Sharing The Faith

4 of 12 studies taken from Philemon

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ”

Philemon 1:6 (NIV UK)

Sharing the faith helps us to see that God is good. 

Sometimes believers have asked me as a minister to explain a lack of spiritual maturity in their lives. Of course, I don’t have all the answers and there can be misconceptions about the question. Often in my experience those who are concerned enough to ask at least are indicating that they are active spiritually and that they care, which can only be something good. 

This scripture suggests a link between sharing the faith and personal growth. The implication of Paul’s words is that as we share the faith our personal understanding of the blessings we have in Christ grows. We appreciate them more and therefore have more to share. 

Paul notes a similar thing in Ephesians when he writes: “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that this love surpasses all knowledge” (2:18-19). 

Our being rooted in love leads us to grasp more the depth of God’s grace. 

Once a dying woman asked me to teach and pray with her about the resurrection. I did so and, afterwards, I realized I felt closer to God and was convicted about how glorious God is. I felt thankful to God for the hope that he gives. It was as if my faith was deepened by the sharing of it. 

Paul wanted Philemon to be active in sharing his faith. The Greek word here for sharing is connected to communion and fellowship. Be involved in the fellowship of faith. Our faith is never selfish, always outgoing, always leading us to more opportunities to experience all the good things we have in Christ and how his love goes beyond our expectations. 

How do you share your faith? Is your understanding of the goodness of God in Christ Jesus deepening? 

Prayer

Our Father, help me to share the faith and in so doing appreciate more your goodness and grace.

Amen 

Study by James Henderson