Philemon 1:3

The Christian family.

The family of Philemon was Christian, doubtless, both in profession and practice. Many families at the present day are Christian in profession, but not in practice. The family really Christian may be known (like the individual) by its fruits ( Matthew 7:20 ).

I. IN IT GOD 'S NAME IS HONORED . He is habitually regarded and spoken of as the Giver of all the family happiness, and of whatever measure of prosperity it enjoys. The parents have received from him their children as a charge to be brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Children recognize without hesitation the duty of obedience as paramount to all self-pleasing ( Ephesians 6:1 ).

II. IN IT , THEREFORE , THE LAW OF GOD IS RECOGNIZED AS THE GUIDE OF LIFE by both parents and children.

III. IN IT (that is, by its members) THE PUBLIC OBSERVANCES OF RELIGION ARE DILIGENTLY KEPT . The habits of the household are so arranged as not to put unnecessary hindrance in the way of either the family or servants attending public worship at the proper times. Unnecessary labor on Sunday is not required, nor even permitted.

IV. IN IT , FURTHERMORE , GOD IS WILLINGLY ENTRUSTED WITH ITS DESTINIES . "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" ( Philippians 4:6 ), and, as the correlative of this," be careful for nothing;" that is, anxious and distressed about it. These are the rules which have been found of sovereign power in the Christian family.

V. As the law of God is in it the restraining rule, so THE LOVE OF GOD IS THE INSPIRING MOTIVE . "Followers of God, as dear children " ( Ephesians 5:1 ), not performing the mechanical and enforced obedience of the slave, nor even merely the habitual obedience which can be instilled by education and training; but the free, unforced, willing, elastic service which is prompted by the love of a child.

VI. Lastly, IN THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY CHARITY IS TAUGHT BY PRECEPT AND BY EXAMPLE . The voice of slander is not heard in it. The elders are not "weary in well-doing," and the younger learn ( 1 John 3:17 ) that to help those who have need is to have something of the likeness of God, and to act under the direction of God's good Spirit.