This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
Philemon 1:1-7 NLT
If faith is genuine, it permeates every part of our lives. The letter of Philemon is different than any other letter we have from Paul. It is a personal letter, not a letter addressed to a church. Paul knew Philemon personally, and he was thankful to God for his love and generosity. Paul even asked Philemon to prepare a guest room for him (v.22), hoping he would soon visit Colossae where Philemon lived. Although they were friends, Paul was willing to ask a bold favor for the sake of the gospel. He was asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus, his runaway slave who had come to Rome, found Paul in prison, and given his life for the work of the gospel. Paul wanted Philemon to live out the freedom of the gospel, set Onesimus free, and allow him to support Paul in Rome. Paul lived out the fullness and freedom of the gospel in every part of his life.
We are called to do the same. Relationships can’t blind us to injustice. Comfort can’t close our eyes to the problems of the world. It is too easy for us to know about Jesus but never really follow Him with our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. God doesn’t just want to save our minds; He wants to save our souls. This means our will—our desires and decisions. This is the last area to be surrendered in any human heart; we would rather give God Sunday mornings, Bible studies, finances, or even our emotions—rather than surrender our will to His way of freedom.
What can help you live out what you believe? What parts of your life is Jesus asking you to surrender to Him
