5/18/24

‭Philemon 1:8-9 Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

In this text, I see several examples of how we should be, in Christ. This is especially true for those who are undershepherds. However, Paul also gives us all an example of being like God in our actions. When we share the word of God although it comes with authority it also comes in love. Although we have the authority in Christ to say this is how you are to live, act, and be, because of the example of Christ (the Word made flesh) we must deliver it in love. We should appeal in love. Paul says He is the aged and a prisoner in Christ Jesus. We know at this point in Paul's life he was nearing the end and in prison. Paul had fought the good fight. He had run the race and yet with urgency, he did not order but wascompelling with a desire to see a response of free will.

In this text, we also can see Paul give an example of how God can work in His sovereignty to allow free will through His love. Paul says he has enough confidence to order. He has the authority to cause Philemon to do as he says. However, he does not use this authority but rather in love gives Philemon the choice. God is completely sovereign but in His sovereignty, He chose to use His love to compel us to freely make the decision to surrender to Him. ‭1 John 4:16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.  

God is love.

‭1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  

Remember that as much as you would love to order your loved ones to receive and follow Christ, God in His sovereignty chose rather for love to be the means of compelling them to follow Him.

Love is a powerful tool when given freely.

Love Bro. Scott