Philemon (5)

Pray Psalm 113.1, 7.
Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
Praise the name of the LORD!

He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap…

Read Philemon 1.17-20.

Prepare.
1. What does it mean to be refreshed in your heart?

2. Why would Philemon’s receiving Onesimus refresh Paul’s heart?

Meditate.
Can you imagine being told by the apostle Paul that you could refresh his heart? Given the opportunity, would we not fall all over ourselves to do so?

This must surely be one of the primary objectives of reaching out to others with the grace of God. We want to bring the refreshment of grace to their battered, weary soul. We want them to experience the love of God, for their souls to beat with His Presence, for them to know His power affecting and transforming them, and for His beyond-understanding peace and joy to flood their being.

And this is what Paul said Philemon could do for him, by receiving Onesimus as a brother rather than as a slave. Paul could envision that transaction – Philemon’s welcoming eyes, Onesimus bowing humbly, the two embracing, and Onesimus being welcomed to the congregation as a brother in Christ. The mere thought of that excited Paul, and he knew the actual performing of it would refresh his soul.

There might be some little mess to clear up between Onesimus and Philemon, but Paul says not to let that stand in the way of full reconciliation. Grace forgives and receives first, then addresses the remaining mess. Paul promised to take care of any outstanding debts when he comes. And to make that promise firm, he wrote this part of his letter in his own hand – as Philemon could see because of the large letters (Gal. 6.11), whereas the rest was probably dictated to Epaphras (v. 23).

Paul suggests an excellent way to begin each day: Ask the Lord to lead you to people whose souls you can refresh with the grace of the Gospel.

Reflect.
1. How does the Gospel refresh the soul? How do you experience that refreshment?

2. What we do or say has the potential to bring the refreshment of God’s grace to the souls of the people around us. What does that suggest about how we should pray for the day ahead?

3. The Lord gives joy to refresh the soul, but He uses us to set the stage for His work of grace. Explain.

Paul writes at once movingly and with subtle spiritual grace. The idea is that since Paul did not refuse to extend his credit, [how ironic it would be] if Philemon should refuse to receive Onesimus! The mention of this deserved favor would both shame Philemon into compliance and bring Onesimus out of trouble. John Chrysostom (344-407), Homilies on Philemon 3

Use me today, O Lord, to refresh the souls of others, especially as I…

Pray Psalm 113.1-7.
Nothing refreshes the heart like the Gospel. How has it refreshed you? With whom can you share this refreshing Good News today? Pray for those opportunities now.

Sing Psalm 113.1-7.
Psalm 113.1-7 (Amageddon: Who Is On the Lord’s Side?)
Praise the Lord, O praise Him, all who know His Name!
From this day forever, magnify His fame!
From the time each morning when the sun is raised,
to its evening waning, let His Name be praised!
Refrain vv. 1, 2
Praise the Lord, O praise Him, all who know His Name!
From this day forever, magnify His fame!

High above the nations, on Your glorious throne,
who is like You, Savior, ruling all You own?
Sovereign and all-knowing, over all above,
praise to You is owing for Your perfect love!
Refrain

Though You rule from heaven, looking down on earth,
praise and thanks be given to Your holy worth!
Down You reach to touch us, clad in ash and dust,
raising us with such as in Your favor trust.
Refrain


T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).