"Do It or Else" Attitude

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon.  

Therefore, though I have abundant boldness in Christ to charge you to do what is fitting and required and your duty to do,  Philemon 1: 8 (AMP)

Render: Although I have abundant freedom [boldness, or. even license] in Christ to enjoin upon thee that which is fitting. It was only in Christ, and by his authority as an apostle, that he could claim to come between a slave and his master. Secular warrant for doing so he had none. Such authority and license, however, he would not use on this occasion. He prefers to rely wholly on the respect and personal attachment felt towards him by Philemon, for the granting of his request, which he now proceeds to state. 

The Pulpit Commentaries

How many times have I "demanded" someone do something because I know what God's Word says? In Philemon 1:8, Paul although he could DEMAND, based on God's Word that Philemon do something, Paul rather would ask Philemon (vs 9). 

Often we reach a conclusion on a matter LONG before someone else comes to that same conclusion. The "Do it or else" attitude may get immediate results, but the heart of the person, isn't changed into knowing and learning the truth longterm. If we just step back and share God's Truth, often that person can then learn and make the right choice based on what they know and learn. 

Paul because of who he was, an Apostle, and what he know, God's Truth, knew it was the RIGHT thing for Philemon to do—Paul steps back and says.... but that's verse 9. 

When a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), it teaches one when to come along side another and gentle teach them God's Truth, rather than demand that they obey. Encouragement and teaching done in love and trust produces a much longer desired response, rather than the "Do it or else" attitude. 

Joy-Giver

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

For I have derived great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints [who are your fellow Christians] have been cheered and refreshed through you, [my] brother. Philemon 1:7 (AMP)

This verse shows the importance of encouraging and helping others. Philemon encouraged and gave joy to others and this in turn encouraged and gave Paul joy as he heard about what Philemon was doing. 

Philemon as a "joy-giver". That's a great reputation to have! Being a "joy-giver" begins with helping and encouraging those at home, then in your neighborhood, and then as word spreads can encourage others. 

Being a "joy-giver" starts with a heart right with God. Again this goes back the study of Colossians 3:1-17 "put on". And Philemon 1:5, "your love and of your loyal faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus". As one loves God and "puts on" the characteristics of God's love, then the result can be becoming a "joy-giver"!

A "joy-giver" begins with a heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For out of the heart filled with love and respect for God, will flow the joy and encouragement to all those around you. 

Living + Effectual = Acknowledging God

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory].

Philemon 1:6 (AMP)

That the communication of thy faith: An account of it, of its actings and exercises, of the joy of it, and of the peace a soul is filled with through believing, may be given to the mutual comfort and edification of saints; and it may be shown forth to others by the fruits of it, works of righteousness: but here it seems to design acts of beneficence, communicating to the necessities of others, as flowing from faith; and these words are to be connected with Philemon 1:4 as a part of the apostle's prayers, as what is contained in the preceding verse is the matter of his thanksgiving. And his prayer is, that such a communication of good things, which springs from faith, 

may be effectual: to answer some very good purposes, the good of others, and the service of the interest of Christ, and the glory of God; or, that it "may be evident"; that it "may be fruitful in works"; or show itself in fruits of righteousness, in works of mercy and kindness; and the apostle's sense is, that it might be more and more so: 

by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus: the meaning is, that every good thing that is in the saints, or among them, should be acknowledged to come to them in and through Christ Jesus, in whom all fulness of grace dwells, and from whom all is imparted; and that every good thing that is communicated, or done in faith, which is effectual to any good purpose, should be owned as done by the grace and strength of Christ, and be done to his saints, as if done to himself, and be directed to his glory.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Talking about and living one's faith should be effectual and evident, resulting in acknowledge that God is the One who blesses us with grace. And this is only possible when my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

Diligent & Evidence

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 

I give thanks to my God for you always when I mention you in my prayers,

Because I continue to hear of your love and of your loyal faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and [which you show] toward all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Philemon 1:4, 5 (AMP)

Paul once again mentions that he is praying for others. This such an important aspect in the Christian life, but so often neglected. I also like the fact that Paul lets others know that he is praying for them. What a great encouragement that is; to know someone is praying for you. 

Thanks to God:

A prayerful heart is keenly appreciative of the least evidence of Christian excellence, and joyfully thanks God as the Source and Giver of all good. Prayer and gratitude are usually blended together. 

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary

Word travels fast... and even faster today with the internet! Paul continued to hear about the faith and love demonstrated. What a great thing to hear about another person; love and loyal faith! 

Love and Faith:

This faith embodies the theoretic principles of Christian life, while this love for saints embodies these principles on their practical side. Like heart and lungs in the body, each has its own functions; and, though separate, the one never acts apart from the other--life being the combined play of both. Faith binds to all Christian verities, translating them into personal convictions; while love binds to all Christian motives, translating these into personal activities--love being well called the daughter of faith and the mother of virtue and good works. A. H. Drysdale, M. A.

Am I praying diligently for others? Am I encouraging them, by telling them I'm praying for them? 

What are others hearing about me? Are they hearing about my love and loyal faith to God? Is the love I have for God evident to those around me? 

A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), will cause one to be diligent in prayer, and there will be evidence of a love for God in his/her life. 

Grace and Peace

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the beginning of my study of Philemon. 

Paul, a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), and our brother Timothy, to Philemon our dearly beloved sharer with us in our work,

And to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier [in the Christian warfare], and to the church [assembly that meets] in your house:

Grace (spiritual blessing and favor) be to all of you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 

Philemon 1:1-3 (AMP)

Philemon is a private letter from Paul sent to Philemon, most likely a resident of Colossae.

Paul begins and/or ends many of his letters with "grace and peace". 

Grace, the free favour and good-will of God, the spring and fountain of all blessings; and peace, all good, as the fruit and effect of that grace. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also is understood, though not named; for all acts towards the creatures of the whole Trinity: from the Father, who is our Father in Christ, the first in order of acting as of subsisting; and from Christ, his favour and good-will as God, and the fruits of it through him as Mediator, God—man.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, Amen. Observe, Spiritual blessings are first and especially to be sought for ourselves and others.

The favour of God and peace with him, as in itself it is the best and most desirable good, so is it the cause of all other, and what puts sweetness into every mercy and can make happy even in the want of all earthly things. There are many that say, Who will show us any good? But, if God lift up the light of his countenance, this will put more joy and gladness into the heart than all worldly increase. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. In this is summarily all good, and from this one fountain, God the Father, Son, and Spirit, all comes. 

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG), than I will not only accept God's gifts of grace and peace, I will fully embrace them!