First, churches can meet in homes. Philemon 1:2, "to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home."

The greatest need on earth is more churches preaching God's grace. Yet, we squander time in false churches or sitting at home. We are do-nothings.

Part of the problem is we don't recognize the home church. We're not willing to meet with a few. We need the security of large groups and established cathedrals. We're not willing to labor in biblical simplicity. Away with such thinking! Let us be willing to labor for the gospel, even if we look offbeat, trusting God to lift us up and draw people.

It's better to meet with a few in biblical order, than to share a large auditorium with those warring with God. Proverbs 25:24, "Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman." Let us bring back the house church when larger gatherings can't be found.

Secondly, Paul prays often. Philemon 1:4, "I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers,"

This grace enables us to love from afar. We ought never merely say we're praying, but actually do it. It doesn't have to be long or hearty, but it must be in faith, trusting God through Christ. Bring people's welfare before the throne of grace. Solve anxiety here, and strengthen them from afar. It's true that we can pray for people that we can't talk to. We can commune with God through talking to Him about others. We can be happy through prayer.

Don't let unbelief hinder you!

Thirdly, Philemon is a helpful person. Philemon 1:7, "For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother."

He's not a false Christian. He's fruitful. He cares about people.

In Northern Nigeria, the custom is a long greeting, which shows you care about people. In the gospel, however, we love and serve others. We are not selfish. Others must be helped, because we've been helped. Grace makes us gracious. Obtaining mercy makes us merciful.

If we're not helping the saints, then we're not experiencing God. We have forgotten salvation from sin, love to God, and our neighbor. Get back on track. Live to help others. Love God's people!

Finally, Paul appeals to Philemon through love! Philemon 1:9-10, "I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I fathered him while I was in chains."

He could have commanded Philemon, but he chose to plead with him and reason. This shows the maturity of age! As we grow in grace, we grow tender. Brash head knowledge turns to humble experience. Graciousness is used to get what we want, rather than force.

We know God saves sinners and uses love to woo us. He forgives sin and entreats us. He's gracious and kind. We enter a LOVE RELATIONSHIP with Him, then we express the same to others. We know how it feels to be loved and helped. We want people motivated by goodness instead of mere duty. We want them rejoicing from the heart and willing. We want them won, not merely subdued.