December 15, 2025 • 17 mins
Find the full episode here >>> LivingOnPurposeInChrist/blog
What if the most powerful witness of your faith happens far from a platform, inside the ordinary places where forgiveness costs you something? We open the letter to Philemon and trace a tender, courageous call to receive a brother not by his past but by his union with Christ. From Paul’s house arrest to Onesimus’ transformation, we follow a thread of grace that reframes identity, reorders relationships, and asks us to let theology walk into our living rooms.
We explore koinōnia (κοινωνία) —the Greek word for the shared life of Christ that turns fellowship into partnership and participation. This vision pulls Christianity from theory to practice: absorbing a cost for someone’s good, extending welcome when resentment would be easier, and honoring safety and wisdom when reconciliation requires boundaries. Along the way, a lighthearted story about a goat in church reminds us that life is unpredictable, but God’s patient work in quiet hearts continues, unseen and unstoppable.
You’ll hear why small acts matter: a prayer whispered in a kitchen, a debt released, a door opened to someone returning. We raise the questions Scripture hands us: How do I respond when obedience is costly? How do I hold power with humility? Can I see a brother or sister in Christ beyond their history? If you’re longing for faith that feels real on Monday, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and a path to practice. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review to help others find these stories of quiet transformation. Then check out our Bible Study Circle at EssentialFaithJourney.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Paula Behrens (00:00):
If you've ever wondered whether your faith is
making a real difference,especially if most of your time
is spent working from home,caring for others, or quietly
serving Christ without muchvisibility, this episode is for
you.
Today we're opening one of thesmallest books in the Bible, yet
one of the most personal andquietly challenging letters ever
written.
(00:20):
Even if your spiritual lifefeels hidden, even if no one
sees the hours you spendpraying, journaling, or serving
in your own quiet corner oflife, know that God can and does
use those faithful acts toshape hearts, restore
relationships, and expand hiskingdom.
Okay, stay with me to the endand I'll tell you about a
(00:42):
community where we are strivingto live out this kind of
purposeful faith together.
You know, there's nothing quitelike preaching in a small rural
church to keep you on your toes.
Picture this.
I was passionately delivering asermon, feeling on fire with
the Holy Spirit when suddenlythe sanctuary door swung open,
and in sauntered an unexpectedguest.
(01:04):
A goat.
Yes, a live, bleating goat,trotting right down the center
aisle as if it owned the place.
Now, being a city girl, I wasquite proud of myself for
instantly recognizing it wasn'tjust a furry visitor.
Nope, I triumphantly proclaimedto the whole congregation, it's
a goat.
Meanwhile, the poor trusteechair sprang into action,
(01:27):
bravely chasing the audaciousgoat around the pews and
eventually escorting it out thefront door.
It was one of those churchmoments you just can't make up.
A fitting reminder of theunpredictability of life and the
importance of staying rooted infaith and where God is leading
you, come what may.
In life's unpredictablemoments, whether it's a goat
(01:50):
trotting down the center aisleor the chaos of daily routines
pulling at your spirit, it's soeasy to feel disconnected from
God.
In a world that often celebratesthe loud and visible, it's easy
to feel as though your quietacts of devotion go unnoticed.
Yet scripture assures us thatGod sees every hidden moment of
(02:11):
faithfulness and he uses them toweave his redemptive story in
ways we may never fullycomprehend.
If you're navigating pastwounds, finding it challenging
to practice grace in difficultrelationships, or longing to see
how God can use your seeminglysmall steps to create meaningful
change, this podcast is foryou.
(02:34):
You want to grow closer to God,yet reality sets in.
Your schedule is packed,thoughts are racing, and finding
peace in your devotional timeseems simply out of reach.
This is precisely why I'vedeveloped my faith coaching
services for Christian women.
This one-on-one session isdesigned to make deepening your
relationship with God simple,peaceful, and personal.
(02:56):
No pressure, no overwhelm, justa guided, spirit-led approach
to help you reset and reconnectwith Jesus in a way that truly
fits your life.
You'll receive an aroma samplerpacket ahead of our coaching
call to use during our session,introducing you to the gentle
power of essential oils to quietyour mind and invite peace into
your spiritual practices.
(03:17):
This hands-on experience isdesigned to enhance your time
with God by engaging your sensesand creating a calming
atmosphere for our conversation.
And you'll walk away witheverything you need to continue
your journey, includingprintable resources and
practical guidance on how tocontinue using biblical aromas
to nurture peace and focus inyour spiritual practices.
(03:39):
You don't need fancy tools orhours of free time.
You just need a doable plan andsomeone to help you make it
real.
Let's make your devotional lifeeasy, meaningful, and
refreshingly Christ-centered.
Book your session today atPaulaBehrens.com /coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).
(04:03):
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
The book of Philemon is oftendescribed as a personal letter,
and that is true, but it doesn'teven begin to capture how
practical, challenging, andtransformational this little
book is.
Philemon is only 25 verseslong, yet it provides a rich,
(04:27):
full picture demonstration ofthe gospel working in real life
relationships.
There are no grand miraclesrecorded here.
There are no sermons preachedto huge crowds.
There are no programs launched,no social campaigns started.
Instead, we are invited into aprivate conversation between
believers that show what happenswhen faith meets real human
(04:49):
complexity, when forgiveness ishard, when obedience has a cost,
and when love requireshumility.
Philemon reminds us thatChristianity is not just a set
of beliefs.
It's something we live outdaily in our homes, workplaces,
and communities.
It's something we practice inordinary spaces, in ordinary
moments, often unseen by theworld, but deeply visible to
(05:12):
God.
Paul writes his letter while heis imprisoned, likely under
house arrest in Rome.
Even though his physicalfreedom is limited, his
spiritual influence is farreaching.
He continues to disciple,mentor, and encourage believers,
demonstrating that faithfulnessis not confined to visible
success or to freedom.
One of the individuals Paulwrites about is a man named
(05:35):
Onesimus.
Onesimus has left the householdof Philemon, a respected
Christian in Colossae.
The text doesn't tell us theexact reasons, but it was a
risky move.
Onesimus faced uncertainty,potential punishment, and real
danger.
Yet in that moment ofvulnerability, God's providence
(05:59):
guided his path, bringing him toPaul.
Imagine for a moment what thisencounter might have looked
like.
Onesimus, anxious anduncertain, perhaps carrying the
weight of past mistakes and fearof consequences, meets Paul.
Through conversation, prayer,and the gentle work of the Holy
Onesimus experiences atransformation of heart.
(06:22):
He's no longer defined by whathe left behind or the mistakes
he made.
He's now someone renewed bygrace, someone whose life has a
new direction and purpose.
This is an essential point.
Onesimus is portrayed as aperson with agency and worth.
Scripture doesn't define him bypast errors or social position.
(06:44):
He is a child of God, fullycapable of change and growth and
fully embraced by Christ.
Here, the tension of the letterbegins to unfold.
Onesimus' relationship withPhilemon is complicated.
Paul could have encouragedOnesimus to stay with him, which
may have seemed easier orsafer, but Paul chooses a path
(07:07):
of faith and obedience instead,trusting God to work through a
delicate situation.
He sends Onesimus back toPhilemon, appealing to love and
shared faith rather thanauthority or obligation.
Paul reframes the story ofOnesimus through the lens of
redemption while remindingPhilemon of his identity in
(07:30):
Christ, affirming his faith, hislove for others, and his
influence as a believer.
This is discipleship at itscore.
Living on purpose in Christalways begins with remembering
who we are in Christ.
Paul's appeal is radical.
He asked Philemon to receiveOnesimus, not as someone defined
(07:53):
by the past, but as a belovedbrother in Christ.
In the culture of Paul's time,this request was revolutionary.
It challenged societalexpectations and redefined
relationships around the gospelrather than social hierarchy or
past mistakes.
Now it's critical to highlightthat reconciliation in Scripture
(08:16):
is always context sensitive.
Not every broken relationshipshould be repaired immediately,
especially if personal safety,abuse, or unbelief is involved.
Paul's appeal works because itis grounded in shared faith and
mutual trust.
For us today, this is animportant lesson.
Christ-like reconciliation isbeautiful, but it must be
(08:40):
exercised wisely, safely, andwith discernment.
The Book of Philemon shows thatthe gospel is practical, not
just theoretical.
It presses into real lifecircumstances where forgiveness
feels risky, obedience requiressacrifice, and love demands
courage.
For believers today, especiallythose whose faith is expressed
(09:01):
quietly or behind the scenes,this is profoundly encouraging.
Your choices, your acts ofgrace, even when unseen, have
impact.
Paul models this throughextraordinary generosity.
He offers to takeresponsibility for any financial
harm or loss that Onesimus'departure may have caused.
This is a powerful reflectionof what Christ did on the cross
(09:25):
on our behalf so thatrestoration can occur.
As Paul writes to Philemon, he'sinviting him to live the gospel
in relational, practical ways.
You know, a theology is nevermeant to stay on paper, it
shapes relationships.
How we treat others, especiallythose who share our faith,
flows directly from ourunderstanding of Christ.
(09:46):
What Philemon believes aboutChrist must now shape how he
treats Onesimus.
Paul's prayer in chapter 1,verse 6 brings this into sharp
focus.
He says he's praying that thesharing of Philemon's faith will
become effective.
Now that word sharing is wherePaul reveals the heart of this
(10:08):
letter.
The Greek word iskoinōnia (κοινωνία).
Koinōnia (κοινωνία) is oftentranslated as fellowship, but
Paul is using it in a muchdeeper theological sense here.
Koinōnia (κοινωνία) meansparticipation, partnership, and
shared life.
It describes what happens whenpeople are in Christ and
therefore connected to oneanother.
(10:29):
This is not a shallowconnection.
This is not friendliness orpoliteness.
This is the reality thatbelievers now participate in the
very life of Christ together.
Theologically,koinōnia (κοινωνία) flows out of
our union with Christ.
When we are in Christ, we donot simply agree with his
(10:50):
teachings, we share in his life,his righteousness, and his
mission.
That shared life then reshapeshow we relate to one another.
Paul is reminding Philemon thatOnesimus is no longer just
someone who wronged him.
Onesimus is now someone whoshares the same faith in Christ,
(11:11):
the same grace and the samespiritual inheritance.
This is why Paul connectskoinōnia (κοινωνία) with
spiritual effectiveness.
He's saying that faith becomesactive and visible when the
shared life of Christ is livedout in real situations.
In other words, the gospel isnot proven by words alone.
(11:32):
It is proven when believerstreat one another according to
who they are in Christ, notaccording to who they used to
be.
In the context of this letter,koinōnia (κοινωνία) becomes
deeply challenging.
Paul is not talking aboutpublic ministry or visible
influence.
He's talking about faith livedout in private spaces.
(11:53):
He's talking about how sharedlife in Christ shows up in
living rooms, relationships,conversations, and choices that
no one else may see.
Philemon's home church would bewatching.
His response would teach themwhat the gospel really does.
And Paul is trusting thatkoinōnia (κοινωνία), this shared
life in Christ, will shapePhilemon's obedience.
(12:17):
This is where I want to gentlypause with you for a moment
because koinōnia (κοινωνία) askseach of us a deeply personal
question.
How does your shared life inChrist shape your relationships?
Are there believers in yourlife whom you still see through
the lens of past mistakes?
In those situations, wouldreconciliation be the
(12:37):
Christ-like thing to do?
Living on purpose in Christ isoften quiet.
It might look like extendinggrace, offering encouragement,
or allowing Christ to redefinehow you see someone.
And your faithful choicesmatter.
They reveal the power of sharedlife in Christ.
Your obedience matters.
(12:59):
Your relationships matter.
The way you live out grace inordinary spaces makes the gospel
visible.
Koinōnia (κοινωνία) means youare never just living your faith
for yourself.
You are participating in theshared life of Christ.
And that shared life has thepower to heal, restore, and
transform.
Your faith is shared not onlythrough words, but through
(13:22):
forgiveness, throughhospitality, through humility,
through choosing grace when itwould be easier to hold a
grudge.
Philemon challenges us toconsider how our faith is
experienced by others.
Is it something they hear aboutor something they feel?
Is it only based on theory oris it relational?
(13:43):
Is it confined to churchgatherings or lived out in our
homes and workplaces?
Paul believes that Christ isactively transforming Philemon's
heart.
He believes the gospel is notstatic.
It grows, matures, and reshapesus over time.
Paul's letter teaches us thatChrist actively transforms
(14:06):
hearts.
He teaches us that the gospelis not static, that it grows,
matures, and reshapes us overtime.
Okay, so the letter endswithout revealing Philemon's
response, and that silence isintentional.
Scripture leaves space for usto step into the story.
We are invited to ask ourselvesthe same questions Philemon
(14:28):
faced.
How do I respond when obediencecosts me something?
How do I treat people who havehurt me but now belong to
Christ?
How does my faith shape the wayI use influence, power, and
privilege?
Philemon teaches us that livingon purpose in Christ often
looks ordinary.
It looks like opening yourhome.
It looks like welcoming someoneback.
(14:48):
It looks like releasing a debt.
It looks like choosingreconciliation over resentment.
When we choose to live outkoinōnia (κοινωνία), that shared
life in Christ, we allow ourtheology, our thoughts about
God, to shape our everydaydecisions.
We allow grace to move frombelief into practice.
And that kind of faith is bestlearned, strengthened, and
(15:13):
sustained in community, not inisolation.
That's why we do not just studyscripture alone.
We study it together.
We listen to one another'sstories.
We wrestle honestly with whatobedience looks like in real
life.
We encourage one another whenforgiveness feels hard and faith
feels costly.
(15:33):
This is how the shared life ofChrist grows deeper and more
visible among us.
If this episode stirredsomething in your heart, if you
are longing to live out yourfaith more intentionally right
where you are, I invite you tocome and hang out with us in our
Bible study circle atEssentialFaithJourney.com.
That'sEssential Faith Journey.com (no
(15:57):
spaces).
This is a welcoming,grace-filled space where we open
God's Word together, talkhonestly about life, and learn
how to live on purpose in Christin the middle of our ordinary
days.
You don't need to be a Bibleexpert.
You don't need to have perfectanswers.
You simply need a desire togrow and a willingness to walk
(16:18):
alongside other believers whoare learning to live out their
faith one step at a time, justlike you.
I would love for you to joinus, be encouraged, and
experience the beauty ofkoinōnia (κοινωνία), that shared
life in Christ, as we growtogether.
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
(16:42):
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
(17:02):
Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.
If you've ever wondered whether your faith is
making a real difference,especially if most of your time
is spent working from home,caring for others, or quietly
serving Christ without muchvisibility, this episode is for
you.
Today we're opening one of thesmallest books in the Bible, yet
one of the most personal andquietly challenging letters ever
written.
(00:20):
Even if your spiritual lifefeels hidden, even if no one
sees the hours you spendpraying, journaling, or serving
in your own quiet corner oflife, know that God can and does
use those faithful acts toshape hearts, restore
relationships, and expand hiskingdom.
Okay, stay with me to the endand I'll tell you about a
(00:42):
community where we are strivingto live out this kind of
purposeful faith together.
You know, there's nothing quitelike preaching in a small rural
church to keep you on your toes.
Picture this.
I was passionately delivering asermon, feeling on fire with
the Holy Spirit when suddenlythe sanctuary door swung open,
and in sauntered an unexpectedguest.
(01:04):
A goat.
Yes, a live, bleating goat,trotting right down the center
aisle as if it owned the place.
Now, being a city girl, I wasquite proud of myself for
instantly recognizing it wasn'tjust a furry visitor.
Nope, I triumphantly proclaimedto the whole congregation, it's
a goat.
Meanwhile, the poor trusteechair sprang into action,
(01:27):
bravely chasing the audaciousgoat around the pews and
eventually escorting it out thefront door.
It was one of those churchmoments you just can't make up.
A fitting reminder of theunpredictability of life and the
importance of staying rooted infaith and where God is leading
you, come what may.
In life's unpredictablemoments, whether it's a goat
(01:50):
trotting down the center aisleor the chaos of daily routines
pulling at your spirit, it's soeasy to feel disconnected from
God.
In a world that often celebratesthe loud and visible, it's easy
to feel as though your quietacts of devotion go unnoticed.
Yet scripture assures us thatGod sees every hidden moment of
(02:11):
faithfulness and he uses them toweave his redemptive story in
ways we may never fullycomprehend.
If you're navigating pastwounds, finding it challenging
to practice grace in difficultrelationships, or longing to see
how God can use your seeminglysmall steps to create meaningful
change, this podcast is foryou.
(02:34):
You want to grow closer to God,yet reality sets in.
Your schedule is packed,thoughts are racing, and finding
peace in your devotional timeseems simply out of reach.
This is precisely why I'vedeveloped my faith coaching
services for Christian women.
This one-on-one session isdesigned to make deepening your
relationship with God simple,peaceful, and personal.
(02:56):
No pressure, no overwhelm, justa guided, spirit-led approach
to help you reset and reconnectwith Jesus in a way that truly
fits your life.
You'll receive an aroma samplerpacket ahead of our coaching
call to use during our session,introducing you to the gentle
power of essential oils to quietyour mind and invite peace into
your spiritual practices.
(03:17):
This hands-on experience isdesigned to enhance your time
with God by engaging your sensesand creating a calming
atmosphere for our conversation.
And you'll walk away witheverything you need to continue
your journey, includingprintable resources and
practical guidance on how tocontinue using biblical aromas
to nurture peace and focus inyour spiritual practices.
(03:39):
You don't need fancy tools orhours of free time.
You just need a doable plan andsomeone to help you make it
real.
Let's make your devotional lifeeasy, meaningful, and
refreshingly Christ-centered.
Book your session today atPaulaBehrens.com /coaching.
That's Paula Behrens B E H R EN S .com /coaching (no spaces).
(04:03):
All right, it's time to getstarted.
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal, and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
The book of Philemon is oftendescribed as a personal letter,
and that is true, but it doesn'teven begin to capture how
practical, challenging, andtransformational this little
book is.
Philemon is only 25 verseslong, yet it provides a rich,
(04:27):
full picture demonstration ofthe gospel working in real life
relationships.
There are no grand miraclesrecorded here.
There are no sermons preachedto huge crowds.
There are no programs launched,no social campaigns started.
Instead, we are invited into aprivate conversation between
believers that show what happenswhen faith meets real human
(04:49):
complexity, when forgiveness ishard, when obedience has a cost,
and when love requireshumility.
Philemon reminds us thatChristianity is not just a set
of beliefs.
It's something we live outdaily in our homes, workplaces,
and communities.
It's something we practice inordinary spaces, in ordinary
moments, often unseen by theworld, but deeply visible to
(05:12):
God.
Paul writes his letter while heis imprisoned, likely under
house arrest in Rome.
Even though his physicalfreedom is limited, his
spiritual influence is farreaching.
He continues to disciple,mentor, and encourage believers,
demonstrating that faithfulnessis not confined to visible
success or to freedom.
One of the individuals Paulwrites about is a man named
(05:35):
Onesimus.
Onesimus has left the householdof Philemon, a respected
Christian in Colossae.
The text doesn't tell us theexact reasons, but it was a
risky move.
Onesimus faced uncertainty,potential punishment, and real
danger.
Yet in that moment ofvulnerability, God's providence
(05:59):
guided his path, bringing him toPaul.
Imagine for a moment what thisencounter might have looked
like.
Onesimus, anxious anduncertain, perhaps carrying the
weight of past mistakes and fearof consequences, meets Paul.
Through conversation, prayer,and the gentle work of the Holy
Onesimus experiences atransformation of heart.
(06:22):
He's no longer defined by whathe left behind or the mistakes
he made.
He's now someone renewed bygrace, someone whose life has a
new direction and purpose.
This is an essential point.
Onesimus is portrayed as aperson with agency and worth.
Scripture doesn't define him bypast errors or social position.
(06:44):
He is a child of God, fullycapable of change and growth and
fully embraced by Christ.
Here, the tension of the letterbegins to unfold.
Onesimus' relationship withPhilemon is complicated.
Paul could have encouragedOnesimus to stay with him, which
may have seemed easier orsafer, but Paul chooses a path
(07:07):
of faith and obedience instead,trusting God to work through a
delicate situation.
He sends Onesimus back toPhilemon, appealing to love and
shared faith rather thanauthority or obligation.
Paul reframes the story ofOnesimus through the lens of
redemption while remindingPhilemon of his identity in
(07:30):
Christ, affirming his faith, hislove for others, and his
influence as a believer.
This is discipleship at itscore.
Living on purpose in Christalways begins with remembering
who we are in Christ.
Paul's appeal is radical.
He asked Philemon to receiveOnesimus, not as someone defined
(07:53):
by the past, but as a belovedbrother in Christ.
In the culture of Paul's time,this request was revolutionary.
It challenged societalexpectations and redefined
relationships around the gospelrather than social hierarchy or
past mistakes.
Now it's critical to highlightthat reconciliation in Scripture
(08:16):
is always context sensitive.
Not every broken relationshipshould be repaired immediately,
especially if personal safety,abuse, or unbelief is involved.
Paul's appeal works because itis grounded in shared faith and
mutual trust.
For us today, this is animportant lesson.
Christ-like reconciliation isbeautiful, but it must be
(08:40):
exercised wisely, safely, andwith discernment.
The Book of Philemon shows thatthe gospel is practical, not
just theoretical.
It presses into real lifecircumstances where forgiveness
feels risky, obedience requiressacrifice, and love demands
courage.
For believers today, especiallythose whose faith is expressed
(09:01):
quietly or behind the scenes,this is profoundly encouraging.
Your choices, your acts ofgrace, even when unseen, have
impact.
Paul models this throughextraordinary generosity.
He offers to takeresponsibility for any financial
harm or loss that Onesimus'departure may have caused.
This is a powerful reflectionof what Christ did on the cross
(09:25):
on our behalf so thatrestoration can occur.
As Paul writes to Philemon, he'sinviting him to live the gospel
in relational, practical ways.
You know, a theology is nevermeant to stay on paper, it
shapes relationships.
How we treat others, especiallythose who share our faith,
flows directly from ourunderstanding of Christ.
(09:46):
What Philemon believes aboutChrist must now shape how he
treats Onesimus.
Paul's prayer in chapter 1,verse 6 brings this into sharp
focus.
He says he's praying that thesharing of Philemon's faith will
become effective.
Now that word sharing is wherePaul reveals the heart of this
(10:08):
letter.
The Greek word iskoinōnia (κοινωνία).
Koinōnia (κοινωνία) is oftentranslated as fellowship, but
Paul is using it in a muchdeeper theological sense here.
Koinōnia (κοινωνία) meansparticipation, partnership, and
shared life.
It describes what happens whenpeople are in Christ and
therefore connected to oneanother.
(10:29):
This is not a shallowconnection.
This is not friendliness orpoliteness.
This is the reality thatbelievers now participate in the
very life of Christ together.
Theologically,koinōnia (κοινωνία) flows out of
our union with Christ.
When we are in Christ, we donot simply agree with his
(10:50):
teachings, we share in his life,his righteousness, and his
mission.
That shared life then reshapeshow we relate to one another.
Paul is reminding Philemon thatOnesimus is no longer just
someone who wronged him.
Onesimus is now someone whoshares the same faith in Christ,
(11:11):
the same grace and the samespiritual inheritance.
This is why Paul connectskoinōnia (κοινωνία) with
spiritual effectiveness.
He's saying that faith becomesactive and visible when the
shared life of Christ is livedout in real situations.
In other words, the gospel isnot proven by words alone.
(11:32):
It is proven when believerstreat one another according to
who they are in Christ, notaccording to who they used to
be.
In the context of this letter,koinōnia (κοινωνία) becomes
deeply challenging.
Paul is not talking aboutpublic ministry or visible
influence.
He's talking about faith livedout in private spaces.
(11:53):
He's talking about how sharedlife in Christ shows up in
living rooms, relationships,conversations, and choices that
no one else may see.
Philemon's home church would bewatching.
His response would teach themwhat the gospel really does.
And Paul is trusting thatkoinōnia (κοινωνία), this shared
life in Christ, will shapePhilemon's obedience.
(12:17):
This is where I want to gentlypause with you for a moment
because koinōnia (κοινωνία) askseach of us a deeply personal
question.
How does your shared life inChrist shape your relationships?
Are there believers in yourlife whom you still see through
the lens of past mistakes?
In those situations, wouldreconciliation be the
(12:37):
Christ-like thing to do?
Living on purpose in Christ isoften quiet.
It might look like extendinggrace, offering encouragement,
or allowing Christ to redefinehow you see someone.
And your faithful choicesmatter.
They reveal the power of sharedlife in Christ.
Your obedience matters.
(12:59):
Your relationships matter.
The way you live out grace inordinary spaces makes the gospel
visible.
Koinōnia (κοινωνία) means youare never just living your faith
for yourself.
You are participating in theshared life of Christ.
And that shared life has thepower to heal, restore, and
transform.
Your faith is shared not onlythrough words, but through
(13:22):
forgiveness, throughhospitality, through humility,
through choosing grace when itwould be easier to hold a
grudge.
Philemon challenges us toconsider how our faith is
experienced by others.
Is it something they hear aboutor something they feel?
Is it only based on theory oris it relational?
(13:43):
Is it confined to churchgatherings or lived out in our
homes and workplaces?
Paul believes that Christ isactively transforming Philemon's
heart.
He believes the gospel is notstatic.
It grows, matures, and reshapesus over time.
Paul's letter teaches us thatChrist actively transforms
(14:06):
hearts.
He teaches us that the gospelis not static, that it grows,
matures, and reshapes us overtime.
Okay, so the letter endswithout revealing Philemon's
response, and that silence isintentional.
Scripture leaves space for usto step into the story.
We are invited to ask ourselvesthe same questions Philemon
(14:28):
faced.
How do I respond when obediencecosts me something?
How do I treat people who havehurt me but now belong to
Christ?
How does my faith shape the wayI use influence, power, and
privilege?
Philemon teaches us that livingon purpose in Christ often
looks ordinary.
It looks like opening yourhome.
It looks like welcoming someoneback.
(14:48):
It looks like releasing a debt.
It looks like choosingreconciliation over resentment.
When we choose to live outkoinōnia (κοινωνία), that shared
life in Christ, we allow ourtheology, our thoughts about
God, to shape our everydaydecisions.
We allow grace to move frombelief into practice.
And that kind of faith is bestlearned, strengthened, and
(15:13):
sustained in community, not inisolation.
That's why we do not just studyscripture alone.
We study it together.
We listen to one another'sstories.
We wrestle honestly with whatobedience looks like in real
life.
We encourage one another whenforgiveness feels hard and faith
feels costly.
(15:33):
This is how the shared life ofChrist grows deeper and more
visible among us.
If this episode stirredsomething in your heart, if you
are longing to live out yourfaith more intentionally right
where you are, I invite you tocome and hang out with us in our
Bible study circle atEssentialFaithJourney.com.
That'sEssential Faith Journey.com (no
(15:57):
spaces).
This is a welcoming,grace-filled space where we open
God's Word together, talkhonestly about life, and learn
how to live on purpose in Christin the middle of our ordinary
days.
You don't need to be a Bibleexpert.
You don't need to have perfectanswers.
You simply need a desire togrow and a willingness to walk
(16:18):
alongside other believers whoare learning to live out their
faith one step at a time, justlike you.
I would love for you to joinus, be encouraged, and
experience the beauty ofkoinōnia (κοινωνία), that shared
life in Christ, as we growtogether.
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay
(16:42):
to say no to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you were blessed by thisepisode, be sure to share it
with a friend and leave a reviewso that we can reach even more
listeners like you.
Check the show notes for allthe links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
(17:02):
Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.
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