"On every page of the God-breathed writings are many thoughts that stretch out like long, clear arms of light across the darkness, discovering things otherwise hidden and illuminating wider areas than those of the immediate context. They are searchlights. I have selected one in each chapter of Scripture, for at least one central thought in every chapter should arrest the mind and affect the life," wrote G. Campbell Morgan, a skilled, wise, warm-hearted Bible teacher who conducted a classic 3-year study called Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible. Here is the fruit of that research—summarized, illustrated, and amplified with useful details—on all 66 books of the Bible.
DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH,
1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION
Philemon 1:6 "I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective." Philemon, like the Book of Titus, is written in the context of slavery. Onesimus was the slave of a Christian named Philemon in Colossae. Although Onesimus's name means profitable or useful, he proved to be neither when he stole from Philemon and went to Rome. There, however, he met the same person who led Philemon to saving faith in Christ: the apostle Paul, who likewise led Onesimus to Christ. Now Paul writes a letter to Philemon to reconcile the two and help Onesimus live up to his name. He begins by commending Philemon's love and faith "toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints," which in the Bible refers to fellow believers. That faith necessarily placed Philemon in the realm of fellowship with the Lord and with other Christians. Paul lets him know he is praying for his faith to be vindicated in the choices he makes regarding a new member of the fellowship: his runaway slave, who now stands before his master with Paul's letter in hand. Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus now share a common faith. The circumstances give all three the opportunity to put the fellowship of their faith into practice. Paul, instead of keeping Onesimus in Rome to help him, encourages his new child in the faith to make things right with his master, and also offers monetary compensation for whatever loss Philemon suffered. Onesimus demonstrates trust in God, honor, and great courage in returning. Philemon's opportunity is to receive Onesimus "back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother." Paul concludes, "Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say." May the same be said of us because of how we act on the opportunities to put our faith in Christ into practice.
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