A Refreshing Life Communicates Faith in Word and Action

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 1:6)
  Passage: James 2:14-18

         One common excuse many people give for not attending church is that they claim the church is full of hypocrites. Though the presence of hypocrites in any other place doesn’t keep them away if it is a place they want to go, the sad reality is that it’s not hard for people to find a person who claims to be a follower of Christ but does not live in a way that reflects well on Christ. Philemon was not one of those people. Paul commended him for his love and faith and then he commended him for living a genuine Christian life in public and in private.
        The word translated “sharing” is a word, koinonia, which is generally translated “fellowship” or “partnership”. In the context of this passage, it implies that Philemon shared his faith in word and action and as he did, the gospel was made known. True faith is not simply verbal. It must also be visual. What we confess with our lips must be backed up by how we live in our life. James commented that “faith without works is dead”. (James 2:17) Genuine faith that does good works is refreshing to others. Not only does it bless the receiver, but it also develops maturity in the giver. Communicate your faith in words and actions and live a refreshing life that makes an impact in this world.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)