Activated Faith
01/22/2026
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
— Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
Paul’s prayer for Philemon is not simply that he would have faith, but that his faith would be active, effective, and alive. This verse reminds us that faith is not meant to sit quietly in the background of our lives. It is meant to move, to speak, to serve, and to shape how we relate to others.
Notice how Paul ties faith to partnership. Faith grows best in community. It deepens as it is shared. When we walk with others, encouraging, forgiving, giving, and serving, we begin to recognize “every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” In other words, obedience opens our eyes. Action fuels understanding.
Think of a muscle: the more it’s used, the stronger it becomes. Faith works the same way. When we forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it, we understand grace more deeply. When we serve sacrificially, we see Christ more clearly. When we step out in obedience before everything makes sense, our confidence in God grows.
Paul knew that Philemon’s faith would mature not just through knowledge, but through practice. Faith that is expressed becomes faith that is strengthened.
So today, ask yourself: Where is God inviting my faith to be active? Not louder, but lived. Not theoretical, but tangible.
Action steps:
• Look for one intentional way to live out your faith today, an encouraging word, an act of generosity, or a step of forgiveness.
• Reflect at the end of the day on what that action taught you about Christ.
• Thank God for the “good things” you are discovering as you obey Him.
Challenge for today:
Let your faith show up in one practical, visible way, and trust that understanding will follow obedience.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of faith. Help me not just to believe, but to live what I believe. Activate my faith so that it grows stronger through obedience and love. Open my eyes to every good thing You are doing in and through my life for the sake of Christ. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
— Philemon 1:6 (NIV)
Paul’s prayer for Philemon is not simply that he would have faith, but that his faith would be active, effective, and alive. This verse reminds us that faith is not meant to sit quietly in the background of our lives. It is meant to move, to speak, to serve, and to shape how we relate to others.
Notice how Paul ties faith to partnership. Faith grows best in community. It deepens as it is shared. When we walk with others, encouraging, forgiving, giving, and serving, we begin to recognize “every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” In other words, obedience opens our eyes. Action fuels understanding.
Think of a muscle: the more it’s used, the stronger it becomes. Faith works the same way. When we forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it, we understand grace more deeply. When we serve sacrificially, we see Christ more clearly. When we step out in obedience before everything makes sense, our confidence in God grows.
Paul knew that Philemon’s faith would mature not just through knowledge, but through practice. Faith that is expressed becomes faith that is strengthened.
So today, ask yourself: Where is God inviting my faith to be active? Not louder, but lived. Not theoretical, but tangible.
Action steps:
• Look for one intentional way to live out your faith today, an encouraging word, an act of generosity, or a step of forgiveness.
• Reflect at the end of the day on what that action taught you about Christ.
• Thank God for the “good things” you are discovering as you obey Him.
Challenge for today:
Let your faith show up in one practical, visible way, and trust that understanding will follow obedience.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of faith. Help me not just to believe, but to live what I believe. Activate my faith so that it grows stronger through obedience and love. Open my eyes to every good thing You are doing in and through my life for the sake of Christ. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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