A Prayer for Faith to be Effective

Text: Philemon verses 4-6

The reason for this letter

Paul is writing to Philemon about his escaped slave Onesimus

Onesimus apparently stole from Philemon and ran away.

Paul met Onesimus in his travels and led him to faith in

Christ.

Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon.

Paul is sending a letter (carried by Onesimus) to encourage

Philemon to receive Onesimus back into his service with

grace, as a brother in Christ.

Philemon verses 4-6

”I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,

because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have

toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and

I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective

through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you

for the sake of Christ.”

Faith that makes a difference

Is evident:

Through good deeds done with His strength

Through genuine worship of the heart and soul

Through obedience to God’s Word and will

Through a deep affection for God that willingly

surrenders all to Him

Paul’s prayer for Philemon and Our prayer for One another

That your profession of faith would

affect your life choices

for the sake of the name of Jesus