Philemon 6 in different Versions
New International Version -
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

English Standard Version -
"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."

New King James Version -
"that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

New Living Translation -
"that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

Revised Standard Version -
"that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

Because the Bible was written without punctuations, sometimes a verse could be read in two or more ways. But as we expect, the Lord did not allow that the main points of the Bible lose it's powerful message. In these translations, they seemingly give us different but very much related variations of verse 6 of Philemon. Nevertheless, if you think it over, the meanings that can be derived from these are all true so there is no problem taking them one way or the other. These variations still points to the same theme . . . . . The Centrality of the Lord Jesus Christ in history, our faith and our future.

In the NIV, the prayer of Paul seem to focus on the "sharing" of Onesimus' faith in Christ. Due to this, Philemon's consistency in sharing his faith will result in his better realization of the blessings he received in Jesus Christ. This is the focus of Paul's prayers for the Ephesians in Eph.1 and 3.

On the other hand, the NKJV declares that the acknowledgement or realization of how much Philemon received from Christ will make Philemon a much better witness.

As I have said, whichever of these translations, the sharing of our faith and the realization of our inheritance in Christ are two things that we need to sustain in our lives for effectiveness in our ministries as well as living a fulfilled abundant life. Imagine sharing the Gospel to someone and every time you do you are reminded on how blessed you are to be a child of God. This realization should also move us to share the Gospel even more.

You know why many of us do not live a fulfilled abundant life? It has been too long since the last time many of us have shared our faith to others. As the Navigators put it, if a spoke is missing in our wheel we will not have a balanced Christian life. Now that you know this truth, what are you going to do about it?

Will You Go The Second Mile For Your Enemy?

"Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." Philemon 21

"And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." Matthew 5:40-42

When we were still attending First Filipino Baptist in Toronto, I had the desire to put together a group that will be called "The Second Miler". This group was supposed to be the ones to help and take care of the needs of the people in the church in a more practical way. But like a million ideas, it went nowhere for lack of follow-through on my part. It should have made a big difference in the church then. The church would be a real caring community when there are people who would:
1. always be there to help somebody move.
2. always ready to help when someone is in a bind.
3. always there to greet a visitor, make him feel at home in the church and even ask them to have lunch at their home after church. I have actually asked some people in our church to cook extra in case there is a visitor to take home for lunch.
4. always willing to take people around when they have just arrived in the country. I have taken countless people to Niagara Falls in the past years even in the middle of winter.

It is one thing to do good to people whom you have no problem with, but it is another when you are expected to do good to people who treated you badly in the past. In short, your enemies.

Loving your enemies. This is a concept that is hard to swallow. I once led a Bible study among the seniors where the discussion was about forgiving those who offended us. One of them emphatically declared that she will not forgive someone who will repeatedly hurt her. To which I gently answered back that in doing this, she is not disobeying me but God.

The Bible incredibly teaches us that to forgive is not enough for a Christian. In the case of Philemon, Paul asked him to "welcome him (Onesimus) as you would welcome me". How would Philemon welcome Paul? With great care and sacrifice. Paul being Philemon's spiritual father, I am sure will not sleep in the barn but in the best room in the house even if it is his own bedroom. He will kill the fatted calf for Paul and only the best wine. . . . yes, they drunk real wine then. Only the best for Paul, Philemon would say.

But in spite of this request being too great for someone who will not only forgive but also receive his enemy like he was receiving his best friend, Paul expected from Philemon even beyond that. Incredible! But it is true. This is the true mark of a heart-changed Christian. How can he do it, you may ask?

By faith in Christ alone and by learning to love the saints as we learn from our Lord Himself. On top of all of these is the grace of God that He lavishly give to those who are obedient to His will.

Imagine this happening in our churches. It should be like heaven, don't you think? So the next time I ask you for a gift . . . . go the second mile and buy me a dinner too. Be blessed.

Philemon, Revisited Again: "Keeping The Big Picture In Mind"

"Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the LORD." Philemon 15-16

Ever wonder why the Lord who loves us so much allows trials and temptations to happen in our lives? The devil of course concocted these traps to destroy us and pull us away from being in fellowship with God and His people. It is also his ploy to render us useless in God's Gospel enterprise. But little does he know that God is in control all the time and He allows these work of Satan to purify us, strengthen us and to help us grow progressing into Christ-likeness every single day.

Let us continue to believe that God will never allow any painful experience to happen in our lives without a higher purpose. No experience that God allows in our lives that is meant to destroy us but to build us up. Neither is God sleeping at the switch and know not what is happening in our lives today . . . . or any day! Just imagine His loving, powerful, giant hand resting above our heads completely preventing the flow of trials and temptations to touch our lives. But now and then He opens up those fingers to allow one to go through completely scrutinized by Him and He also decided will produce the gift of the Spirit in our lives. Then at the end of our stay here on earth, He might allow that one last trial to finally lead us home so we can be with Him forever. Oh, He loves us so that as we go through the pain, we have a God who is suffering with us and will never leave our side.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:15

As Paul pointed out to Philemon, God has a big picture to show us. The pain that Philemon experienced in the hands of Onesimus was not meant to completely separate them but to bring them back much better than before.

Onesimus, the story goes, became a bishop. It is only natural for a man who lived with Paul to have gained so much from that experience. But if Paul could turn a slave into a bishop, Philemon, even through these trials "refreshed the hearts of the saints." Philemon 7. In verse 6, Paul emphasized the importance of being busy working for the Lord for in so doing our knowledge will grow steadily about how blessed we are as sons of God! Even in Ephesians 1 and 3, Paul's prayers for believers are focused on our ability to grasp how great the grace we received through Christ from the Father.

When we see the big picture, we can endure anything. When we are more aware of our position before God in Christ, we will be able to overlook small nagging problems. When we see the bigger plan of God, we will not waste time on things of little importance. When we are more sure of our inheritance in Him, everything else on this earth becomes less important for the sake of spreading the Good News.

Let us not allow conflict to detract us from what is of utmost importance. The world continue to march toward eternal death. Let us not allow Satan, who can never win our souls, paralyze us with our broken relationships.

Philemon, Revisited: "Giving Each Other The Benefit Of The Doubt Erases Most Conflicts In Our Relationships."

"So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me." Philemon 17

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

On one occasion, I had to get two brothers together who somehow had a snag in their relationship. These two dear men are very close to my heart. The problem which I thought was a very simple one erupted into a big conflict. I had to call on the deacons board to get the two of them together. One leader was accusing the other of lying while the other was accusing his offended brother of mis-judging him. The meeting went on on and on without getting to the end of it. I was getting frustrated at both of them that I asked them, whom I believe are mature Christians, if it is right for them to end the evening without forgiving each other or at least giving each other the benefit of the doubt. I was able to coax them to shake each other's hands but what really happened is that both egos prevailed and we left that situation unsettled which I believe continues to this day!

Sad but true, many of us are living our lives wanting to be right rather than doing the right thing, which is to reconcile with our brother. No, I am not saying we need to compromise our biblical principles. But if the brother explained away what you pointed out to him as his fault then let the explanation be his accountability to God! I am my brother's keeper but God is his judge. I must give my brother the benefit of the doubt. Though he may fool me, he can never fool God.

Benefit of the doubt . . . . . it is like the "white flag" that we give each other to allow one party to clarify himself without hostility. It is the room we need to be understood or to make adjustments to correct what was done. How I wish that we will all give this room to those who offended us: the benefit of the doubt before we cast our judgment on another person with what we saw or heard that is offensive to us.

Philemon I believe gave this benefit of the doubt to Paul ignoring what he may have heard from detractors or perceived from the appearance of the closeness of Paul and Onesimus, his enemy. He could have listened to those who could concoct stories of what Onesimus might be feeding Paul against Philemon. He could have allowed his suspicions that Paul might be taking the side of Onesimus for allowing him to live with him. Don't we expect our friends to become enemies of our enemies too?

Philemon trusted Paul too much. He always believed that Paul will never believe any accusations against him without talking to him first. Paul was a loyal godly friend. His concern was always for Philemon's spiritual welfare. Paul deserved the benefit of the doubt. And of course, he turned out to be right. What Paul heard about Philemon was his faith and his love for all the saints, which included Onesimus, his worst enemy. v. 5

Benefit of the doubt calls for us to think highly of each other. It demands that we look at the interest of others first before our own concerns. Benefit of the doubt is what others need from us. It is what we need to avoid rash judgment and prolonged misunderstandings. It facilitates a gracious sit down talk before any conclusion is made.

How I wish that we will all offer each other the benefit of the doubt. Maybe some of us, who hardly talked to someone related to us for years would have not missed the joy of fellowshipping with others if we did not fail to give each of them the benefit of the doubt.

Well friend, if I offended you with what I said here, I hope you will offer me the benefit of the doubt. I will be very grateful if you do.

Face The Music. It Helps You Dance Freely!

"So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me." Philemon 17-18

The book of Philemon is only 25 verses long. It is nothing but a short letter written by a "spiritual father" to his "spiritual son"; by a mentor to a mentee; by a discipler to a disciple; by a leader to a follower. Yet this book is so packed with teachings we will not be able to study it in one day.

The relationship between these two men was obviously very close that Paul was able to ask Philemon some very strong requests quite confidently. In my life, I clamor for a relationship such as this where I am asked with directness concerning my Christian walk and my relationships specially with my wife and family. We all need an accountability partner like Paul who is so concerned about his friend's obedience to God. I believe we will be able to avoid a lot of problems in life if we have friends like Paul.

I have such friends in my life who can question me anytime about my physical, emotional, spiritual and relational life. They have the green light to call me anytime without asking for permission. And I treasure those times specially when I travel away from my family.

Philemon was a slave-owner who was wronged by his slave Onesimus who must have ran away with his money and/or precious things. It is when, I suppose, the money had ran out that Onesimus met Paul and stayed with him during his house arrest in Rome. At that time, Onesimus became a genuine believer in Christ and had been discipled effectively by Paul to the point that Onesimus was ready to face the consequences of his sinful acts against Philemon. Paul emphasized the importance of facing your problems and not run away from it.

What Paul was asking Onesimus was not easy. It was not easy for Philemon to receive Onesimus either. Even for Paul, it was not easy for him to let go of a person who became his personal assistant who was able to help him in his physical and ministerial needs. What Paul is saying here is that:
"THE EASY ROAD IS OFTEN NOT THE MOST BENEFICIAL ROAD."

I can almost hear Onesimus begging Paul: "Bro. Paul, please don't send me back to my master Philemon. I don't know what he might do to me. He could have me jailed or even worse hanged. Just let me stay here and I will serve you for the rest of your life. Please ask my master Philemon to just give me to you as your slave. It will be better for you and me!"

In the case of Philemon, he could have taken the easy road too and say: "As far as forgiveness, Bro. Paul, I have forgiven that "snake" with all of the pain he inflicted on me and my family. God knows how much I took care of him and yet he paid me back with this. But I am over it already Bro. Paul so it is best for you to keep him. If you send him back, I might not be able to control myself and kill that guy. It will be best for all of us if you kept him there to help you with your needs. You have my blessings to keep him. You need some help anyway and since I am too busy to help you, let him be my contribution to your ministry. Another thing is that my other slaves may get the wrong idea if they see that guy here and get away with what he did to me. The other slave owners too are up in arms when they got the hint that I might let that guy off the hook. My wife could not stop nagging me about it and I feel that I am being laughed at by people in my town. This way I could tell them that I sent him to you to do my work. I think this is best for all parties."

Paul on the other hand could also look at his own need and say: "Philemon, since you owe me a lot when I led you to Christ, let me have this guy Onesimus as your contribution to my ministry. He is too valuable for me so please consider him sold to me. God bless."

I am sure that some of you, like me, could be nodding your head in agreement with these. But the reality is that as Paul mentioned, it is best for Philemon to do things without compulsion but out from his heart. It is good for Philemon to face his problems and apply his Christian principles accordingly. Obviously Paul was asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus unconditionally which he gladly complied. Since Onesimus came to face Philemon, he too had a changed heart willing to accept the consequences of his mistakes. But Onesimus met grace instead. How beautiful that meeting must have been!

How did I know this? If this letter from Paul so annoyed and offended Philemon, we would not be reading it today. It would have been a good fire starter for Philemon's fireplace.

Next we will learn how Philemon responded to Paul's request. Be blessed.

A Son Vs. A Slave

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:7

Heaven is our ultimate goal. As a matter of fact, on a personal basis, heaven is the only goal that really matters for me. A man who owns everything amounts to having nothing if his relationship with God isn't there. This relationship is what really matters! We are all after something because we have this craving inside us to be fulfilled but most of us were brought up thinking that practicing religion is the way to get there. We fail to realize that we do not start out as children of God but slaves of this world. In John 1:12, we are told that only those who accepted Christ as his/her Lord and Saviour are given the right to be called children of God and therefore freed from slavery.

I want to go to heaven so badly, I wouldn't mind being allowed in as a slave. Wouldn't you? As long as we can get in. But unfortunately, we can not enter heaven as a slave. No slaves are welcome in heaven! Only sons.

You know what the biggest difference between a slave and a son? Huge.

Our grandson Caleb slept at our home for the first time last Friday night for his parents attended a wedding. We do not have a crib at home so he slept in the playpen in the family room downstairs. Rosie stayed with him as she slept on the couch beside the playpen. At 2 AM I went down to check on them. I saw my wife peacefully sleeping on the couch. How blessed I am to have such a woman who lives with me and I hope for the rest of my life.

Then my eyes caught Caleb deeply asleep in the playpen. My heart leapt with great pleasure. I stared at him sleeping for a while then I went back to bed satisfied.

How could a child do that to me? I am sure you felt the same way with your grandchildren or your own children.

You see, a slave gains the pleasure of his/her master from what he/she does. But a son is a pleasure to his parents by simply being a son! God is pleased with us because we are His children and we do not have to do anything to give Him pleasure. I can not do anything to add to God's love for me. He loves me for who I am in Christ, His child.

So do not stay a slave . . . . . being a son is much better by far. For some of us who are sons and yet have been living as slaves . . . . . it is too bad that you are not enjoying the privileges of a son. Do yourselves a favour and enjoy the rights and privileges of God's sons. And then for all of us, don't we feel the saddest when our love ones are floundering as slaves in this world? Let's do something about it and not be selfish with what God graciously gave us . . . . . SONSHIP. Share it!