The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
(Over the next few days, we will consider the the Apostle Paul's epistle to Philemon, one of my favorite portions of Scripture, and one of its most Christ-exalting and revealing revelations of truth.)
"Philemon"
Part 3 - "Every Good Thing"
As his epistle to Philemon opens, the Apostle Paul graciously affirms Philemon and his love for God and people. However, Paul also anticipates his request regarding the receiving of escaped slave Onesimus will greatly challenge Philemon. He therefore communicates a profound truth every born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ must know in order to faithfully obey God.
"I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints, that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels (hearts) of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother" (Philemon 1:4-7)
Paul does not encourage the reception of Onesimus "as a brother beloved" based on Philemon somehow finding a way by his own dedication to receive his wayward servant (Philemon 1:16). The Apostle rather directs attention and focus to the Lord Jesus' presence in Philemon. He hopes his brother will "look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" as the dynamic means whereby fleshly inclinations can replaced and overcome by the divine grace whereby we "serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear" (Hebrews 2:2; 12:28). Paul well knew the truth declared by the Lord Jesus to His disciples: "Without Me, ye can do nothing." He also knew the enlivening and empowering truth of grace God had called him to communicate: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13; emphasis added).
In and of ourselves, believers can no more live the Christian life according to God's standard than we could have spiritually birthed ourselves at the outset of our relationship with God. Through the leading and enabling of the Holy Spirit, however, faith and faithfulness can abundantly flow in us, whatever the challenge of obedience may involve.
"He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38).
"We also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you" (II Corinthians 13:4).
Paul called Onesimus to obedience in the light and life of "every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." Our Heavenly Father calls us in this day and forevermore to the same "life… more abundant" empowered by the same glorious means (John 10:10). First, God supplies His enabling presence. Then, we acknowledge and affirm His promise and provision. "I will strengthen thee… The Lord is my strength… Thou art my strength" (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 118:14; 31:4). In the light of such grace received by faith, the divine and the human unite to perform wonders of the love of God only possible as He works and we trust.
We can surmise that Philemon responded well to Paul's request, based on a faithful brother likely responding well to the truth of God's enabling presence in his heart. Our own response of faithfulness hinges on the same, namely, "every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus," along with our conviction of faith that affirms the truth. Appearances may belie. Emotions may counter. Contrary thoughts may flit in our minds. The flesh may and will resist (Galatians 5:17). The truth abides nevertheless. The Spirit of the risen Lord Jesus lives in us. He walks in us. He works in us. "Every good thing" of His character and nature dwells in the spirits of believers to make possible miracles of faithful obedience that could not happen in any way other than the power of Christ being resident and active in us. "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).
Long ago, the Apostle Paul directed a brother in Christ to do a difficult thing. He did not do so, however, by calling that brother to find the strength in his humanity for the loving reception of a slave, now a brother. He rather pointed Philemon to the Savior who redeemed us not only from sin, but unto a life He alone can inspire, motivate, guide, and empower. Paul would direct us to the same regarding our own callings to the life of goodness that results from "every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."
"God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
(II Corinthians 9:8)
Weekly Memory Verse
For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory.
(Hebrews 2:10).
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