Text: Philemon 1:1-7
Title: Sharing of Faith = Growth
Thoughts:
I’ll never forget the revelation I had from Philemon 1:6 several years ago. Involving a bit of ambiguity, this verse, rightfully understood, brings incredible knowledge to the life of the believer. In the NASB it reads: “and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.”
For the most part, the ambiguity surfaces because of the uncertainty of the word fellowship (konoinia) of our faith. For those familiar with Christianity, kononia “is often used in the active sense of impartation, as communication, contribution, almsgiving” (Vincent-Word Studies). While this sharing of his faith certainly involved communication, it was more than the mere verbal sharing of Christ that Paul was alluding to in Philemon’s life.
Indeed, it was the all-around sharing of his resources which would result in a deeper understanding of his faith and what God had placed within him. P.T. O’Brien clarifies this in his translation of v.6: “I pray that your generosity, which arises from your faith, may lead you effectively into a deeper understanding and experience of every blessing which belongs to us as fellow-members in the body of Christ” (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians, pp.209-10).
Paul’s words to Philemon in this passage strongly suggest that there is a direct correlation between the sharing of our faith (time, talents, and treasures) and our “ever-growing awareness of all the resources available in Christ…The implication is clear: Whereas an inactive faith leads to stagnation, an active faith leads to spiritual growth–surely a principle of universal application”(Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary, p.1289).
Application:
From the experiences in your life, can you see remarkable growth and a new awareness of God’s resources when you are actively sharing your faith?
How active is your sharing in this season of life? In what areas are you sharing?
How does life, the economy, extracurricular activities, etc. affect your sharing and consequently your spiritual growth?
Prayer:
Father,
May I learn from Philemon’s example. In response to his faith, he shared his resources for the benefit of the Kingdom of God. In doing so, he learned more of the vast resources You had placed in the lives of believers. May I grasp how wide, how deep, and how extravagant is Your resources toward Your children. Resisting stagnation, I want to grow in my faith as I give it away. Help me to become generous in all areas of my life.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
