For Love’s Sake
Philemon 14 (NKJV)
But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.
In Roman times a wealthy man named Philemon lived in the Colosse region of Asia Minor. One day his slave Onesimus ran away after stealing some money. Onesimus trekked to Rome, where he met the apostle Paul and was converted to Christ. Paul sent him home with one of he shortest and most personal letters in the Bible, The letter to Philemon. In it Paul exhorts Philemon to consider Onesimus “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 16 (NKJV)
For Love’s Sake
Paul hints that he would like to have Onesimus helping him in his ministry, but stops short of using his authority order Philemon to comply. The Plea for Onesimus. Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Philemon 8-9 (NKJV)
The Lord longs for us to obey because we want to, not because we have to. Some religions codify what must be done to others, but true charity comes from the heart. Let’s serve God faithfully because we long to please Him everyday.
For Love’s Sake
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Reverend Gary Hoban
Reverend Gary Hoban is the Founder and Director of Refinery Life Australia Limited, an Australian Christian ministry committed to equipping believers, strengthening the Church and contending for the nations through biblical teaching, discipleship and prayer.
An experienced pastor, author, Bible teacher and ministry leader, Reverend Hoban has devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, developing Christian leaders and encouraging believers to grow in spiritual maturity and biblical understanding.
His ministry experience includes serving with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Crusade Director and Training, Counselling and Discipleship Director roles, contributing to evangelism, discipleship and the equipping of Christian workers.
As the leader of Prophetic Intercessors for Australia, he encourages believers to stand in prayer for Australia and the nations, calling the Church to spiritual awakening, biblical righteousness and a renewed commitment to its God-given mission.
His international ministry includes preaching, teaching and equipping Christian communities throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, with a particular heart for strengthening local churches and developing disciples.
Reverend Hoban is the author of several Christian books, including HYBRIDS, 365 Daily Devotions, Beyond the Middle East and Contending for the Nations. His writing explores Christian discipleship, spiritual discernment, biblical prophecy, prayer and the Church's responsibility in a rapidly changing world.
Through Refinery Life Australia, he continues to develop biblical teaching resources, Christian training courses, books and digital ministry initiatives designed to make sound biblical teaching accessible to believers around the world.
His passion is to see a spiritually awakened Church, believers firmly established in God's Word, and nations transformed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
