Philemon 1:4-7
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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
Faith and Love Among Believers
BACKGROUND NOTES
DOCTRINAL POINT(S)
Christians should thank the Lord for the love and faith of fellow believers.
Christians should pray to the Lord for the love and faith of fellow believers.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Do we love all the saints?
Are you a refresher or a refreshee?
QUESTIONS
How did a typical first century letter begin?
When was the church at Colossae started?
Why did Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon?
Was the Asia of the New Testament the same as the Asia of today?
What does it mean to show faith toward the saints?
What prompts love and faith for the saints?
ANSWERS
After the salutation and greeting there would be a section of thanksgiving.
Probably during Paul’s third missionary journey.
So Onesimus, now a Christian, would make things right after having robbed Philemon.
No. Asia was a province of the Roman Empire, where Turkey is located today.
Showing faith means to trust the saints and put confidence in them, even when they may not be trustworthy.
Love for the Lord Jesus
DISCUSS/CONSIDER
Paul reminds Philemon that he is praying for him and that he is thankful for his faith and love. How do your prayers correspond to Paul’s? Are you expressing thanks for the faith and love of fellow believers?
Paul prayed for growth of the saints, and for hearts to be refreshed. How do your prayers correspond to his? Is your faith and love growing?
CHALLENGE
Paul commended Philemon’s love for all the saints. Do you love all the saints? Even those who are hard to love?
Both Paul and Philemon encouraged fellow believers. Has someone refreshed your heart lately? Have you refreshed someone’s heart recently?
KEY VERSES
“I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers.” Philemon 4
“I have heard of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” Philemon 5
“The hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.” Philemon 7