Grace Evangelical Society

P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202
  • About
    • Home
    • Beliefs
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
  • Resources
    • Grace in Focus Blog
    • Grace in Focus International Blogs
    • Grace in Focus Radio
    • Grace in Focus Magazine
    • Free eBooks
    • Journal of the GES
    • Book Reviews
    • Partners in Grace Newsletter
    • Audio Messages
    • Videos
    • Email Subscription
    • Bookstore
    • Online Tracts
  • Store
    • Main Page
    • On Sale
    • Return Policy
    • Your Cart
    • Your Account
  • Events
  • Seminary
    • Seminary Info
    • Fall 2023 Classes
    • GES Seminary Curriculum
    • GES Seminary Faculty
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Free Grace Church and Bible Study Tracker
    • Free Grace Jobs
    • Ministry Links
  • Donate
    • One Time Donation
    • Monthly Donation
    • Your Account
  • Search
Home
→
Blog
→
Be Refreshing (Philemon 1:5-7)

Be Refreshing (Philemon 1:5-7)

December 3, 2019 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - Fellowship, Philemon

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,  hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints  that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother (Philemon 1:4-7).

We all need to be spiritually refreshed, and one way that God does that for you is through other believers.

For example, take Philemon.

Paul was writing to Philemon on behalf of the runaway slave, Onesimus, who had somehow wronged Philemon (v 11). Philemon’s love and faith were well known to the Christian community. In fact, the Apostle had “great joy and consolation” in Philemon’s love. Ever sit by a warm fire on a cold day? That’s how it felt to be with Philemon—he warmed hearts with his love. Have you ever met a Christian like that?

Of course, that’s not true of every church member, and it’s probably not always true of you, either. We don’t all bring consolation, do we? Some people only bring complaints and strife and leave you more tired and stressed out than before. When you leave, you aren’t refreshed.

Jesus commanded you to love your neighbors, not because that’s a condition of eternal salvation, but because your neighbors really need the help. Your neighbors have been dried out by the stains and darkness of this world and they need to be refreshed by the little island of love, grace, and human compassion you can cultivate around you, just as Philemon did.

What would Paul say about you? Are you refreshing other believers? Are you the man or woman at church who builds people up in their walk with Christ? Will you be a Philemon in your church?

Subscribe by Email

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
Shawn_L

by Shawn Lazar

Shawn Lazar (BTh, McGill; MA, VU Amsterdam) was the Editor of Grace in Focus magazine and Director of Publications for Grace Evangelical Society from May 2012 through June 2022. He and his wife Abby have three children. He has written several books including: Beyond Doubt: How to Be Sure of Your Salvation and Chosen to Serve: Why Divine Election Is to Service, Not to Eternal Life.

If you wish to ask a question about a given blog, email us your question at ges@faithalone.org.

Cart

Recently Added

September 26, 2023

Is It Possible that Charles Templeton Is With the Lord Even Though He Died an Atheist?

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates are answering a question about eternal security and especially the extent of eternal...
September 26, 2023

You Can Believe the Small Things Too (Luke 1:18) 

When Gabriel told Zacharias that he and his wife would have a son, and that the son would be John the Baptist, I find Zacharias’...
September 25, 2023

Were Old Testament Saints and Will Tribulation Saints Be Sealed by the Holy Spirit? Are Roman Catholics Saved?

Welcome to Grace in Focus radio. Today, Bob Wilkin and Ken Yates are answering a question about the ministries of the Holy Spirit toward redeemed...

Grace in Focus Radio

All Episodes

Listen on Google Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Grace In Focus Magazine

Grace In Focus is sent to subscribers in the United States free of charge.

Subscribe for Free

The primary source of Grace Evangelical Society's funding is through charitable contributions. GES uses all contributions and proceeds from the sales of our resources to further the gospel of grace in the United States and abroad.

Donate

Bookstore Specials

  • Here Walks My Enemy: The Story of Luis (Paperback) $6.95 $3.00
  • Elisabeth: Christ's Medal of Honor Recipient $11.95 $10.00
  • Six Secrets of the Christian Life (Second Edition, Includes Study Questions) $6.00 $4.00
  • Faith Alone in One Hundred Verses $15.00 $10.00
  • Tough Texts: Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works? $15.00 $10.00
Grace Evangelical Society

(940) 270-8827 / ges@faithalone.org

4851 S I-35E Suite 203, Corinth, TX 76210
P.O. Box 1308, Denton, TX 76202

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube