We’re continuing our study through Paul’s epistle to Philemon. It’s our only example of the apostle’s private correspondence. At this point he’s been talking about Philemon’s relationship with others in the body of Christ.

Now, based upon his knowledge of this believer, he shares what he’s trusting God to accomplish in Philemon’s life.

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

Philemon 6 NIV

This is something that every Christian should be involved in. We all need to be sharing our faith with those around us.

The words that Paul uses are very interesting in this section of Scripture. The phrase, “active in sharing your faith”, literally means to energize the partnership of your faith.

That raises a couple of questions we all need to answer. First, do we recognize the partnership we have with our faith? Then, have we energized that partnership?

Whether you know it or not, we are in partnership with our faith. If we are truly trusting the Lord, then there will be an impact upon our actions. Our faith should be visible to those around us.

More than that, this operation of our faith must be energized by the Holy Spirit. That’s the only way our faith will have an effect on the lives of others.

The Apostle James puts it this way…

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?…In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14-17 NIV

That’s the choice. We can be in partnership with a dead faith. Or, we can allow it to be energized and compelling us to action.

Paul explains this to Philemon, showing him the benefits of an energized faith. This partnership leads us to a full understanding of the good things we have in Christ.

Again, a look at the original wording gives us more insight. Paul tells us that this road will bring us to a full understanding of all the good things in us in Christ Jesus.

These are not things we have to pray for in order for us to receive them. They’re already in us if we’re in Christ. They just need to be activated by our faith.

That’s an important thing for us to know about how this grace of God works. I start to share my faith with others. Then, as I see how the Holy Spirit confirms His Word in that area, He increases my faith to trust the Lord for other things.

That’s because the Greek word for understanding in this verse means the application of knowledge. I see how God works through me in one area, and I can apply that same action of faith in another area.

This is how we grow in our faith and knowledge of the Lord. It brings us more and more into the maturity God has for us in Christ.

Question: How have you seen this partnership of faith working in you?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi