Philemon - Pt 8

Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Philemon 1:20-25 ESV). The close of this letter is very poignant. Paul was in prison when he wrote it. He was facing uncertainty and daily struggle. He had been beaten, mocked, and his death seemed to be imminent. He had sacrificed much to follow Christ. Yet, he was optimistic and hopeful. The life of a Christian is not absent of adversity. It isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes it is just plain difficult. God calls us to give our whole lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. The key is found in the closing verse of the letter. It is the grace of God that gives us strength to continue in spite of adversity. Paul was saying as he closed out his letter to Philemon was: keep doing what you're doing! Don't give up! Being a Christian in the first century was tough, not too unlike being a Christian today. There were temptations, frustrations, and distractions that kept the committed Christian from staying focused on conforming to the image of Christ. Philemon had come a long way. People loved to be around him. He opened his house and heart to anyone. He was living the Christian life, not only on Sunday, but also throughout the week. He was an encouragement to everyone around him. He fought the good fight. Paul wanted Philemon to finish his work. Paul simply reminded Philemon to let the grace of Christ dwell in his spirit. Sometimes, when life gets draining, when the circumstances around you seem more than you can bear, you need to allow God's grace to enter your heart, strengthen your spirit, and give you the encouragement you need to continue. Paul wanted Philemon to have that encouragement. He wanted God's grace to saturate Philemon's life. Is life caving in around you? Do you need a break from the casualties of living? Could you use a refresher? Call upon the grace of God! Allow His Spirit to enter once again into your heart, drawing you into His mighty presence, preparing your mind to face another day! You can do it if you will cast ALL your cares upon Him. Allow the grace of the Lord Jesus to be with your spirit!