also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home

Philemon 1:2

Is there a church within this home? Are the parents, children, friends, and servants all part of it? Or are some still not yet believers? Let’s pause and ask ourselves honestly—am I part of the church in this house? How joyful a father’s heart would be, and how a mother’s eyes would fill with grateful tears, if every member of the family, from the oldest to the youngest, were saved! Let’s pray earnestly for this great mercy until the Lord grants it.

It was likely Philemon’s deepest desire that everyone in his household would come to faith, though that prayer wasn’t fully answered at first. He had a servant named Onesimus who was dishonest and ran away. Yet his master’s prayers followed him, and in God’s providence, Onesimus eventually heard Paul preach. His heart was changed, and he returned to Philemon—not just as a trustworthy servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ—becoming another member of the church that met in Philemon’s home.

Is there someone in your home this morning—a servant, child, or loved one—who does not yet believe? Pray especially that when they return, they may bring joyful news of how God’s grace has worked in their heart. And if such a one is present now, let them join us in this heartfelt prayer.

If our household is indeed a church, then let’s live like it. Let everything we do be done with a sense that we are in God’s presence. In our daily routines, let’s show holiness, diligence, kindness, and honesty. More is expected of a household that is also a church than of any ordinary family—our family worship should be more sincere and lively, our love for one another stronger and unbroken, and our behavior more Christlike and pure.

We don’t need to worry that our small size makes us unworthy of being called a church, for the Holy Spirit has included even a family church like this one in the pages of Scripture. So as a household of faith, let us come near to Christ, the head of the universal Church, and ask Him to give us the grace to shine before others for the glory of His name.