Tag Archives: God

Philemon- Forgiveness

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Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Philemon 1:8-11

Everyone of us has a past, every saint before they came to Christ was a sinner. This is something we need to remember as the body of Christ. While there may be brothers and sisters who have a more colorful past than you, they have been washed and redeemed by the blood of Christ also, they have become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:7) The Apostle Paul is a great example of this himself, as he went from persecuting the Church to leading the Church.

And just as when Paul became saved, the Church at first was hesitant to accept him. (Galatians 1:23) This is the same story here for Onesimus, we need to remember this letter is being written to Philemon. As we learned from earlier in the letter , Philemon was a very wealthy man who actually hosted the Church in his house. As with many wealthy people , Philemon also employed servants, or owned slaves. Onesimus who was a slave/servant for Philemon stole from him and then fled to Rome, apparently Onesimus had an encounter with the Apostle Paul while in Rome. During his time in Rome, Onesimus became Born Again, saved in Christ.

The Apostle Paul here in this letter briefly describes the encounter “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains” (v10) Perhaps Onesimus became arrested while he fled in Rome and met Paul there in prison. As many of you probably have encountered or experienced, many people come to Christ while they are in prison, when they reach the lowest point of their life and have alot of time to think about their life. Of course it doesn’t hurt when you are in jail with one of the greatest preachers in world history.

Now the Apostle Paul is appealing to Philemon and the Church, to reinstate Onesimus and accept him as a brother in Christ. Notice how Paul begins this “for loves sake I rather appeal to you” (v9) As Paul has instructed us “Forgive others because God has already forgiven us” (Ephesians 4:32) We as brothers and sisters in Christ need to remember to forgive each other also, and remember our sins have forgiven so we should forgive others their sins.

The Apostle Paul then makes an interesting statement to the Church “who (Onesimus) once was unprofitable for you (Church) , is now profitable for you (Church) and me” (v11) The Apostle Paul is not only telling the Church that Onesimus has become Born Again in Christ, but you guys need him! How many people are needed by your local Church that the Church has rejected? Remember to forgive one another because Christ has forgive us, Amen

Philemon- The True Church

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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 of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Philemon 1:4-7

Again as we work through the Epistle of Philemon, we see the importance of the body of Christ, the community of believers. Don’t view Church as a building or something you do, understand the Church is You and your brothers and sisters in Christ. The Church is the family of God united by the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ. This is not an organization you just become a member or run like a business. This is the living and breathing body of Christ.

The first thing we notice , as the Apostle Paul says here “making mention of you always in my prayers” it’s important that we pray for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is the model of the early Church, are we still doing this today? While many will take the time to gossip about fellow brothers and sisters, do you pray for them? Do you make mention of their name before The Lord? 

Another thing we notice is the encouragement and refreshing we get when we gather together as the body of Christ. As the Apostle Paul says here “hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward The Lord Jesus and toward the saints” It’s inspiring when you see a Church that truly loves one another and truly loves The Lord Jesus Christ. Many Churches claim Love, but do they demonstrate the fruits of Love? Remember Jesus said “Love God and Love Neighbor” (Luke 10:27) Do you love the Lord and love your brothers and sisters as you love yourself? 

The next thing the Apostle Paul points out “that the sharing of your faith may be effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in You in Christ Jesus” A true that truly loves God and each other, will be an effective Church to preach the gospel. A false Church will always preach a false gospel, as Jesus said “You will be known by your fruits” (Matthew 7:16) In order to be effective ambassadors of Christ, we need to live for Christ, we can’t be a hypocritical Church. The world is watching you, more than they are reading their Bibles. Be the Salt and Light you were called to be (Matthew 5)

When you see a real Church being led by the Holy Spirit it becomes contagious, its an encouragement to other believers. As the Apostle Paul says here “we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have refreshed by you” To be in the presence of true believers is a refreshment for our souls. May we continue to pray for one another, love one another as Christ has loved us, and be the Light and Salt in Christ, Amen

Philemon- Fellow Laborers

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Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Philemon 1:1-3

The Church , the Body of Christ, is made up of many people, many parts, (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12) all coming together to serve, worship, and build a community together. This epistle to Philemon is a great example of this, while Timothy was being trained to be a Pastor/Elder of the Church, Philemon provided his house as the building for this Church.

These simple things can be overlooked alot, when people provide for the Church, its a blessing for everyone in the Church. You don’t need to be the Pastor or Elder of the Church , to serve the Church. It can be as simple as cleaning or doing maintenance of the building, serve by leading Sunday School or participating in worship music. Everything we do is for the glory of God, there is no task that is too little when you are serving The Lord

Notice the Apostle Paul views Philemon as “our beloved friend and fellow laborer” even though Philemon wasn’t a preacher, Paul regarded him as an equal laborer in Christ. This is how we should view all our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Jesus said “Anyone who wants to be the greatest in the Kingdom of God, must be the servant of all” (Matthew 20:26) 

The Apostle Paul mentions “to the church in your house” it’s clear Philemon is hosting the Church in his own house. It appears Philemon could have been a wealthy man and was using his money to provide for the Church. These blessings will not go unnoticed by God. While many of the people might not know, how the building is being provided, God knows! 

But a second point I want to make about this, it was common practice in the early Church to worship in houses due to persecution and restrictions by their governments. You don’t need to worship in a fancy building to be called a “Church”, the Ekklessia is the body of Christ, the people not the building. Many Churches are spending too much time and money on their building and not the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) I know alot of Christians, who believe you have to only worship in a particular building or they won’t worship outside of their building, this becomes idolatry. Beware not to make your building an idol before God, we are the temples of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, (1 Corinthians 6) wherever you are there is the Church!

I will end with the words of the Apostle Paul “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” Live in peace with the grace of our God with your fellow servants, the Church, the body of Christ, your co-laborers in Christ, Amen!

2 Timothy 4- The Lord Is With You

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But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!  2 Timothy 4:17-18

As we talked about previously, the Christian walk is not going to be an easy task, as Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me (Christ) (Matthew 16:24) This is a walk of discipline and obedience, it’s also a walk of persecution and suffering. As Jesus also said “if the world hates you, know it hated me (Christ) first (John 15:18) 

But despite all of this, remember and understand this, The Lord is with you through all of it! As the Apostle Paul stated here “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me” , remember what the Apostle Paul also said “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) The Lord Jesus Christ is with you always, everywhere you go, and will strengthen you also during times of hardship and trials.

Through all this, the Apostle Paul understood what his mission was, “so that the message might be preached fully through me” Paul wasn’t looking for his “best life now” Paul was trying to finish his race, complete the higher calling that was placed upon him. This should be our mission also, to fulfill the calling God has placed upon us. To have an eternal perspective on life and not a temporary outlook. Seek the Kingdom of God first! (Matthew 6:33)

“That all the Gentiles might hear” The Apostle Paul preached the gospel to the entire world, this is what we should do also, to fulfill the Great Commision “Make disciples of ALL the nations (meaning everyone) (Matthew 28:19) Preach the gospel to ALL Creatures (everyone) (Mark 16:15) This is your higher calling as a servant of Christ, to preach the gospel and make disciples, and The Lord will be with you and strengthen you, through all things!

You were marked, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) As the Apostle Paul said “The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me for His Heavenly Kingdom” Satan will try to destroy You and your ministry, but The Lord will deliver you, because it’s all for the Glory of God and not ourselves, fulfill your higher calling and understand The Lord is with You and will strengthen you through all things, Amen!

2 Timothy 4- The Narrow Walk

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Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 2 Timothy 4:9-16

One things you will learn as a Christian, the deeper your relationship grows with Christ, the more people will oppose and abandon you. As Jesus Christ warned us “if the world hates you, remember that it hated me (Christ) first” ( John 15:18) If the world crucified our Lord because he brought the truth , don’t think the world doesn’t want to kill you also for preaching the truth. This is part of the cross you must carry as a disciple of Christ. 

As we look at the Apostle Pauls letter here, almost everyone abandoned him during his ministry. Not only did they reject Paul, but persecuted him. Even other Christians who were believers with Paul, neglected him because they feared to be part of the persecution he was facing. Doesn’t this sound familiar today? There are many who claim to be a Christian, but hide in the closet or shadows in fear to support their brethren. 

But as Paul is demonstrating here, he needed companionship, he needed his brothers and sisters in Christ to stand with him. So he pleaded with Timothy to visit him because Paul needed fellowship, this is why the Church is so essential for your salvation. Don’t believe you can finish this walk alone, just as the Apostle Paul needed his brothers and sisters in Christ, we need our family of God also. 

Another thing to notice is some of the brethren forsook the Church and pursued the world. As The Lord warned “Remember Lots Wife” (Luke 17:32) Who was told to not look back, many Christians go back into the world and lose their soul. But just as Christ said “Whoever seeks to preserve his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it” (Luke 17:33) Many Christians will turn back to the world, turn back to their old sin, but we must keep our eyes focused on Christ

But notice the Apostle Pauls response to all those who abandoned and persecuted him, “May it not be charged against them” reminds you when The Lord was hanging on the cross and said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) Let The Lord  be your vindicator, pray for your enemies even when its hard

Jesus said “Narrow is the way to life” (Matthew 7:14) As you continue to grow closer to Christ in your walk, just like the Apostle Paul, most people will abandon and oppose you, cling to Jesus in all circumstances, be led by the Holy Spirit, Amen

2 Timothy 4- Crown of Righteousness

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Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

One day we will all have to stand before The Lord and give an account for our life, for Christians this is a glorious thought , for the unsaved this should be a terrifying thought. As scripture says “Its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31) This is why we preach the gospel with urgency to everyone, seek Jesus and become Born Again before its too late, because there are no second chances in Hell (Luke 16, Hebrews 9:27)

We talked about previously what it means to truly be a disciple of Christ, to carry your cross, to crucify your flesh and live for Jesus. Some would say, what is the point of all this? As a servant of Christ, its an honor and privilege to serve Christ, but also Jesus will reward your faithful service. As the Apostle Paul states here “There is a laid up for me a crown of righteousness” just as Paul compared the Christian walk with competing in a race or battle, the crown is the ultimate prize, the completion of a successful mission. As Paul also said “I press on toward the goal, so I can win the prize” (Philippians 3:14)

When we stand face to face with The Lord, we want to hear him say “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) What we don’t want to hear from The Lord is “Depart from me , I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) These have to be the most terrifying words in the entire Bible. But Jesus is worthy and able to give you the crown of righteousness because He is the righteous judge!

My question or challenge for you today, is are you striving for the crown of righteousness? When you stand before The Lord and give an account of your life, what will He say to you? Are you living for Jesus? Does your life reflect the profession of your faith?

Now I would like to just end with what the Apostle Paul says here “but not only me, but also all of them that love His appearance” the crown of righteousness is available to all who love Christ. But if you truly love Christ, does your life reflect this? Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) See what Paul is teaching here is not works or legalism, this is about relationship with our Living God! Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Fight the Good Fight

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For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

While the Apostle Paul was writing this epistle, he knew his time was running short. And he was correct, Paul was executed by the Roman Empire during his imprisonment which he wrote this letter. But the Apostle Paul knew to live his life has a “Living Sacrifice” to God (Romans 12:2) as he states here “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” We also as Christians should learn to number our days (Psalm 90:12) and to live for Christ and fulfill our calling by God

Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, come after me, deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) This should be the mission statement for every Christian, any other expectation outside this mantra is not of the will of God. This is a hard reality for most Christians to accept, to take up your cross and die to self, to die to the world, to crucify the flesh daily, none of this seem natural to the carnally minded. But to those filled and led by the Holy Spirit, its the higher calling by our Lord

As the Apostle Paul states here “I have fought the good fight” Paul described the Christian walk as a battle, you are in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) Paul never described the Christian walk as “living your best life now” this is a deception from the devil. This is a fight, this is a battle, this is a war for your soul and all the souls of the world. The greatest war in human history has been ongoing for centuries, and most don’t even realize they are in it. Fight the good fight of faith, as Paul also said “endure hardness as a soldier of Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3)

The Apostle Paul also said “I have finished my course” As Jesus said “Count the cost” (Luke 14:28) Becoming a Christian will cost you everything, Jesus warns before you profess your faith in Christ, understand the cost. As Paul said “You were bought with a price, you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:20) Many believe in Christ but fall away when the road gets tough, finish the course! Jesus also said “Those who endure to the end, shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Complete your higher calling in Christ, fight the good fight of faith!

Finally Paul says “I have kept the faith” seems like a simple statement, but many lose their faith when they enter into the battle. Put your full faith and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ in all things, even when we don’t fully understand Gods plan, understand we already have victory in Jesus, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Fight the good fight, Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Sound Doctrine

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For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:3-5

Once again the Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is revealing what it will be like in the Last Days. “For the time (Church age) will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine” We live in an age where most people who profess to be Christians, don’t want to hear the sound doctrine of the Bible, more evidence it seems we are living in the last days. 

When you look around the Churches and see what is being preached from the majority of pulpits, most of its blasphemy, most of it is a complete denial of our foundational doctrine that has been given to us by the Holy Spirit. The majority of the Church today denies Jesus is God in the flesh, the majority of the Church denies they are sinners in need of repentance, a good portion of the Church denies the bodily resurrection of Christ, many deny the Virgin Birth, and so on and so on. If you don’t believe me, visit my YouTube Channel where I expose these heresies being preached from the pulpits.

We live in an age where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20) But this is no surprise to God, as this was prophesied to happen, the great falling away will happen. As Jesus Christ said “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24) Jesus also said “Those who endure to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13)

So here’s the warning, don’t be deceived, because Christ said even some of the elect will be deceived. So what is the root behind these false teachings? As the Apostle Paul states “but after their own lusts, because they have itching ears” These are carnally minded people, not regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They want to feed the flesh, so they reject anything edifying by God. This is the root of all false religion, the flesh, the carnally minded and driven person

So what is their response “they will turn their ears away from the truth and shall be turned unto fables” Most people don’t want to hear the truth because they want to feed their flesh, they reject the Word of God, they reject the foundational doctrines of Christianity, they deny the knowledge of the Holy Spirit. This is the state of most of Christianity, clear evidence we are at the end

So what is our response as Born Again Christians? The Apostle Paul tells us “be watchful in all things, endure affiliations and hardships, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Preach The Word

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I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:1-2

What is our job as Christians? Jesus commanded us with the Great Commision “Go and make disciples of all the nations , baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit “ (Matthew 28:19) also “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) It’s clear our duty as servants of Christ is to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone!

The Apostle Paul is basically following these instructions given by The Lord, as he states “I charge or command you” Paul is not just making a suggestion to Timothy, he’s commanding him, to preach the Word of God, to remember everything that he has taught him, and Paul is doing this under the testimony of  God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ! Paul makes reference that Christ is coming back soon to judge everyone, Every knee will bow to The Lord (Philippians 2) Are you ready to stand before The Lord on judgment day?

What are our commands? “Preach the word, and be ready in and out of season” Regardless of where you are or who you are with, you must preach the gospel, this is our mission. As the Apostle Paul stated “How will they know without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) There is a harvest field out there , as Jesus said “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37) Imagine if everyone who called themselves a Christian, actually obeyed The Lord and fulfilled the Great Commision?

Now one warning, you are going to go through seasons of great harvest and seasons of drought, as the Apostle Paul commanded “preach in and out of season” Even when it seems nobody is listening, when it seems everyone has a hard heart and dull ears, keep preaching the gospel, because the Word of God will never go void (Isaiah 55:11)

The Word of God is for our instruction and benefit, to rebuke, correct, instruct, warn, and to encourage. As a preacher we need to have patience and faithful teaching. The message of the gospel, can be difficult for people to hear and grasp for the first time, lead these people as a shepherd and guide them with truth on their walk with Christ. 

Preach the Word of God, in and out of season, wherever you go, make disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

2 Timothy 3- The Word of God

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All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

There are people who will say “God never speaks to me” or will say “I wish God would speak to me”, well if you want God to talk to you, read the Word of God! The Bible is inspired and God breathed Word, its a supernatural book from our Creator and I guarantee if you read the Bible, it will change your life!

The problem with Christianity today, is many “Christians” have rejected or forsaken the Word of God. They deny the authority of scripture so they can make up their own doctrines and beliefs, they attack the Word of God to try and discredit it’s reliability and authenticity. The Bible should be the foundation of your Church and your life, when your Church denies the authority of scripture, this is when heresies and false doctrines creep into the Church

As the Apostle Paul reveals here “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God” let me repeat that again, All Scripture! There are people who like to pick and choose what verses they like from the Bible, and they will remove the verses they don’t like, this is more common than you think. But you must receive the entire Bible as the Word of God, not just a few books. Just because you don’t understand the scripture, doesn’t mean its not true. 

The Bible is a gift from God, his word delivered by the Holy Spirit to the prophets and apostles, persevered just for us. As the Apostle Paul says here “is profitable for doctrine, for instruction, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” The Bible is foundational for our faith, these are the instructions and teachings that were given to us by God to live our lives for Him! 

As the Apostle Peter stated “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21) The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets and the apostles to deliver to us the Holy Word of God. As The Lord Jesus confirmed this himself “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” (Luke 24:44) If you want to know who the real Jesus Christ is , read your BIble, the entire Bible reveals who Christ truly is!

Why do we need to read your Bible? As the Apostle Paul says “so the Man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” You need to be trained by the Holy Spirit, in order to do that you must read the words from the Holy Spirit! I will end with the words by Christ himself “Man can’t live on bread alone, but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) Amen!