Philemon is the apostle Paul’s shortest letter, tucked away before the book of Hebrews. Verse 6 reads: “and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”
The letter itself is delightful, and full of compassion and companionship. These words gently encourage Philemon, a man of some standing, to share his faith more effectively.
What is interesting is that, as we share our faith we grow in our knowledge of “every good thing” that we have in Christ.
One barrier to our sharing our faith is our lack of understanding. We think we cannot answer objections that people may have. Paul starts the other way around! He encourages Philemon to share his faith so that he will grow in understanding.
The Lord Jesus said something similar in John 7.17; “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” Here, He puts obedience before understanding. As we obey what Christ teaches, we will find our understanding of scripture grows.
This is so helpful. So often Christianity is presented as something intellectual, leaving some at a perceived disadvantage. But the order of the New Testament is that we obey Christ, and share our faith, so that we can grow in understanding. Given Christ’s wonderful love for us, why would we not wish to obey Him, and share our faith?