IN CHRIST JESUS

Philemon 1:5-8

Morning Meditation 9/27/14

"Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,”

There are eleven references to the Lord Jesus by name in this short Epistle of but one chapter. The specially significant phrase, “In Christ Jesus,” occurs oftener than in the same number of verses anywhere else in Scripture. The Lord Jesus is referred to in many offices. We will look at them in this meditation.

THE OBJECT OF THE FAITH AND LOVE OF HIS PEOPLE

Verse 5 says, “"Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints.”

Jesus has commanded us to love Him and one another. Love in a believer gives assurance of salvation; 1 John 3:14, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."

Jesus should ever be before the face of the believer. Psalms 27:8, "When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek."

God invited David to seek His face. David’s response was what ours should be. We have a verse in the New Testament that encourages this. Hebrews 12:2, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

There is an ancient legend which says that, when Jesus was a child, Joseph loved him so much that he would never come home from the market without bringing him some toy or candy. The little Jesus was so used to this that, whenever Joseph went to town, the child would wait by the window to see when he returned. Then he would run to meet him and ask him: “Father, what have you brought me?” Once, Joseph had no money and came home empty-handed. When Jesus ran to meet him and ask the usual question, Joseph replied, discouraged: “Nothing.” Then the child began to weep bitterly. And, seeing this, Joseph began to weep too.

Mary came out of the house and saw both of them in tears. She asked what was wrong. When Joseph explained, she said, amazed: “I can understand why he is weeping. He is only a child. But why are you in tears?” Joseph answered: “The weeping of Jesus has a deep meaning. This child will always sit at the windows of heaven waiting for his beloved ones to return.. He will run to meet each one, asking him, “What have you brought me?” And if the answer is, like mine, “Nothing,” he will weep in heaven as you see him weeping now.” Next let’s look at—

THE CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH GOD’S GRACE AND PEACE COMES

Philemon 1:3, "Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Jesus is the channel through which God’s grace and peace comes. One cannot sidestep Jesus and obtain grace or peace. There is no such thing as a person being saved by believing in a higher power when Jesus is knowingly left out. If you try to skip Jesus, you took the wrong turn and are on the road that leads to hell. Next let’s look at—

THE TRANSFORMING POWER

Philemon 1:16, "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?" Here is a slave and a thief whose life had been transformed. Onesimus is willing to serve out his slavery to Philemon and pay back what he has stolen. Salvation turns one around and make him a new man. Next let’s look at—

THE BOLDNESS GIVEN TO HIS SERVANTS

Philemon 1:8, "Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,"

Paul is bold to ask Philemon to take Onesimus back. He is bold because he knows it is right and he knows Philemon has a tender heart and willing spirit to always do the right thing.

May the Lord bless these words to our hearts.

In Christ

Bro. White