Singapore Moses Supporter Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

We read a run-away slave of Philemon, Onesimus who had robbed his master and fled to Rome. In Rome, he became a convert of Paul (Phm. 1:10), who sent him back to Philemon in the Epistle of Philemon. The writing pleaded for forgiveness for Onesimus and restored peace in Philemon.

► Summary of the letter that Paul wrote:
Paul wrote that Onesimus departed from you as an unfaithful slave. He left you for a short time, but now since he is converted as a true Christian he would be a faithful slave. You must receive him back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Love him as a brother for he is dear to you and especially to me (vv. 15-16).

Asked the master consider Paul as a friend, receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul. If Onesimus has wronged or if he owes anything, Paul pleaded to put that on to Paul's account. Paul promised to pay the master of Onesimus back. Paul asked to oblige him (vv. 17-19).

Paul added that he wanted to have the joy of knowing that Onesimus is forgiven. He had the confidence in him that he would even do more than I say (vv. 20-21). Paul again expressed his faith in Onesimus deliverence from prison and that he promised get to visit the churches again.

► FOUR LESSONS WE LEARNT FROM PAUL THAT REFRESHED HIS HEART IN THE LORD:
1. As per Paul's guideline, we must help those under bondage or slavery must confess his wrongdoing 
2. We must follow Paul to use our influence in Christ to bring peace and to save the afflicted from penalty of sin
3. Like Paul, we must be willing to deliver someone out of bondage using our own money, time and efforts
4. Like Paul,we must use every opportunity to do more ministry as done in Philemon

October 20 2015 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How do we refresh our hearts in Christ?

Philemon 1:20 ESV: "Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ."

Refreshing your heart in Christ is achieved by intentionally abiding in His presence through prayer, Scripture meditation, and worship, which renews strength, brings joy, and provides peace. It involves resting in God's promises, practising gratitude, repenting to align with Him, and engaging in fellowship with other believers.

Ways to experience spiritual renewal include:

Abiding in His Presence: Spending consistent time in prayer and worship connects you with the source of joy and life.

Immersing in Scripture: Reading and meditating on the Bible—especially the Psalms—refreshes a weary soul with God's truth.

Practising Repentance: Turning away from sin and toward God activates the Holy Spirit to bring restoration and times of refreshing.

Trusting and Resting: Actively casting anxieties on God and trusting in His promises replaces worry with peace.

Fellowship and Service: Connecting with other believers and serving others helps you feel supported and encouraged.

Sabbath Rest: Taking time to cease from work and rejuvenate allows God to renew your strength

Personal Spiritual Discipline:

Directly connecting with God through established "means of grace" is the primary way to find inner renewal: 

Spend Time in His Presence: Regularly set aside intentional, distraction-free time for prayer and worship. Acts 3:19 notes that "times of refreshing" specifically come from the Lord's presence.

Immerse in the Word: Reading and meditating on Scripture acts as "living water" for a dry soul. It restores the soul and makes the simple wise (Psalm 19:7).

Practice Repentance: Refreshment often follows the removal of spiritual "clogs." Confessing sins and returning to God with a sincere heart allows for a fresh start.

Cast Your Burdens: Jesus invites those who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-3). 

Surrendering worries to Him prevents spiritual burnout.

Cultivate Gratitude: Intentionally thanking God for His "good and perfect gifts" shifts your perspective from entitlement to a humble attitude of thanksgiving.

The Bible describes a "ripple effect" where refreshing others directly leads to personal renewal: 

Serve Others: Proverbs 11:25 states, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed". Tangible acts such as hospitality, encouragement, and bearing one another's burdens revitalise both the giver and the receiver."

Practice Extravagant Forgiveness: Following the example in the book of Philemon, forgiving others "refreshes the hearts of the saints" and mirrors Christ's love.

Connect with Believers: Fellowship with a "sound biblical church" and godly friends provides vital encouragement and motivation to continue your spiritual journey.

The letter to Philemon is revealing in that it shows the love and unity that existed among the Christians of the first century. In it, we learn that the early Christians called one another "brother" and "sister." Philem. 2, 20

In addition, it reveals for Christians today the practical application of Christian principles among Christian brothers. 

On the part of Paul, we find the expression of brotherly love, respect for civil relations and for the property of another, effective tactfulness, and commendable humility.

Instead of trying to compel Philemon to forgive Onesimus by the weight of the authority he possessed as a leading overseer in the Christian congregation, Paul humbly appealed to him based on Christian love and his personal friendship. 

We can all benefit from Paul's tactful approach to Philemon.

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report