SCRIPTURE: PHILEMON
INTRODUCTION:
Philemon was a leader of the church at Colosse. He had a slave name Onesimus who stole money and run away to Rome. While Onesimus was there, he met Paul and became a Christian. Paul told Onesimus to go back to Philemon with a letter begging Philemon to forgive Onesimus and charge anything he owes to him. He asked him to treat him as a brother in Christ instead of a runaway slave. Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison at Rome.
BIBLE VERSES;
“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me” (v. 10-11)
“So, if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back – not to mention that you owe me your very self” (vs. 17-19)
Paul started his letter sending greetings to his friend Philemon and fellow worker, sister Apphia and to Archippus their fellow soldier.
THANKGSGIVING AND PRAYER (vs. 4-7)
Paul thank God for the faith and love of Philemon ands the saints at Colosse. He always prayed that philemon may be active in sharing his faith.
PAUL’S PLEA FOR ONESIMUS (vs. 8-25)
Paul appealed to Philemon to welcome and forgive his runaway slave Onesimus. In his letter, he wrote: “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me” (v. 18). He urged Philemon to take him back for good and regard him as a dear brother, no longer a slave.
Paul concluded with greetings for his fellow prisoners Epaphras and fellow workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke.
THOUGHTS:
Paul saved Onesimus from being put to death by appealing to Philemon to forgive him and assuring him of payment. Jesus also appealed to the Father to forgive us and assured payment by going to the cross to pay the debt for us.
Paul acted as a reconciliator for Philemon and Onesimus. Can God use you as a reconciliator?
The central theme of this letter is: “Welcome him as you would welcome me and charge it to me” (v. 17) That is imputation.
Paul urged Philemon to be reconciled to his slave, receiving him as a brother and a fellow member of God’s family. As Christians, we should learn to forgive with kindness and accept fellow brothers. Let Christ transform our hopeless relationship into deep and loving friendship.