Project Description

2013/09

A Word To Women

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers” (Philemon 4)

The New Testament book of Philemon, in spite of its brevity, is full of the richness of God’s love.  Three main characters have a story to tell.

First, the apostle Paul, now an old man who has been, and still is, in prison as a result of witnessing for Christ. Not one to sit around and feel sorry for himself, he is thinking of others, especially those he led to the Lord over many years of service.  He prays for them, writes to encourage them, and even sends some of his brethren in Christ to meet with them.

Perhaps, dear sister in Christ, you are like Paul – not able to do the things you could once do in His service.  Perhaps the spirit is willing, but because of increasing years or illness, the flesh is now weak, and you are hindered.  Don’t let this dishearten you!  While you are still here, the Lord has a work for you to do.  Be like Paul, who keeps up to date with the happenings in the lives of his fellow Christians and, as he says, “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers” (v4).  You too can pray for others, whether sitting in a chair or lying in a bed – you can still perform this very important task.

Then there’s Philemon, to whom Paul writes.  Philemon is a faithful man of God, probably wealthy, because he owned at least one servant.  Paul acknowledges his care and love for the people of God. He is thrilled to hear of all that Philemon has been doing in serving Christ and in helping the saints of God along the way.

Being married to a minister, I understand what it means to one who shepherds a congregation when he hears of how those in his ‘flock’ are serving Christ.  It surely does thrill the heart of your minister when he is informed that ‘Mrs S’ called round to see if anything was needed, or that ‘Miss J’ sent a card promising prayer, or that ‘Mrs P’ has a wonderful testimony among her neighbours.  Paul had great joy and comfort in knowing that Philemon brought comfort to the saints (v7).  Can the same be said of your endeavours?

And finally we have Onesimus, the runaway slave.  The name means  ‘profitable’ or ‘useful’ but sadly, this is not the characteristic he displayed towards Philemon.  Not only did he run away from service, but, in addition, he may have stolen money from his master (see v18) – and so was altogether unprofitable.  However, in God’s plan and purpose, Onesimus heard Paul’s preaching and came to Christ as Saviour. Now he is a changed man!  Paul writes to Philemon accordingly, assuring him that Onesimus would certainly be of great use to him as a brother in Christ.

Have you slipped up in your Christian walk? Do you feel that you could never be of use to the Lord anymore?  Please take encouragement from the life of Onesimus. Turn back to the Lord who loves you freely and abundantly. He will be glad to have you walking with Him again.

And what about the dear lady who has never yet come to Christ for forgiveness?  The Lord is calling you to come and put your trust in Him.  The book of Philemon is a wonderful picture of forgiveness; but the greatest forgiveness of all is promised by the Saviour who declares “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

Karen Murray