Christ Prisoner

Philemon 1:1-3

Most of the people I’ve known have never been a prisoner, or in prison, and I do not recall any that by their on choosing have gone to prison or chosen to be a prisoner.  But as we look at this letter to Philemon, the apostle Paul introduces himself as a prisoner for Christ Jesus.  The greeting begins in this manner; “Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,” and it is easy to read past words and phrases that we have no understanding of.  How can you and I understand being a prisoner for Christ?  Maybe a better question is, are we called to such a task?  Yes, this introduction is easy to read past so we can get to the meat, and we miss a truth that the enemy wants to keep hidden from us.

What did Paul have an understanding of that has eluded so many in today’s Church?  In 2 Timothy 2:8-10, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal.  But the word of God is not bound!  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”  Paul refused to forget his life before Christ he gave this recall of where God found him, in

1Timothy 1:13-15, “though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent.  But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

Unlike so many in the church of 2011, Paul knew what it cost to redeem his evil lost soul. He knew all about being religious, but now he had met the Lord, now he had received mercy, grace and faith, he had a clear understanding that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.   In 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Paul is sharing that he is not ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or being his prisoner.  Paul goes on to say Jesus saved us and called us to a holy calling, and we should also identify in the same way with our Lord.  Why do we who make up the body of Christ, not have this passion?  We will see this in Paul in Colossians 4:3.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice