It was his explanation regarding his previous instruction to the people in Philippi. He had stated and repeated: Rejoice … always.

“In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content.” (verse 12)
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Posted in: Faith, Fullness, Provider, Security Tagged: prayer, provide, satisfier, suffer, sustenance
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