Just Because We Can Doesn't Mean We Should

Intro

Today we will be going out of the book of Philemon 1-25. Bill has asked me to put a bow around it.

The theme we will be exploring is “Just Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should”

To reiterate what’s already been said:

Paul is writing this letter to his friend Philemon about taking back, Onesimus, a runaway slave of his that Paul. In this letter Paul is appealing to Philemon as a fellow brother in Christ, even though Paul has the authority as an apostle to tell Philemon to take Onesimus back as a free man he instead appealed to their mutual love of the Grace of God.

Story:

When I was younger my Dad got me a car. He had to take this car into the shop for maintenance one day and brought home a loaner car in its place. My Dad was a purchaser for his company and knew the Ford dealer quite well. I was told not to touch the loaner as I wasn’t insured to drive it, being 16 years old.

So, I touched it and drove me and several of my friends to a party that was happening at my friend’s house. Along the way I sped off in between some power line poles and careened into a ditch, hitting a brick mailbox that wasn’t mortared into place yet. I totaled this rental car, and narrowly avoided killing everyone that was with me.

When my Dad got the wreck he only asked if everyone was OK. He hugged me and we went back home.

Several days later my Dad took me to the dealership where he got the loaner from, the owner of the dealership looked at my Dad and asked him who was driving the car and winked. Enticing my Dad to say he was driving the car so they could file a claim and wash their hands of it. But my Dad didn’t do that. He could’ve done it but he didn’t. Instead he looked at me and then back at that man and said that Thomas was driving the car. The owner said that if he said that I was driving it that there would be a higher cost but my Dad was adamant. My Dad could’ve but he knew that if he did it would’ve set a precedent in my life that it was OK to lie, cheat and steal.

He chose the path least taken and fell at the mercy of the court, so to speak.

How we Struggle

We all encounter moments where we have to make tough decisions.

Reflecting on Personal Choices: Think back to a time when you were in a similar situation. Maybe it was a moment when you could have taken a shortcut at work or at school, or perhaps a time when you had the opportunity to shift blame onto someone else to avoid trouble. What did you do? How did that choice make you feel afterwards?

Impact on Relationships: Consider how your decision, whether it was right or wrong, affected those around you. Did it strengthen your relationships, or did it create a divide? Sometimes, our actions speak louder than words in teaching those we love about honesty and integrity.

Guidance from Faith: In these moments of decision, how did your faith guide you? Recall how the teachings of Jesus, the example of the apostles like Paul, or the principles we learn from the Bible influenced your choices.

Learning and Growing Together: We're not perfect; we all make mistakes. But the beauty of the body of Christ is that we can learn from each other.

What Does God Say?

Now, let’s focus on what God tells us in the book of Philemon. This short letter from Paul is packed with important lessons about how, among other things, Christians should handle tough situations.

Reading the Scripture: Philemon 1:8-11, Philemon 1:15-17, Philemon 1:21

Context: In this letter, Paul could have used his authority to tell Philemon to take back Onesimus, who was a runaway slave. As an apostle he had every right to do so. But instead, he chose to ask Philemon as a fellow brother in Christ, based on their shared faith and love as Christians, not as an authoritative figure.

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK!

Authority vs. Kindness: Paul had the power to give orders, but he decided to talk it out. This is like the story about my dad, who had a chance to escape trouble but chose to be honest.

Christian Brotherhood: Paul treats Onesimus not just as a slave, but as a Christian brother. This move challenges the normal way people saw each other back then and shows how Christ changes us from the inside out.

Grace and a Fresh Start: Notice how Paul stands up for Onesimus, giving him a chance to make things right. This is like the second chance we get through Jesus – a new beginning despite our past mistakes.

And if you don’t know Jesus, if you are still carrying around all your guilt and shame, I invite you to lay it at the foot of the cross.

To turn from your sins and pride, and turn your life over to Him as your lord and savior.

Romans 8 Says this:

8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b] from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.[c] So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

Connecting Scripture to Our Lives: Just like we thought about our own choices, Paul’s letter inspires us to pick paths of honesty, kindness, and love, even when they're hard.

Relating to Our Own Challenges: Think about how the story in Philemon is similar to the challenges we face. How can we, like Paul, use our influence to help others and make things right?

Learning from Scripture: This letter teaches us that we report to Jesus first and should treat each other with kindness, respect, and dignity, no matter who we are or where we come from.

In Philemon, we learn about taking responsibility, standing up for others, and Christian love.

This is what the kingdom is about! This tiny letter packs a punch!

What can you Do?

Application to Your Life: Here are some key takeaways that you can act on:

In Proverbs 10:9 it Says this:

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."

Choose Integrity Over Convenience: Just as my dad chose honesty over an easy way out, consider how you can choose integrity over convenience in your daily life. When faced with a choice that might be easier but less honest, remember the importance of doing what's right.

Impact on Relationships: Think about how your decisions affect your relationships. Are there areas where you can improve your interactions with others by choosing kindness, honesty, truth and love?

Community Unity: As a congregation, we can support and uplift each other in making Jesus centered choices.

In Hebrews 10:24-25 it says this:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Guidance from Faith: Let the holy spirit guide your decisions. Reflect on how the teachings of Jesus and the examples set by the apostles, like Paul, can influence your choices. Seek guidance in prayer, scripture and wise council.

Second Chances: Just as Paul stood up for Onesimus and gave him a chance for a fresh start, consider how you can offer second chances to those around you. Embrace the grace and forgiveness that Jesus offers and extend it to others.

Equality and Love: Remember that in the eyes of Jesus, we are all equal and deserving of love and respect. Treat everyone, regardless of their background, with kindness, dignity, and the love of Christ.

In 1 John 4:11-12 - "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."

What can We Do?

"Just Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should."

We've talked a lot about making the right choices. Like in the stories about Paul and Onesimus, and the one about my dad, it's important to choose to do the right thing, even when it's hard.

Choosing to Do What's Right: Each of us needs to think about doing what Jesus would want us to do. This might mean not taking the easy way out, even when we really want to. It's about doing what's kind, fair, and right.

Making Good Choices Every Day: Let’s try to be like Jesus in our everyday lives. When we have a choice to make, let’s stop and think, “What would Jesus do?” Then, let’s do that. Let’s be people who don’t just talk about being Christians, but show it in how we act every day.

Helping Each Other as a Church Family: As a church, we're like a big family. We should help each other to make good choices. If someone messes up, we can forgive them and help them get back on track. We’re all in this together, and we can show each other love and support.

Going Out with a Strong Heart: When you leave today, remember the stories we talked about. Let them remind you that what we do really matters. Our choices can show others how much God loves them.

Micah 6:8 (NIV) - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Prayer

Let’s bow our heads and pray.

We ask God to help us make good choices and to be kind and honest like Jesus. We pray that God keeps us safe and happy.

May God bless you and look after you. Let’s try to bring a little bit of Jesus’ love into everything we do.