Philemon

“I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing …” (v6).  Paul’s friend Philemon was already a beloved brother and fellow worker in Christ (v1).  But Paul prayed that Philemon’s faith might continue to be effective, to produce real change in his life.  Specifically, Paul asked Philemon to reconsider his relationship with his former slave, Onesimus, who had become a believer while in prison with Paul.  Now, Paul asked Philemon to regard Onesimus as a “beloved brother” (v16).

The gospel cannot be compartmentalized.  Every relationship, attitude and goal must be reconsidered in light of what Jesus Christ has done.