The marks of the Servant of God

Preaching Outline on Philemon 1:7 – I rejoice greatly in your faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus, and in the love you have for all the saints.

Introduction to Philemon 1:7

Who is God’s servant today?

Beloved, I’d like to start by asking a simple question, but one that stirs us: what are the marks of a true servant of God? Nowadays, many people say they serve God, carry a Bible under their arm, post verses on social media… but are we really living as servants of God or are we just putting on an “act”?

In the verse we’re going to meditate on today, Philemon 1:7, the apostle Paul says something very profound about Philemon, a brother in the faith. He says: “I rejoice greatly in your faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus, and in the love you have for all the saints.” In other words, Paul is highlighting two main characteristics of Philemon’s life: faith and love. And these two things, my brothers, are the marks of those who truly serve God.

So today I want to talk to you about how we can truly be servants of God, using this text as a basis and drawing parallels with the challenges of our day. Because, let’s face it, it’s not enough to say we’re Christians; we need to live like Christians!

Development

The two marks of a servant of God

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus

The first point Paul highlights here is faith. He says that Philemon had faith in the Lord Jesus. But wait a minute… isn’t faith in Jesus something that everyone who goes to church has? Yes, but it’s not just any faith that marks out a servant of God. It’s not that “lip service” faith, you know? The kind that just says “I believe” but disappears when times get tough. The faith that marks the servant of God is a living faith, one that transforms, one that makes you trust in God even when everything seems to be going wrong.

Nowadays, we live surrounded by uncertainties. Family problems, poor health… It’s easy to become anxious, worried and desperate. But the servant of God has a different mark: he puts his faith into action. He knows that God is in control, even when the ground seems to be shaking under his feet.

Have you ever stopped to think about it? How often do we worry about things that are out of our reach? The servant of God, however, rests in the promise that “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). This faith is not passive; it moves mountains, because it is based on trust in the Lord.

2. Love for the saints

The second mark Paul mentions is love. He says that Philemon had love for the saints – that is, for his brothers and sisters in the faith. Now, think with me: how often do we see people who claim to love God, but can barely look their brother in the face? Or who are always ready to criticize, judge and gossip?

The love that marks the servant of God is not a superficial, fleeting or self-interested love. It is a love that sacrifices itself, that seeks the good of the other, that reaches out. In this day and age, where individuality reigns and many only think of themselves, the servant of God stands out for genuinely loving. He doesn’t just love those who do him good, but also those who need help, who are hurting, who have made mistakes.

Remember Onesimus, the slave who ran away from Philemon? When Paul writes this letter, he asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a brother. That’s love in action! Philemon could have been angry, resentful, but Paul reminds him that his faith and love should overcome any hurt.

What about us? How have we loved? Are we willing to forgive, to restore relationships, to help those in need? This is the kind of love God expects from us.

Conclusion of Philemon 1:7

Let’s be servants marked by faith and love

In closing, I want to leave this challenge to each of us: let’s be servants of God marked by faith and love. It’s no use just going to church, attending services, even singing fervently, if our lives don’t reflect these two marks. Faith without works is dead, and love without action is empty.

Think about it: how is your faith? Have you trusted God even in the face of difficulties? What about love? Have you been patient, kind, merciful with your brothers and sisters? Remember: the world is watching. Often, the only Bible anyone will read is our life.

So may we be like Philemon: people who gladden the hearts of God and others with our faith and love. May we be light in the midst of darkness, salt in the midst of the insipidity of this world.

Shall we pray?

Lord, thank you for reminding us that, as your servants, we must be marked by faith and love. Help us to live in such a way that the world sees Jesus in us. Strengthen our faith and teach us to love as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Marks of a servant of God: Living faith and genuine love (Philemon 1:7).
Practical application: Trust in God even in difficulties and love others with concrete actions.
Final message: Let’s be light and salt in the world, reflecting Jesus in everything we do.

Preaching Outline on Philemon 1:7 – I rejoice greatly in your faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus, and in the love you have for all the saints.

The marks of the Servant of God – Philemon 1:7