A COMMENDABLE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Park Jung Il
Philemon 4-7
“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 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. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”
Introduction
According to tradition, Philemon was bishop of the Colossian church and martyred during the first general persecution of Nero. We know from verse 2 that the church gathered for service in his house. Whether he was bishop or just an influential member, he must have played an important role in the church. Hence, the message in the book of Philemon is not only for ordinary believers, but also for church leaders such as pastors, elders, and deacons. So, what is the Apostle Paul’s message to church leaders in Philemon 4-7?
Commendable Christian Faith
In verse 4, Paul thanked God and mentioned Philemon always in his prayers. Why? It was because Paul heard of Philemon’s faith and love towards God and the saints continuously and repeatedly.
Verse 6 tells us the content of Paul’s prayer, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus”. The word “communication” is used with reference to the giving and taking of words or of objects. In the phrase, “the communication of thy faith,” the word “faith” here is the subject of the communication. The word “effectual” means to energise something or someone. So, faith can give energy to someone and make one energetic.
Is it possible that faith can give energy? Yes, it is possible. The answer is in the next phrase, “the acknowledging of every good thing”. What are the good things? The “good thing” (neuter) is not referring to “faith” and “love” (feminine). The “good thing” here has to do with good works done in the church. Saints communicate faith by doing good to others. Those who exercise faith by doing good works can communicate faith to others. Those who experience such faith will be spiritually energised.
Commendable Christian Love
Paul expressed great joy and consolation because of Philemon’s love (v7). The love mentioned is agape love which is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional. It is the greatest love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes what agape love is, “Charity (agape) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
We will meet many and various kinds of people in our ministry. Some are very good, kind and gentle, even obedient. If we meet these people in our ministry, it will be a blessing. But more often than not, the people we meet in ministry are of the reversed kind. Their necks are stiff and their hearts are hardened. As pastors, teachers or church leaders, we have the responsibility to lead and guide them through the Word of God. This job will not be easy. Sometimes, they will hurt our hearts with their rude words. Because of that, we may not be able to eat or sleep well for some days. Sometimes, they will leave us or even betray us in spite of our prayers, tears, and love for them. Sometimes, we may be compared with other successful and famous pastors and blamed as failures because we are not so “successful” or “famous”. In such situations, how can we exercise agape love like Philemon?
When I taught the Bible to the junior students in the university during my university days, I realised that I could not love anyone with agape love. At that time, I sought my pastor’s advice, and he advised me to pray so that I could love my junior students with agape love. He was right. As time went by, I had no choice but to admit that I have many sins in my life. When I went to the throne of grace with many prayers, I came to realise that I was a great sinner. There were many sins which I could not number in my life before God. I am the sinner of sinners. But Jesus always forgives me when I confess my sins. The love of Jesus is agape love. This love is selfless, unconditional and sacrificial. 1 John 4:10 says, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” The more we experience God’s love through Jesus Christ, the more we can love Him and others with agape love. In Jesus Christ, there is amazing agape love for us. With that we can love anyone, even to those who are against us and hate us.
Why do we have to exercise such love? It is because such love encourages others. The word “refreshed” here has a military sense used of soldiers taking a rest after training. During the summer months, Roman soldiers were required to march 20 miles and complete it in five hours. The training of Roman soldiers was so tough. What a relief to be able to take some rest. The love we show can bring such relief to others. The “bowels” refer to the place where our emotions dwell. The saints are emotionally relieved despite the difficulties they face. Paul for instance was in prison for the sake of Christ. Because of Philemon’s love, Paul experienced “joy and consolation”. The “joy and consolation” speak of happiness and encouragement. Whenever Paul thought of Philemon, he must have smiled and felt happy even though he was in prison. Indeed, true love enables us to encourage others.
I would like to tell you the story of a Korean pastor—Son Yang Won—who lived in the time of the Japanese occupation in Korea and was martyred in 1950 by North Korean communists. He was tortured in prison for three years because he refused to bow to the shrine in worship of the Japanese emperor. He was later killed by North Korean communist when he was just 48 years old. During the time of his persecution, he showed his faith and love. He showed his faith and love by being a father to the lepers. He himself sucked out pus from their wounds when others feared to approach them because of the danger of infection. He adopted the one who killed his two sons and supported him to be a pastor. His nine thanksgiving prayer items during the funeral of his two sons greatly moved many Korean Christians because of the agape love he showed. Here are his nine thanksgiving prayer items that he read during his sons’ funeral.
1. My God, I thank You, for having allowed martyrs to be born in the family of sinners such as mine.
2. My Lord, I thank You for having entrusted to me, out of countless believers, with such precious treasures.
3. Among my three sons and three daughters, I thank You for my blessings through which I could offer You my two most beautiful children, my oldest and second oldest sons.
4. I thank You for the martyrdom of two of my children, when the martyrdom of one child in itself is much more precious than I could bear.
5. I thank You for the martyrdom of my sons who were shot to death while they were preaching the gospel, when dying peacefully on one’s deathbed in itself is a tremendous blessing for a believer.
6. I thank You for my heart is at peace as my sons who had been preparing to go and study in America are now in a place that is much better than America.
7. God, I thank You for giving me a heart of love for the repentance of the enemy who murdered my sons and for compelling me to adopt him as my own son.
8. My Father God, I thank you for there will now be countless more sons of heaven through the fruit of the martyrdom of my sons.
9. I thank and thank Our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given me these eight truths in times of such adversity, the joyful heart seeking faith and love, and the faith that provides me with composure.
Conclusion
Today we learn that we have to exercise our faith and love. Many people can see our faith and love when we are exercising them. This is a benefit for us and for others. So, by exercising our faith and love, our life may be a blessing to others.
[Park Jung Il graduated with a DipTh from FEBC on 11 May 2014. He attended TLBPC when he was a student here.]
Park Jung Il’s Email of 26 August 2014
My dear principal,
My mind is always towards FEBC. How can I forget this golden time in my life?
Last week, I left the church where I had served for 20 years. Now I will join a small church as an assistant preacher. Church members are only pastor’s family and my family. But I am very happy to have an opportunity to preach God’s Words.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15). Based on this verse, I read the Bible every day and Theology for Every Christian which is very helpful for me. And I try to prepare a sermon faithfully. Every Lord’s Day evening, I preach God’s Words. I completed preaching from 1 Thessalonians and will now preach 2 Thessalonians. Even if there are few, I am happy. Even if there is no man except me, I will preach. I believe that is my calling.
I always feel thankful to you and FEBC because of your teachings, especially Greek Exegesis. I don’t need to rush to commentaries. As I have learned, I just prepare my own sermons rather than just using some recommended commentaries or using the sermons of others.
On December 22 I will go to Singapore to participate in the youth camp of Gethsemane B-P Church with my two sons, three girl students and one male student—total seven. If possible, I want to take part in the youth camps in Singapore with Korean youths as often as possible. I am trying to find a place to sleep there. My friend Andrew is helping me look for a proper hotel. It is not easy. Can our team stay at FEBC if possible? Please don’t be burdened. Andrew and I will keep looking. If we have no choice, at that time, I will ask you. Can I ask you for accommodation for us if needed?
Whenever I think of my dear principal, my heart becomes brightened and warmed. You show me good examples and I will follow yours happily. May God grant you good health and wisdom to direct FEBC. I will greet you in December.
From your student Jung Il
[Reply: No need to look for hotels. Alma Mater is better. You’re very much welcome to stay at FEBC. There is room for all. JK]
