Jump Start # 3646

Philemon 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.

It came from a contemporary hymn that I was not familiar with. The words were used in an opening prayer recently. “I may not sing like David; preach like Peter; or pray like Paul,” but there is a balm in Gilead. What a great line. David, the sweet singer of Israel. Peter, the fiery preacher at Pentecost. Paul, the one who prayed as if he stood in the very presence of God.

Here are some thoughts about that:

First, I expect, David, Peter and Paul would tell us not to be like them. They’d point to the Savior. Be like the Son of God. People may not remember your singing, your preaching or even your prayer, but what they will remember is a heart that loved the Lord.

Second, bringing our best is always the best. Don’t try to be like others. You can’t. We are each one of a kind and our backgrounds, histories and journeys have shaped us to be where we are. The more we compare, the more we fail miserably. Just bring your best. Just do your best. Work on what you do well. Improve. Grow. Learn from others. Ask questions.

Third, the kingdom had room for both Peter and Paul. And, the kingdom has room for you. It wasn’t that all was to be like Peter. Nor were all to be like Paul. Peter brought passion, energy and boldness to his preaching. Paul brought a deep connection to the O.T. and glorification of the God who sent Jesus. Which was more important? Both were. Which is more needed? Both are.

Our verse today, written to the slave owner Philemon brings two powerful suggestions before us.

First, Paul was confident that Philemon would obey. Not everyone has such confidence in others. In fact, with many, it’s just the opposite. Paul had a history with Philemon. He knew him. He knew that he would take the steps outlined in the letter to him. Paul just knew he would.

Second, Paul also knew that Philemon would go above and beyond what the letter was requiring and asking. Paul knew that Philemon would do even more. He didn’t have the heart to just get by. His kind wasn’t the one that looked for the least that had to be done. He’d do more. He was just that type of person. He had that kind of heart.

And, when others know that about us, what a beautiful scene the church becomes. Folks going out of their way, because they want to. People doing above and beyond what is expected or asked of them. The good Samaritan is such a picture. He not only stopped and helped the wounded man on the road, he took him into the city, paid for lodging and stayed with him through the night. But, he still wasn’t done. He had to leave, but if there were any more expenses, he’d cover them on his way back. Why? It wasn’t his responsibility. It wasn’t his problem. It wasn’t necessary to do that. Driven by compassion, as the text tells us, he did more than was expected.

Now, how about us? Do we do just what we are supposed to and no more? Could God say of us, “I know that he will do even more than what I say?” Extraordinary Christians doing extraordinary tasks. Going out of the way to help. Going out of the way to encourage. Going the second mile with compassion.

No, we may not sing like David, preach like Peter or pray like Paul, but, one thing for sure, you can count on us to do more than what is asked. Making Sunday the best day of the week. Leaving the place better than you found it. Coming early and staying late. Making sure all the details are tied up and ready to go. Singing the best we can. Preaching the best we can. Praying the best we can.

We do all those things because God is the best. He deserves our best. He gave His best. And, nothing but the best, our best, will please us.

Roger

Jump Start # 3464

Philemon 21 “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.”

The little letter of Philemon is rich in big lessons. What a challenge this book presented to the first century world. A run-a-way slave, who becomes a Christian is sent back to his master. Social pressures were huge. All eyes would be on Philemon, the slave owner,  to see what he would do. His example would set the tone for other Christian masters and other slaves. Would the slave be beaten? Would Philemon make an example out of him? Would he forgive? Would he send him away?

Paul’s letter to Philemon, which was delivered by the run-a-way and corresponds with the Colossian letter, outlined what should be done. The apostle was counting on him. As our verse begins, Paul had “confidence in your obedience.”

It is the end of our verse that our attention is drawn to. Here we find, “I know that you will do even more than what I say.” What a powerful proclamation and hope. I know you’ll do more than I ask. Imagine that spirit at home. Imagine it at work. Imagine it in a congregation.

Doing more than what I say, let’s look at that.

First, that attitude and spirit is a culture that disciples ought to strive for and even expect. Just getting by, just doing the minimum won’t produce growth in a person nor in a congregation. Some live by the spirit of the minimum. You’ll see them on a Sunday morning at services, sometimes. You won’t see them on a Wednesday night Bible study. They might even proclaim that “Wednesday Bible study is not commanded in the Bible.” And, because of that, you won’t find them. They’ll be home watching mindless TV.

Going out of the way is another way of expressing, “doing more than what I say.” I know a ton of my preacher friends who live this way. They are writing blogs, producing podcasts, writing special lessons, teaching classes during the week and just busy all the time. No one tells them to do these things. In many places, just teaching Sunday and preaching is all that is expected. But not these guys. They are driven. They have a passion. They will do even more than what is expected. They do this because they love the Lord. They do this because they want the kingdom to grow and grow. Others fly across the planet to third world countries to spend weeks preaching and teaching to young disciples. The places they visit would not be on anyone’s vacation dream list. The work is hard. Very often, these preachers are funding much of these trips out of their own pockets. Why? Because it is in their DNA to do more than what I say.

Second, when someone does more than what is expected, a little praise, encouragement sure goes a long way. It makes that person realize that what he did was noticed and appreciated. Personally, I have a folder that I keep all the emails that have been written to me about these Jump Starts. It’s helpful to know that someone out there is reading these things and somehow it is making a difference in their lives.

There is that guy who shows up at the church house on a Saturday morning to pick up some trash, pull weeds or make the place look nice. No one tells him to do this. Most will never know about this. He does this because he has the spirit of doing more than what is expected.

The encouragement and praise that we give to the kids at home when they have done more than what is expected can set the tone for others. Raising the bar is something that mom and dad need to do as well.

Third, a spirit of excellence takes over when a person stops thinking about himself and focuses upon how he can help others. Doing the best that we can do reflects what God has done for us. God has always given the best. He sent Jesus. He revealed His heart to us. He blesses us more than we deserve. He continues to forgive us.

And, when the spirit of excellence prevails, sloppiness, indifference, and unprepared suddenly disappear. You’ll find song leaders on a Tuesday practicing their songs for Sunday. You’ll see people working on lessons months in advance. The days of “winging it,” picking out songs as one walks to the pulpit, and being so casual in spirit will be a thing of the past. Doing more than what is expected. Doing more than what I say.

As we wrap up this year, let us think about how we each can do “more than what I say.” Think of ways in which we can go out of our way to make things the best. Let’s always bring our best to the Lord.

I am confident that you will do even more than what I say…what a great example for us.

Roger

Jump Start # 1945

Philemon 21 “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.”

What a great thought that is found in our verse. “I know that you will do even more than what I say.” The contextual situation involved a master accepting a run-away slave. Back in the first century, the run-away would have to be taught a lesson. This would keep him from running again and it would put fear into the other slaves from running. The “taught lesson” could involve crippling, branding or other painful things done. The master was in charge and that position was going to be emphasized.

But things were different this time. Philemon, the master was a Christian. And now, the run-away had become a Christian. He had proven himself helpful to Paul. Three Christians, the runaway slave, the apostle and the master. The right thing to do was for the slave to return. The letter was sent. It was an appeal to do the right thing. It was a reminder of what Christians do. Forgiveness is the flag we stand under. Christ has given us a second chance and now it was time for the master to do the same. There would be a lot of social pressure from other masters. Word would get around. Would other slaves now run? The golden rule, the love of Christ, all changed what normally would have happened.

The letter ends with our verse. I know you will do even more than I say. Every parent would love that out of their children. You tell them to clean their room, and they clean the entire house. You ask them to fold the laundry, and they do all the laundry. Doing more than asked is amazing. It’s a spirit of wanting to do what is above and beyond what is expected. It is a spirit of wanting to do the best possible.

Doing more than expected. This is a spirit that can be found in a congregation. I spent the weekend in Ohio. I preached five times in three days and spent four to five hours talking to a group of shepherds. What an amazing congregation that is. Their spirit, their work and their wanting to be the best that they can be not only caught my eye, but it took me to this verse. Here was a church that was willing to do more than what was expected.

This concept is found in a willingness to excel. Push ourselves to do more, and do it as well as we can. And it shows. Here’s what I mean:

Passionate worship. It’s more than just singing songs and having another Sunday service. It’s making that Sunday service the best. It’s realizing that we stand in the presence of God Himself. Robust singing. Heartfelt prayers. Worship that is thought out. Worship that lifts the heart and leaves a person encouraged and glad that they are a follower of God.

Visionary leaders. It’s more than just filling weekly schedules, it’s thinking out five, ten years. It’s thinking about who takes our place. It’s thinking about how long the church ought to stay in that facility. It’s looking at each person and thinking about the best ways to help them grow. It’s wanting to learn as leaders. It’s asking the right questions. It’s seeking help so they can be better themselves. Some leaders are stuck on autopilot. As long as there isn’t any real problems, don’t push or change things. People drift spiritually, but the autopilot leaders don’t notice. People die spiritually but autopilots leaders don’t know what to do. They are stuck in the past, doing what things that are decades old and not noticing the condition of their flock. Visionary leaders are not like this. They notice. They make use of the best tools today. They try this and then they try that to connect people to the Lord. They are never content. They are never satisfied. They expect more of themselves and they want more for the church. They truly want to do more than what is asked.

Members who connect and become the heart of a congregation. Warmth, love, hugs, smiles, and real care is at the core of those who are willing to do more than what is expected. Just filling a pew isn’t enough for these folks. They mingle before and after services. They want the best from each other. They will do more than just come and sit and stare. They worship. They encourage. They wear themselves out in worship giving their all to the Lord. They need that Sunday afternoon nap, because they have poured themselves into what they do. They are tired, not because they are bored or because Saturday was such a busy day. They are tired because of the emotional and spiritual effort that they have given into worship. They make the congregation. There is a wonderful welcoming attitude there. There is a true sense of belonging there. The church seems like home. The church is a family.

I tire of congregations who settle on doing as little as they can. It’s like the student who asks what it takes to pass. He’ll do just that and no more. Why, he asks? I passed. That’s all that he is after. How different that is from the student who asks, “What does it take to get on the honor roll?” Both students can be in the same class, but it is easy to see the difference. They will listen differently. They will take notes and study differently. And they will push themselves differently. Just get by or do the best? There are congregations who are content to just get by. Lifeless worship. Dead sermons. Leaders who don’t lead. Members who are bored. Results in a congregation that just drifts. It’s not going anywhere. No thoughts to where we will be in the next decade. The common response is, “We’ll worry about that when we are there.” Churches that settle most times die. No growth. No hope. No out of the ordinary. No doing more than what is expected.

But when one catches a congregation that is doing more than is expected, what a breath of fresh air. What excitement. What encouragement. What connections. What love. One walks away with the feeling, this is the way it ought to be. Those places are rare. It takes a lot of work to be like that. Some just don’t want to put that energy and effort into making it like that. It takes planning. It takes hearts that want to do more than is expected. It takes vision. It takes a spirit of excellence. But when it all comes together, what a wonderful, wonderful result you find. God praised. Saints encouraged. Hope offered. The Bible explained. Love shared. The lost welcomed. The hurting cared for. The prodigals welcomed home. And everyone with a sense of God in their hearts.

I know places just like this. It’s taken a lot to get them that way. They are doing more than what is expected. What a joy it is to be part of one. And last weekend, I found one like this in Ohio in a place called Kettering. Thumbs up to that group. Leaders who are learning. Deacons who serve. Members who love and are passionate about the Lord. It’s more than a breath of fresh air. It’s something that stays with a person. They reminded me of the congregation I call home. It’s hard to get all the cylinders to hit at the right time, but when they do, what a powerful, spiritual and meaningful experience and worship it is.

It all comes from doing more than what is expected. Preacher, are you doing more than what is expected? Elder, are you doing more than what is expected? Deacons, what about you? And, moms and dads and members, are we doing more than what is expected? When we do, then you’ll see things turn around.

Thanks, Kettering, you are doing more than what is expected! Don’t ever stop that! You are an example to the rest of us.

Roger

Jump Start # 120

Philemon 21 “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.”

  This is a wonderful verse! Philemon is unique for several reasons. First, it is one of five books of the Bible that have only one chapter. Do you know the other four? Think about it. I’ll tell you at the end of this Jump Start. Second, it’s Paul shortest letter. Third, it is a letter that really doesn’t deal with the church but forgiveness and restoration. Fourth, what Paul was asking was hard on all parties involved.

  The story: Onesimus was a slave owned by Philemon, who lived in Colossae. The slave ran away. He made his way to where Paul was. Somehow they met and the slave became a Christian. He stayed and served Paul and was very helpful to Paul. Now the delimma: The right thing for Onesmius to do would be to go back to Philemon. He was a runaway. He was stilled owned by him. Many runaways were abused, crippled and a few killed when their masters caught them. Onesimus didn’t know how he would be treated. Philemon was a Christian. Paul was begging him to treat the slave as a brother in Christ, including granting him forgiveness. If Philemon did that, what would other slaves do? What would other slave owners think? And then there was Paul. He would be lacking a useful servant.

  It’s easy to say, “Finders keepers, loser weepers.” But that’s not the right thing to do. The slave had to return. So Paul sent this letter. Everything had changed once the slave became a Christian. He wouldn’t run anymore, because he had obligations and commitment.

   At the end of this letter, Paul lists five names of Christians who are with him who send their greetings. One is Mark. The Mark that ran from Paul and deserted him on his first preaching journey. The same Mark that Paul and Barnabas argued over and caused them to part ways. He’s there. He’s with Paul. I tend to think Paul learned and gave a second chance. Now he is wanting Philemon to do the same. Once we have grasped a lesson ourselves and have lived with the principles, it is so much easier to teach others.

  Paul writes in our verse today, “…I know you will do more than what I say.” Wow! That’s powerful. Who does that today? Wouldn’t parents be amazed if their children did more than what they say? How about school teachers? How about bosses? We aim for average and that’s usually what we get. Just get by. Just do enough. How about the spirit that says, “I’m doing more than what is expected?” That’d make a difference in marriage. That’d make a difference in the church. That’d make a difference in your walk with the Lord.

  Don’t settle on just getting by. Today, try to do more than what is said. Some may say, “you don’t have to do that.” But you’ll want to. Some may think you have selfish motives. “You’re trying to butter the boss up,” or, “you’re trying to get a promotion.” No. Just doing more than expected—what a world that would be if everyone lived that way. What families….what marriagers…what churches…what Christians! It starts with you. Do more than what is expected.

(The five one chapter books in the Bible: Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, Jude.)

Roger