I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, ⁵ because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. ⁶ I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. —Philemon 1:4-6

We love Jesus.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. —2 Corinthians 5:14-15

We embrace mess.

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. —2 Corinthians 5:17-19

We are active in sharing our faith.

²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. —2 Corinthians 5:20

When you actively share your faith…

• You play a part in a divine story.
• Your faith grows.
• You are reminded of what you have in Christ.

I pray that you would be active in sharing your faith, so that you may have a deeper understanding of every good thing you have in Christ.

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Discipleship Guide

Connect

• Did you pray big prayers last week? Share testimonies of how God stretched your faith and strengthened you with His power.

Word and Reflection

In Paul’s letter, he prays Philemon would be inspired to actively share his faith with others – even with those who are not like him – so that he would have a deeper understanding of the many good things he’s been given as a follower of Jesus. As a church, we desire to create a place where everyone’s welcome because nobody’s perfect but with God, anything’s possible. For us to do this, we must embrace mess, actively share our faith, and point people to Christ.

Philemon 1:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20; Psalm 46:1-3; Psalm 96:2-3

• Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

• Read Philemon 1:4-6. What keeps you from sharing your faith more intentionally and more boldly than you already do?

• Pastor Gregg said, “God isn’t looking for perfect people to work through.” How might God work through your weakness to show His love and power to someone?

• Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-20. How can knowing and understanding the love of Christ and the good things we have in Him, compel you to actively share your faith with others? What would this practically look like for you – at work, school, in your family and circle of friends?

• Who is one person with whom you desire to share your faith? What step will you take this week to step out of your comfort zone, embrace mess and reach out to them?

Action

• Share your faith with someone this week. Invite them for coffee, offer to pray for them, invite them to your small group, bring them to church.

Prayer

• God, every day, give me boldness and opportunities to share my faith. Give me eyes to see the people you have placed in my life who are desperately searching for You and in need of hope. Give me a deeper understanding of every good thing I have in Christ.