The Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Kelly Browne
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ” (Phlm 6 NIV).
PERSONAL REFLECTION
We hear about silent partners, secret partners, general partners, and even partners in crime. In our Scripture passage, Paul writes to Philemon about their partnership with other Christians—they are partners in the faith.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Paul is paving the way to appeal to Philemon based on his love for God’s people (v. 5, 7, 9). Paul wants Philemon to accept and restore Onesimus, his runaway slave; however, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ (vv. 15–16).
God’s prevenient grace appoints Onesimus to meet Paul while Onesimus is on the run and “free,” and Paul is in prison. Paul, too, sees this as a divine appointment, revealing that God allowed Onesimus to escape for a while as a slave so that he would be caught by Christ and become Philemon’s brother in Christ forever and not simply his slave (v. 15).
Partners work together towards a common goal. Paul repeatedly refers to “us,” “our,” and “we” (vv. 1, 2, 3, 6) throughout his letter, pointing to his fellow workers and soldiers in Christ, some of whom he names (vv. 1, 2, 23–24). God does His part by extending His grace. Paul assists by sharing the Gospel of Christ with Onesimus. Onesimus cooperates and responds positively to the Gospel in repentance and faith. Now, Paul is asking Philemon, if he considers Paul his partner (v. 17), to get on board with the common goal of Onesimus’ salvation and discipleship.
EXHORTATION
You may currently be in a partnership, on the verge of entering one, or desirous of partnering with someone. However, if you are not currently in a partnership of faith, we strongly urge you to partner with other disciples of Christ so you, too, can impact the lives of the Onesimuses God sends your way.
PRAYER
Father, You have said that some plant, others water, but You give the increase (1 Cor 3:6). Help us to become active partners in Your mission field. May we work together in partnership with Christ and each other towards the common goal of making disciples of Christ and for Christ. We pray this in Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen.