Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro: There is an old saying that goes something like this, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!”

That is a true statement.

Matter of fact, that is a statement of biblical proportions.

In the letter to Philemon, there is one verse that has always challenged me as a Christian and tonight I hope it challenges you in your faith.

I want us to think of this question as we consider verse 6. “Can People See Jesus In You?”

Text; Philemon 1:6

Knowing the circumstances surrounding Philemon and Onesimus, Paul’s prayer was that not only Onesimus, but the church would see Jesus in Philemon when he makes his decision concerning this runaway slave that is now a brother in Christ.

1. Sharing Of Your Faith; 6a

When we think of sharing our faith we automatically think of evangelizing the lost.

That is true but that’s not what Paul means here.

Sharing- koinonia, fellowship of christian love, belonging, the act of sharing in the activities or privileges of an intimate association or group; the church

“People don’t care how much you know [about Jesus, bible] until they know how much you care [about them].

How would Philemon deal with Onesimus?

Would he punish him, which he had the legal right to do, or would he discipline him but accept him as a brother in Christ.

Punish- inflict a penalty as retribution for an offense, especially a transgression of a legal or moral code: treat severely and in a harsh manner

Discipline- the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, correction or rebuke with the end goal of gaining a brother/sister in Christ

What good will it do for a person to come to church and all we do is beat them over the head about their sin and never show them that we care about who they are, what’s going on in their life and take time to show them Jesus cares for them?

It is a wise Christian who first assesses the condition of a person’s heart before sharing the precious pearls.

Warren W. Wiersbe

2. Effective Faith; 6b

We know that Philemon had an “active” faith.

He was active as a fellow laborer in the ministry and that he was active in the church.

But being active in the church does not always mean you are “effective” in your faith.

Effective- successful in producing a desired or intended result, powerful enough to affect others.

By forgiving Onesimus, Philemon would acknowledge that he belonged to Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

By forgiving Onesimus it would send a powerful message to the church about the importance of fellowship, even among slaves and masters, people from different walks of life.

For our faith to be “effective”, and produce desired results, then what we say about Jesus has to line up with what we do in Jesus.

The witness of the church is most effective when she declares rather than explains, for the gospel is addressed not to reason but to faith.

A. W. Tozer

3. Acknowledgement in Christ; 6c

It is one thing to read a book or talk about going snow skiing/sky diving/bull riding and actually doing it.

Talking about them is exciting, actually doing them is an experience/rush you can’t get by just talking.

Paul knew that if the good things of Christ in Philemon brought about reconciliation with a runaway slave, it would have far reaching implications in the church and the world as a whole.

‌In the same manner, when we actually live our faith in Christ, there is an experiential rush/knowledge of the good things Christ is doing through us that can encourage the church and change the world!

There is no greater blessing/feeling in a Christians life than knowing that the good things going on in them is all because of Jesus!

[1 John 5:13] This is where my testimony began but not where it ends!

Assurance of salvation [1 John 5:13]

New nature [1 John 3:9-10]

Love of God [1 John 3:14] Philemon forgave Onesimus, I forgave my dad.

Living in victory [1 John 5:4] Making right choices

Witness [1 John 5:10] Effective faith producing a desired result in others

It’s exciting to see what God has done for me and what He continues to do through me in Christ!

It’s exciting to see that happen in others as well.

Close;

The letter to Philemon has taught us some valuable lessons.

The character of a man determines his responses to circumstances in life.

Mainly the desire to forgive and reconcile with others.

Jesus can take the most unprofitable of people and make them useful for the kingdom.

The work of “imputation” by Christ not only covers my sin but also fills me with His righteousness.

All these things make it possible for one to have an effective faith so people can see Jesus in you.