4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. 7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Philemon 4-7
Paul’s prayer life
As we delve into the pages of every book Paul writes, we witness his fervent prayers for those he serves. This is a powerful testament to his heart for ministry. In nearly every one of his letters, the depth of his commitment shines through. He consistently lifts up those he leads in prayer. We must embrace his inspiring example. We should fervently seek out the welfare of those we connect with. This includes our beloved children, eager students, devoted Bible study members, or cherished disciples. What made Paul’s ministry resonate so deeply? Was it his approach? Perhaps—yet it was far more than that. Was it his level of education? That certainly played a role. But above all, it was the undeniable blessing of God fueling his mission, lighting the path for countless lives transformed!
But why did God bless him? Paul was a fervent man of prayer! God wielded his prayers to achieve incredible feats. So I ask you, do you passionately lift up in prayer those you share your life with? Do you pray for your co-workers, your family and friends, and your brothers and sisters in Christ?
What can we learn from Paul’s prayer?
- He never took God’s answers for granted; instead, he poured his heart into fervent prayers, brimming with gratitude and thanksgiving.
I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers
Philemon 1:4
He recognized the unmistakable hand of God weaving through their lives. His heart swelled with gratitude for that divine intervention. In this moment, we truly witness Paul’s genuine affection for Philemon. He didn’t dwell on negativity, saying, “I always find fault when I remember you in my prayers.” Rather, Paul approached his thoughts of Philemon—and indeed all believers—with kindness and warmth. He embraced a deep appreciation for Philemon’s life and his dedicated service. We should strive to mirror Paul’s uplifting and joyous perspective on others, channeling that same spirit of love and gratitude!
- He fervently prayed for profound spiritual growth. Behold Paul’s earnest plea to the Lord on his behalf. What is it?
6 I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.
Philemon 1:6
He fervently prays for Philemon to be a dynamic vessel in sharing the gospel! Paul passionately desires that as Philemon spreads the Good News, others will flourish in their understanding of truth and righteousness. Furthermore, his heart beats with the urgent reminder that all of this must be done for the “sake of Christ.” It’s striking that Paul doesn’t focus his prayers on Philemon’s career, health, long life, or exams. While he acknowledges the importance of such matters (as reminded in James, where we are called to pray for the sick), he knows these are not the paramount concerns. He is profoundly aware of the true priorities to lay before God.
What is the main content of your prayer life?
What is the content of your prayer life?
Dive deep into the evaluation of your prayer life! Yes, keep praying fervently for the sick, the weak, and the poor! Pour out your heart for health, strength, and provision. But don’t stop there—ignite your spirit and passionately plead with God for transformative character growth! Yearn for Him to turn every weakness into a powerful strength. Let your prayers be rich and overflowing with meaning for others! Center your thoughts on their character, faith, ministry, and profound growth. In your prayers, plunge deeper and hone in on what truly matters!
- He was joyful.
7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Philemon 1:7
This signifies his profound love for Philemon. It transcended mere obligation or the monotony of daily tasks. Philemon was not just another checkbox on his annual ministry evaluation. He was more than a statistic to whom Paul felt compelled to dispatch a ministry newsletter.
Paul cherished Philemon with a fervor akin to that of a devoted father and a loyal friend. Every triumph Philemon achieved filled him with immense joy and exhilaration.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
It is magnificent to feel overwhelmed with joy. This happens when we reflect on the devoted service of fellow believers to God. In stark contrast, the chilling shadow of apathy looms when we fail to care deeply for others. One of Paul’s most remarkable strengths is his profound love for the saints. His unwavering care for them inspires us to embrace the same passionate commitment.
Philemon’s testimony
It is abundantly clear from Paul’s words about Philemon that he held him in the highest regard. Philemon was a beacon of faith. He was a remarkable testament to the kind of character Paul consistently urged other believers to embody. This is beautifully illustrated in Philippians 1:27.
27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel,
Philippians 1:27
His testimony of love and unwavering faith resounded with joy. It filled both Paul’s heart and the heart of God with exuberance. This letter stands in striking contrast to 1 Corinthians. In that letter, Paul endlessly delivers stern rebukes. Their lack of a commendable testimony was the reason for these rebukes. Imagine the words Paul might share about you. Would he be overflowing with joy at the radiance of your life and testimony? Or would he feel the need to admonish you?
Paul is an encourager
Undoubtedly, he had every reason to rebuke Philemon, yet he chose to shine a light on the positives! In 1 Corinthians 13:7, we discover that love “believes all things.” We are called to embrace a radiant outlook toward others, celebrating their good qualities instead of magnifying their flaws. Let us interpret their actions with unwavering optimism. We should refuse to leap to judgmental conclusions. Instead, we should allow compassion to guide our hearts!
Consider the way you perceived your partner during those exhilarating days of dating. Undoubtedly, you saw him through a lens of pure enchantment, believing he could do no wrong. His flaws faded into the background, overshadowed by the brilliance of his strengths that dazzled you. In stark contrast, those we harbor disdain for are viewed through a much harsher lens. We amplify their flaws, dismiss any glimmers of their virtues, and find ourselves infuriated by the smallest of their actions.
Like Paul, we must radiate optimism towards others and fervently strive to uplift those around us! This doesn’t mean we shy away from pointing out wrongs. Paul certainly did point them out. But if you delve into the letters he penned, you’ll find they are brimming with intentional encouragement. We, too, should embrace the role of enthusiastic encouragers. When others triumph, it should fill our hearts with joy and fulfillment! Let us celebrate their virtues and overlook any wrongs endured. Be swift in praising those around you and highlighting their remarkable qualities. It has been said that parents ought to praise their children five times for every critique (and perhaps even that falls short!). This same uplifting principle resonates across all our relationships!
because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed
What a truly magnificent statement this is! The souls who ventured to Philemon’s home emerged reenergized and invigorated. During their time there, they were enveloped in encouragement and uplifted beyond measure. Philemon brilliantly revitalized their spiritual essence, transforming his home into a lighthouse of hope and an oasis of tranquility. Perhaps you, too, know individuals like Philemon; those rare gems whose mere presence leaves you feeling profoundly rejuvenated. We all cherish those moments spent with such extraordinary people. Let’s also remember the vital importance of being a beacon of light. We must offer support to others in their journey as well.
11 A word spoken at the right time
is like gold apples in silver settings.Proverbs 25:11
One powerful aspect of invigorating others is our ability to choose words carefully. These words must be the most uplifting and impactful for every moment.
Cross-References
- Philippians 1:3,7
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14
- 2 Corinthians 7:13
- 2 Timothy 1:16
Discussion Questions
- What do verses 4-7 show about Paul’s attitude toward Philemon?
- What can you learn from Paul’s prayer life?
- Are your prayers for others filled with thanksgiving?
- What kind of person was Philemon?
- What kind of things did Paul pray for Philemon?
- How did Philemon give Paul joy?
- What does it mean that the “hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you”?
- How is your heart refreshed?
- How can you help refresh others?
- What do you think is Paul’s purpose in sharing these words of high praise with Philemon?
- Does your testimony shine brightly like Philemon’s?
- What might someone say about you?
© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.
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