“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
Philemon 1:7
“For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.”
– Philemon 1:7 (LSB)
Main Thought: Here in this brief letter of the apostle Paul to Philemon, his brother in Christ, we see a personal glimpse into the life of the apostle. We all know that after beginning his apostolic ministry, Paul suffered much hardship, persecution, and heartache for the cause of Christ. He spoke of being defamed and being treated as the filth of the world (1 Cor. 4:13) and also spoke of being beaten, shipwrecked, and the dangers he faced from his persecutors resulting in many sleepless nights for his faithfulness to the message of the Gospel (2 Cor. 11:23-29). However, here we find that Paul speaks, not of his hardships, but of how he and other saints have come to know joy and comfort having been refreshed by this brother in the Lord. This passage reminds us as believers of the encouragement that we should be and need to be to our brothers and sisters in Christ. None of us have suffered and undergone the hardship Paul did, but all of us do go through difficulties that weigh us down spiritually and physically. How refreshing and joyous it is to our souls when a brother or sister in Christ, in love, reaches out to encourage us and lift us up, coming alongside us with a card, a note, a phone call, or simply puts their arms around us and gives us encouragement. There is not a single one of us who are God’s children that cannot do this. We have been given the gift of love because of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and whether it is easy or not, we should frequently encourage and lift up those who are a part of our spiritual family. As Philemon did for Paul and other saints, think of someone today who you know needs encouragement and reach out to them in the love of Christ. It will be a blessing both for them and you.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19