I was reading Paul’s letter to Philemon the other day – I know, who reads Philemon? I guess I do. I was reading in the new Christian Standard Bible. “I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.”
The NKJV reads: “that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” [vs 6 NKJV]
We are to know [acknowledge] “every good thing that is in us” to the glory of Christ Jesus. By knowing these things our faith becomes effective. That led me to two questions. Just what are those good things in us? And, if we don’t know or acknowledge those good things, does that mean that our faith is ineffective?
I can list a host of good things that comes from the Father. Salvation, redemption, righteousness, mercy, restoration are perfect gifts from the Father through Jesus the Christ; but, I look at those things more as done for us rather than a good thing which is in us. [James 1:17]
When I think of what is in us, I think of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart; I think of the fruit that is produced and abides. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” [Gal 5:22-23 NIV]
When we know those good things and acknowledge their existence in us (through cooperation with God’s Spirit), then our participation in and sharing of our faith truly become effective and bring glory to Christ Jesus. In other words, when people see that we walk how we talk, they’ll listen.
