One Verse at a Time

This episode looks at Philemon 1:9, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus.” Philemon’s love for the saints and Paul’s love for Onesimus motivate him to appeal to Philemon rather than command what is right. May we learn from Paul in this, and may we learn to love as these saints loved.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:8, “Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required.” Paul wants Philemon to act in accordance with his character and to refresh him by receiving Philemon as a brother not a bondservant. He has the boldness to command him to do so, but ultimately chooses to appeal rather than command. May we have the boldness to command when necessary and the wisdom to appeal when boldness is not necessary.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:7, “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the heart of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Christian community offers joy, comfort, and refreshment. May our communities live up to this high calling, and may we live up to the calling individually as contributors to our communities.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:6, “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.” We share a faith with one another that should help us more and more to know Christ’s blessings and to obey Christ’s commands. May it be so in our communities.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:5, “because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.” Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith in the Lord Jesus, a faith which overflows in love for the saints. We need help to live like this, and we need help to notice those in our lives who live like this (and who we should give thanks for to God).

This episode looks at Philemon 1:4, “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.” The way we give thanks to God is by memorializing the faith and love of fellow Christians. May God teach us to do that well.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:3, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul prays for grace and peace for his readers. We are now his readers, and we ask that same grace upon ourselves.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:2, “and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house.” Paul continues his greetings, greetings that highlight the high calling of Christian community. May our churches resonate with familial bonds, union in the battle of faith, and accountability to follow Christ’s commands.

This episode looks at Philemon 1:1, “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker.” Paul’s description of himself and Timothy transforms the way we think about ourselves. Our family ties and personal identity radically transform in light of Christ’s work. May God grant us grace to think of ourselves rightly.

This episode looks at Luke 2:52, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Jesus lived the majority of his life in obscurity, and he did so while pursuing wisdom, maintaining his body, and pleasing God with his life. May we imitate him by God’s grace.