Young People's Group

CULTIVATING GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP

by Pastor Mitch
June 09, 2013

The Exemplary Friendship Between Paul And Philemon

In this world of shallow and short-term friendships, the Bible gives us an example that is deep and lasting. Paul had a special and close friendship with Philemon. He was a slave owner whose house was used as a meeting place for a local church and was considered a fellow laborer by Paul. There was this special and lasting relationship between Paul and Philemon. Their friendship had stood the test of time and was exemplary. Paul was now much older and called himself the aged (Philemon 9). Young people, have you thought what makes a friendship really last for the longest time? For Paul and Philemon, they had a strong Christian love.

The Basis Of Friendship – Good Christian Love

“To Philemon, our beloved friend and fellow laborer” 
Philemon 1

“Hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints” 
Philemon 5

“Yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you” 
Philemon 9

The basis of Paul and Philemon’s friendship was strong Christian love. Paul addressed Philemon as a beloved friend. It is not often that Paul would call someone as his beloved friend. When Paul wrote to Philemon, he was focused on his friend’s love and faith that was in the Lord Jesus and was shown to all his fellow Christians. Love in the Lord Jesus was the focus of their friendship. When Paul wanted to appeal to Philemon to receive back his slave Onesimus, he did not command him to do so but instead appealed through the mutual Christian love that they had for each other. Young people, do we relate to each other as friends because of love we have towards the Lord and toward our fellow saints? Let’s cultivate Christian love as the basis of our friendship.

Relating To Our Friends Well

Paul related very well to his good friend, Philemon. There were three things that Paul did.

1. He Thanked God For Philemon’s Faith And Love (Philemon 4)

Philemon demonstrated his love and faith towards the Lord Jesus and to all the saints. This was so outstanding that people spoke about it. Paul thanked God after he heard of this.

2. He Wrote To Tell His Friend That He Was Praying For Him (Philemon 4)

This was Paul’s commitment towards the Churches and individuals. Paul ceaselessly prayed for Timothy (2 Timothy 1:3). He also made mention of Philemon in his prayers consistently. This would have been encouraging to Philemon. Let’s also learn to consistently pray for our friends.

3. Paul Greatly Rejoiced And Found Comfort In The Love That Philemon Displayed (Philemon 7)

He was able to rejoice in the good example of the Philemon in ministering to people. Philemon shared his faith effectively with the Lord’s people. There was a deep sense of rejoicing and comfort in the way Philemon loved the brethren and how they were refreshed by him. Young people, let’s always learn to relate to each other well. Let’s take the time to write and tell each other that we are praying for him or her. Let’s rejoice when our friends display the fruit of love for others.

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