Christians That Refresh

2002043

Subject: encouragement

Introduction:

A. Introduced to Philemon in small letter penned by Paul.

1. called a beloved brother & fellow worker of the Lord 1:1

2. speculation that Apphia was his wife & Archippus was his son.

a) Archippus probably preacher in Colossee, b/c Paul mentions him in his letter to the Colossians.

B. 1:2 – this couple had a congregation of the Lord’s people meeting in their house. Assumed that they were people of means.

1. note his character as expressed by Paul 1:5

2. faith/love. Note 1:7 – was a benevolent & hospitable Christian.

3. Possessed a great character.

C. Nothing is known of his age/profession/or the time or circumstances of his death.

1. speculation: he & his wife stoned for cause of Christ during reign of Nero.

2. While we do not have every detail of his life, we have what is important & necessary: we know Philemon was a godly man who loved the Lord.

D. Note 1:7 again. Focus on “refresh.”

1. No doubt Philemon had ministered to needs of Christians around him. This is the meaning behind “refresh.”

2. “refresh” was a term used throughout the NT by Paul. It is also found in: 1 Cor. 16:18; 2 Cor. 7:13; 2 Tim. 1:16.

a) He was looking out for those around him. Phil. 2:3-4

3. Think of it…it is “refreshing” to have our spiritual & physical needs met by those around us.

a) card; dinner; hug; helping w/needs; etc. (PLUG FOR PERSONAL WORK GROUPS)

b) Just being present at worship & bible study can be refreshing!

E. We need to be like Philemon! Huge compliment paid to him by Paul.

1. today we will talk about how we can refresh one another spiritually & physically.

I. Christians that refresh pray for one another.

A. Paul specifically solicited prayers from other Christians.

1. Rom. 15:30-31 – urged them to pray for his work in the gospel! Success!

2. Note also Col. 4:2-4. devote yourselves to prayer…

B. Interesting to look at these two passages: in that we find great confidence!

1. we too can gain confidence & boldness in prayer. God is looking for opportunities to give where we can follow through in boldness!

2. Praying for one another & successful evangelism needs to become a top priority.

3. Use the prayer list! Pray for our upcoming gospel meeting.

C. Js. 5:16 – James tells us to pray for each other.

1. We do a good job, publicly. Thanks for your prayers for me/family.

2. Remember everyone in the group: changing jobs; young Christians; Bible classes & teachers; sick; young married couples; those moving away; spiritually sick; burdened by cares/troubles

3. Note end of 5:16. Think of how the prayer of those around you has helped you grapple w/problems you face. Wonderful to know others pray for you.

II. Christians that refresh are optimistic.

A. Great problem facing the church today.

1. One mentality: how great it used to be; how bad it is now; how much worse it’s going to get in the future. Don’t know how problems will be overcome. It’s just no use. DISCOURAGING!

2. Another (better) mentality: God is alive! He is still working to fulfill His plan; There are great things going to happen in the Lord’s church & in the church here! REFRESHING!

B. Yes there are problems we must face. How do we look at them when we “go in?” While we’re confronting the problem?

1. negative? Pessimistic? Doomed from the start!

2. Must believe in power of God & our ability to work.

C. Num. 13:30

1. people of Israel faced w/great problem – taking land of Canaan.

2. 99% said it couldn’t be done! Note Caleb’s optimism fueled by his trust in God!

3. Contrast 13:31. We know which viewpoint won out & the consequences thereof.

D. Faith produces optimism! Stronger the faith; stronger the optimism. Carries over in all aspects of life!

1. 2 Cor. 5:7 – we walk by faith not by sight.

2. Numbers 13: SIGHT said…impossible! FAITH said…we’ll overcome w/help of God!

E. So, let’s get busy serving God in faith!

1. Phil. 2:12-15. God is at work in us. All things work for His good pleasure.

III. Christians that refresh are sympathetic.

A. Rom. 12:15. We literally to share w/one another our very lives! Let others know what’s going on in your life.

1. Person who holds in needs/etc from others to keep from being hurt is a person most miserable! What a burden!

2. Experience something – comfort/support of brethren can really help! Means much! Remember it for years!

B. For example read 2 Tim. 1:15-18. How important was Onesiphourus to Paul?

1. Keep in mind: Paul in prison. Had to be searched out. Chore to see him. Forgotten by many; alone; cold.

2. made a difference. By now, Paul had a good idea he wouldn’t leave prison alive.

3. Need to be mindful of others! Willing to go out of your way? Looking out for others?

IV. Christians that refresh cheerfully obey God.

A. Nothing more discouraging than to hear Christians begrudge service to God.

1. Dread attending; don’t attend.

2. Gripe about working in various capacities

a) teaching; serving in worship; projects around the building; special classes

3. giving

B. Contrast to those who attend as much as possible; volunteer for everything; freely give as much as possible!

C. This exemplifies the spirit we are to have.

1. 2 Cor. 9:6-7 – doesn’t apply to just giving. Principle applicable in all aspects of service. YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN!

2. Col. 3:22-25 – context to slaves/workers.

a) great concept to be learned here: as I work for Christ so I am to work for master/employer.

b) Note how we’re to work for the Lord.

c) Does this describe our work for God?

D. Let’s get involved w/the work here! Cheerfully!

1. volunteer for 3^rd Sunday preaching; teach a bible class; help w/projects around the building; evangelistic items.

2. Working together we can accomplish great things!

Conclusion:

A. Philemon 1:7: Philemon would have been someone who would have refreshed others by:

1. prayer for others; having a spirit of optimism; expressing sympathy; and cheerfully doing the Lord’s work.

2. It was seen in his actions; his love; his attitude.

3. Could it be said of us that we are refreshing?

B. Let us do our best to possess these refreshing qualities!

C. Do you need to obey the gospel? Can we help? Obey today!

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Christians That Refresh 2002043 Subject: encouragement Introduction: A. Introduced to Philemon in small letter penned by Paul. 1. called a beloved brother & fellow worker of the Lord 1:1 2. speculation that Apphia was his wife & Archippus was his son. a) Archippus probably preacher in Colossee, b/c Paul mentions him in his letter to the Colossians. B. 1:2 – this couple had a congregation of the Lord’s people meeting in their house. Assumed that they were people of means. 1. note his character as expressed by Paul 1:5 2. faith/love. Note 1:7 – was a benevolent & hospitable Christian. 3. Possessed a great character. C. Nothing is known of his age/profession/or the time or circumstances of his death. 1. speculation: he & his wife stoned for cause of Christ during reign of Nero. 2. While we do not have every detail of his life, we have what is important & necessary: we know Philemon was a godly man who loved the Lord. D. Note 1:7 again. Focus on “refresh.” 1. No doubt Philemon had ministered to needs of Christians around him. This is the meaning behind “refresh.” 2. “refresh” was a term used throughout the NT by Paul. It is also found in: 1 Cor. 16:18; 2 Cor. 7:13; 2 Tim. 1:16. a) He was looking out for those around him. Phil. 2:3-4 3. Think of it…it is “refreshing” to have our spiritual & physical needs met by those around us. a) card; dinner; hug; helping w/needs; etc. (PLUG FOR PERSONAL WORK GROUPS) b) Just being present at worship & bible study can be refreshing! E. We need to be like Philemon! Huge compliment paid to him by Paul. 1. today we will talk about how we can refresh one another spiritually & physically. I. Christians that refresh pray for one another. A. Paul specifically solicited prayers from other Christians. 1. Rom. 15:30-31 – urged them to pray for his work in the gospel! Success! 2. Note also Col. 4:2-4. devote yourselves to prayer… B. Interesting to look at these two passages: in that we find great confidence! 1. we too can gain confidence & boldness in prayer. God is looking for opportunities to give where we can follow through in boldness! 2. Praying for one another & successful evangelism needs to become a top priority. 3. Use the prayer list! Pray for our upcoming gospel meeting. C. Js. 5:16 – James tells us to pray for each other. 1. We do a good job, publicly. Thanks for your prayers for me/family. 2. Remember everyone in the group: changing jobs; young Christians; Bible classes & teachers; sick; young married couples; those moving away; spiritually sick; burdened by cares/troubles 3. Note end of 5:16. Think of how the prayer of those around you has helped you grapple w/problems you face. Wonderful to know others pray for you. II. Christians that refresh are optimistic. A. Great problem facing the church today. 1. One mentality: how great it used to be; how bad it is now; how much worse it’s going to get in the future. Don’t know how problems will be overcome. It’s just no use. *DISCOURAGING!* 2. Another (better) mentality: God is alive! He is still working to fulfill His plan; There are great things going to happen in the Lord’s church & in the church here! *REFRESHING!* B. Yes there are problems we must face. How do we look at them when we “go in?” While we’re confronting the problem? 1. negative? Pessimistic? Doomed from the start! 2. Must believe in power of God & our ability to work. C. Num. 13:30 1. people of Israel faced w/great problem – taking land of Canaan. 2. 99% said it couldn’t be done! Note Caleb’s optimism fueled by his trust in God! 3. Contrast 13:31. We know which viewpoint won out & the consequences thereof. D. Faith produces optimism! Stronger the faith; stronger the optimism. Carries over in all aspects of life! 1. 2 Cor. 5:7 – we walk by faith not by sight. 2. Numbers 13: SIGHT said…impossible! FAITH said…we’ll overcome w/help of God! E. So, let’s get busy serving God in faith! 1. Phil. 2:12-15. God is at work in us. All things work for His good pleasure. III. Christians that refresh are sympathetic. A. Rom. 12:15. We literally to share w/one another our very lives! Let others know what’s going on in your life. 1. Person who holds in needs/etc from others to keep from being hurt is a person most miserable! What a burden! 2. Experience something – comfort/support of brethren can really help! Means much! Remember it for years! B. For example read 2 Tim. 1:15-18. How important was Onesiphourus to Paul? 1. Keep in mind: Paul in prison. Had to be searched out. Chore to see him. Forgotten by many; alone; cold. 2. made a difference. By now, Paul had a good idea he wouldn’t leave prison alive. 3. Need to be mindful of others! Willing to go out of your way? Looking out for others? IV. Christians that refresh cheerfully obey God. A. Nothing more discouraging than to hear Christians begrudge service to God. 1. Dread attending; don’t attend. 2. Gripe about working in various capacities a) teaching; serving in worship; projects around the building; special classes 3. giving B. Contrast to those who attend as much as possible; volunteer for everything; freely give as much as possible! C. This exemplifies the spirit we are to have. 1. 2 Cor. 9:6-7 – doesn’t apply to just giving. Principle applicable in all aspects of service. YOU GET OUT WHAT YOU PUT IN! 2. Col. 3:22-25 – context to slaves/workers. a) great concept to be learned here: as I work for Christ so I am to work for master/employer. b) Note how we’re to work for the Lord. c) Does this describe our work for God? D. Let’s get involved w/the work here! Cheerfully! 1. volunteer for 3^rd Sunday preaching; teach a bible class; help w/projects around the building; evangelistic items. 2. Working together we can accomplish great things! Conclusion: A. Philemon 1:7: Philemon would have been someone who would have refreshed others by: 1. prayer for others; having a spirit of optimism; expressing sympathy; and cheerfully doing the Lord’s work. 2. It was seen in his actions; his love; his attitude. 3. Could it be said of us that we are refreshing? B. Let us do our best to possess these refreshing qualities! C. Do you need to obey the gospel? Can we help? Obey today! D. I N V I T A T I O N