Sometimes we treat God like we do our doctors. They have no idea what’s wrong with us until we tell them, until we’re examined. Do we think that of the Lord? In our subconscious do we think God is unaware of what we need? We have to acknowledge his Lordship. He’s over all. We’ll know some of his promises one day, but many we see daily. If God stopped what he does for us right now, we’d fall.
Philemon was a Christian. He had a slave named Onesimus who had run away. Since that time he became a fellow believer. In writing to Philemon about the matter, Paul used words he didn’t use in the other epistles. We find good instruction about reconciliation and restitution.
Philemon 10-11 “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me…”
One of the many benefits of knowing the Lord is the mutual profitability we have. We value and hold to each other. In times past Onesimus had not been profitable, but he got saved. He was profitable to Paul while he was in prison. Although still a slave, Onesimus was more profitable to Philemon as a brother.
Paul was underscoring the blessing of profitability we have to each other. Most of them are everyday things we take for granted. Our food is an example. We thank God for it, but we count on it being there when we go for it. The Bible is like food; it’s very valuable to our life and yet we take it for granted. Without water we’d not survive. Coming to church is like a good drink of water. We get to see our brothers and sisters. It’s our church; it’s the Lord’s church. Every time we pray, we take it for granted. The last thing we’re conscious of at night and the first thing in the morning is the air we breathe. Prayer is a blessing like that. It’s fresh air. Everyday things are valuable to us.
We’re valuable to each other in that same way. Think of Paul’s life in solitary confinement. He yearned for fellowship; we take it for granted. Where would we be without each other in the Lord? Onesimus was now profitable. Stop and consider how profitable we are to each other. Because of Jesus we’re brethren; we’re fellow servants. In verse one Paul called Philemon “our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer.” Paul considered their walk together good. When we pull our share of the load, things get done. We need to lift each other up with holy hands unto the Lord. We’ll reap in due season.
In verses 5-6 Paul says “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.” We’re profitable when we acknowledge the good things the Lord has done. When I hear what good things are going on with you, it makes me think of the good things God does for me. God works in my life and your life and makes us profitable. I see your faith when you weather a storm. I feel I can weather mine.
If we have one goal in life, it should be to be profitable to others. In verse 7 Paul says “for we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” He was saying that Philemon was an encouragement to him. Paul was refreshed by him. When others see our love, our optimism, and bond, they see it as good and something they want to be around. Our fellowship means a lot. Your faithfulness makes me want to be more faithful. Your love makes me want to love. Your service makes me want to do more. It’s uplifting. Verse 8 says “Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient.” Being enjoined is like all the systems of our body working together as one. We are the body of Christ. When we’re enjoined it scares the devil. Paul even says “But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.” Even in prison Paul heard the good reports of Philemon’s work for the Lord. Without him, Paul would not have made it. What helps us keep serving is seeing others keeping on.
In verse 21 Paul said “Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.” Paul was not flattering Philemon. He didn’t do just the basics; he wasn’t habitual about it. Philemon did over and above. He excelled. Paul told Philemon he knew that in asking him to take Onesimus back that he’d do more than he asked. Our actions also speak louder than our words. What I say I’ll do is nothing if I don’t do it. Our going the second mile motivates others to do the same as well.
Paul was in prison but not a prisoner of Rome; he was a prisoner for the Lord; he was bound to him but free. What does this remind you of? How profitable are you? How profitable do you want to be? How can you show your profitability more? If there is one prayer we should pray it is “Lord, help me be profitable to you and others. Help us to be one in you and each other.”
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 