Philemon (2)

Introduction

When you looked at the bible for the first time you can remember, what did you think? What was the first thing you thought? For me, it’s that its pretty big!

No it isn’t so intimidating, but when I was younger it seemed unconquerable. For what it is though, I think we can all agree it’s a dense book

It’s full of stories! Stories of kings and tyrants. Stories of shepherds and fisherman. Stories of heaven and hell, the fight of good versus evil, the fight for your very soul…also stories of talking donkeys. That’s real, you can look it up.

With so much Bible, things can sometimes fall in the cracks.

Think of it like this, in life we have “pop-culture.” Pop-culture is an expression that simply means popular cultures. Things in our current pop-culture are things like Marvel movies, Taylor Swift, Donald Trump. Regardless of what you think of any of these examples they are popular topics that often dominate our casual conversations.

As Christians, we have pop-culture.

Most of us in this room have heard countless messages about the stories of David & Goliath, Adam & Eve, or Jonah and the whale. I mean we get together twice a year, every year, to talk about the same two stories, the birth and death of Jesus.

I’m not saying that these stories aren’t good or that there isn’t A LOT of truth we can pull from them that should affect the ways that we live our lives. However, I think if our biblical understanding only goes as deep as our pop-culture we are missing a lot of great stuff in here. This is what was on my heart this week while I was preparing the message for today.

As I was praying and searching for a topic the little book of Philemon (FIE-LEE-MON) spoke to me.

Philemon is a short letter written by Paul, most likely around the time he was under house arrest in Rome. This would have been about the same time he wrote the other prison epistles, the much more discussed Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.

Philemon is an often neglected book. In fact, it is possible we have people in here with us that have never even heard of it. Heck, I didn’t know anything thing about it until this week. This got me curious. And what I found is a story of theft, the defiance of social class, forgiveness, and some mighty fine word play.

Everything is in the Bible for a reason, so let’s ask a question that most people in the church have probably never asked, What is happening in Philemon?

Context

Philemon is a book that before we can hop into we have to set the stage and go through some context.

Before Paul was imprisoned and wrote the prison epistles he had been traveling all over telling people about Jesus and creating churches. One of the places he went was a town called Ephesus. In Ephesus a rich man from the Lycus (LIE-CUS) valley named Philemon heard the good news of Jesus from Paul and converted to Christianity. From this, a relationship between Paul and Philemon began to grow and Philemon opened up his house for the church in Colossae to meet.

Paul eventually left Ephesus and returned to Jerusalem. Paul was then quickly arrested for spreading the Gospel to Gentiles (non-Israelites) and for bringing them to far into the temple.

Cut back to Philemon. Philemon, being a rich man of this time owned slaves. One of these slaves was a man named Onesimus (o-NEH-sih-muhs). One night Onesimus ran away from Philemon’s house, most likely to seek freedom. Eventually, he found his way to Paul. How he did this is historically unclear.

If I had to guess it is probably because he would have been familiar with the name from Philemon’s house and heard about the kindness of the man. Though this is just a theory.

After meeting Paul, Onesimus converted to Christianity.

Now Paul was excited! He liked Onesimus. However, because Onesimus was a slave and ran away from his owner’s house, a man Paul was a dear friend of, Onesimus and Paul knew that Onesimus must make things right with Philemon. It was his duty as a Christian. This is precisely why Paul wrote this letter to Philemon.

This letter, along with the letters to the Colossians & Ephesians, were to be delivered by Paul’s follower Tychicus who would be accompanied by our main man Onesimus.

That now brings us to the book of Philemon. It’s not long, only 25 verses. So lets take a look through the letter and then we’ll talk about how the truths of the letter should effect us today.

Book Breakdown

Verse 1-3

Philemon 1–3 (NIV)

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

V.1

We see Paul introducing himself as a prisoner, not as he usually does, an apostle. This shows us that what Paul is writing is personal. He isn’t necessarily writing this to use or flex his authority as an apostle for God. A sentiment we will see expressed later as well.

V.2-3

Verses 2 and 3 go on to answer I question I had. If you’re like me you may have been thinking, “If this is a letter to Philemon, why are we possibly reading this? I’m not Philemon.” and I think verse 2 shows us why this is in Scripture. While it is a letter to Philemon, it is addressed to more people.

Apphia, most likely Philemon’s wife, Archippus, most likely Philemon & Apphia’s son and finally, to the church that meets in his house. This letter was meant for the church because the information found within will effect them. The truths about Christian living are lessons not exclusively for Philemon.

Verse 4-7

Philemon 4–7 NIV

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 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. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

V.4-5

In these verses Paul is not only letting Philemon know that he has been thinking about and praying about him. He is also reminding Philemon of the change that he experienced when he became a Christian.

Now I don’t want to say that Paul was kind of buttering up Philemon....but he kinda was.

Not in a way to get Philemon to go against what he knows is right. Paul isn’t trying to manipulate him. He is actually being genuine, expressing his true thankfulness for the partner that Philemon has been and the changes he’s heard about in Philemon’s life.

V.6-7

V.6-7 - This is where Paul makes it clear what exactly his prayers for Philemon have been.

He is praying that through the usage of Philemon’s faith in fellowship with other believers causes him to continue to mature in his faith.

Fellowship…because Paul knows that as a Christian you need other Christian’s to speak intor your life. TO help you grow. The word for fellowship is koinōnia. Which is the word often used for how Christian should get along with each other. Sharing, kindness, celebrating the highs and weeping through lows along side you. Christians working mutually together, in pursuit of God and His calling. Hang on to this idea

Verse 8-11

Philemon 8–11 NIV

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—that 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.8-9a

V. 8 - Paul is making it clear in v.8 that while he knows that he could compel Philemon to do the Godly thing in this situation, Paul isn’t going to do that. Instead he wants to appeal to Philemon. In essence, making Philemon’s response to the coming request entirely up to him and him alone.

V.9a - In the first part of verse 9 Paul explains that He is coming to Philemon, appealing to him, not as his master but on the basis of what Philemon knows love to be.

The word here for love is agape. The same word used to describe God’s love for us. It is sacrificial, and forgiving love. The same love that Philemon himself has experienced. Paul is asking for Philemon to consider this matter not from his love for Paul the man, but rather his love for God his Saviour.

V.9b-11

V.9b - Paul once again approaches Philemon closely, as a friend. Reiterating he isn’t writing this letter with personal authority but rather, earnestness. Again, Paul is approaching Philemon as a friend, not with the usual boldness you find from Paul like in his writings to the Corinthians.

V.10-11 - Then comes the request. Onesimus has entered the conversation. This is where the fun word play comes in to!

The name Onesimus means useful or helpful. Paul then says in v.11 how while Onesimus has been useless, the opposite of his name. In other words, Paul knows that Onesimus hasn’t been living up to his name. Names back at this time had a lot meaning towards them. They told you something about the person.

So yes, while in the past Onesimus hadn’t lived up to his name, he is now returning useful. Not just useful in a physical sense for Philemon, but made new in Christ. Useful now for more than just physical work, but ready for spiritual work. He is letting Philemon know he, Paul, sees Onesimus as his namesake would suggest, useful.

Verse 12-16

Philemon 12–16 NIV

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

V.12-13 - Paul likes Onesimus. He knows that Onesimus has been made new in Christ. That he has fully converted over to the freedom found in Jesus. However, Paul is not naive and neither is Onesimus.

V.14 - Paul explains that he and Onesimus are well aware that he cheated Philemon. Onesimus was Philemon’s property and by running he had wronged Philemon. There is also some mild scriptural evidence that Onesimus may have also stolen something from Philemon (what that is precisely I cannot say).

Back then the law indicates that Philemon as a slave owner had total legal authority to beat, torture and even kill Onesimus and that was BEFORE he ran away! Imagine what he could do when he returned?

V.15 - Paul then, not excusing what Onesimus did, offers the idea that maybe him running was a good thing because it led him to finding Christ. That Onesimus’ return is to make right the mistakes of the past, seeking forgiveness for his past mistakes. He was wiped clean by God when he accepted Jesus, but stil needed to seek forgiveness from those he wronged.

V.16 - then encapsulates what Paul is asking for. To welcome back Onesimus, not as a slave but a brother. Now Paul isn’t asking for Philemon to free Onesimus necessarily.

Keep in mind Christianity was still brand new and on the rise. If they started calling all slaves to be free you better believe the Roman government would have shut them up quickly. Instead, Paul is appealing to Philemon that, even if he doesn’t want to free Onesimus, he should treat him well. Because he is a human being and a follower of Christ.

To put it simply, Paul is asking Philemon to welcome his run-away slave back and treat him with the proper fellowship that you would treat a fellow Christian. To do the hard thing and forgive him, because Christ forgave Philemon first.

Verse 17-21

Philemon 17–21 NIV

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. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Vs.17- Paul is using himself to parallel how Philemon should treat Onesimus. With respect, an open heart and dignity. With koinōnia.

Fellowship, the same fellowship that Paul has been praying that Philemon would embrace in verse 6, koinōnia, is now at his door. Here is a new brother in Christ. A person is starting their faith journey. A person that has wronged him. Now Philemon has a choice. Accept him in, or cast him aside.

This is why this letter was addressed to the church at Philemon’s house. This decision is bigger than just Philemon. Philemon is a church leader, his house is their sanctuary. The church would have known about the runaway slave. Not only would Philemon have to accept him back, but so would the body of believers.

Paul’s challenge of unity through fellowship was bigger than just Philemon.

Vs.18-20 - is my favorite part. Paul says that if there is any sort of loss, anything that Onesimus owes (this is where we get the idea that he may have stolen something) that Paul will pay back the bill in full. Paul is showing his love to Onesimus by making it clear that Paul, a man who Onesimus has only known briefly will take on this debt, no matter the cost.

However, also to Philemon he is saying that he has accepted Onesimus as a brother in Christ. This who epistle was of great important to Paul.

In fact verse 19 shows just HOW important this was to Paul. It says that he “… wrote this with his own hand”. It was common back then to have scribes to the actual physical writing. But Paul found this of such concern that he was willing to write the letter himself.

Willing to pay the debt for a man that doesn’t deserve it. Paul stating that is willing to stand side-by-side with a runaway slave, as much as he is willing to stand side-by-side with a man of wealth such as Philemon.

Because in God’s house, there are only fellow brothers and sisters, united as one to do the work of our living God. Class division, race division, gender division have no place in God’s house. What we are is a united body, made up of different people, from different background all pursuing the same goal. To love the Lord our God with all our heart soul mind and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Paul finshes out the letter in…

Verse 22-25

Philemon 22–25 NIV

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul closes the letter politely and with dignity. Saying he looks forward to a future visit and that their friends say hi.

He leaves the ultimate decision up to Philemon, and leaves it there.

Now, here’s the let down. We don’t know what happened to Onesimus and Philemon. There is a church leader later in early church history named Onesimus, but it was quite a common name for slaves in the day so we can’t be sure they are the same.

However, since the letter was preserved and held in high regardi mean it is still biblical canon. I like to think it ended pretty well.

Tucked away in this small corner of Bible we find what I believe to be one of the most potent showings of Christian love amongst the church I’ve ever read. In a world full of division and deceit we as Christians are called to stand united. Together in perfect fellowship.

Main Points

And that is what I believe is at the heart of this story. It is Paul, appealing to Philemon to remember the change that he has experienced when he became a Christ follower then to have that experience change his response.

To not let personal offenses divide but rather to have forgiveness and fellowship unite. To unite a slave to his master no longer separated by class division, but together as one, in Christ alone.

In other words if there is one thing that you take away from today let it be this:

We are called to seek reconciliation and give forgiveness so that we may be unified in perfect fellowship.

Let’s break this idea down together.

We need to...

Seek Reconciliation

This applies to all Christians, new and old. No matter how long you are Christian you do not age out of seeking reconciliation with people you have wronged.

Why?

Because we have a calling. A calling to be...

Peacemakers

As Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5:9

Matthew 5:9 NIV

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Or as Paul wrote in Romans explaining what it means to show love to people Romans 12:17-18

Romans 12:17–18 NIV

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I love this example so much because of what it says in Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

You as a Christian are called to live in peace as much as you can. You cannot control others. But you still can control how you respond.

Note that I am not saying to sacrifice biblical morals. Above all you are called to follow Christ and be like Him in the world. Even if that makes you disliked by certain groups. This means that we don’t abandon what we know to be scriptural in the pursuit of peace.

It does mean though, that how we handle adversity must at the end of the day be in the pursuit of peace.

Jesus never went looking for a fight. He always responded with peach and patience.

Now, you and I are not Jesus. While I try every day to be more like Him I am still a hot head. My mouth has gotten me into more trouble then I’d care to admit.

So when I shoot off at the mouth, when I make a mistake and hurt someone I am called to seek peace. It doesn’t matter if I think I was right or justified, creating division and chaos is not biblically correct.

I think of this verse in James 3:17-18

James 3:17–18 NIV

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

This is the standard. This is the standard Onesimus knew that he now had to live up to. This is the standard, we have to live up to. So when we fall short, rather than dig our heels, why don’t we try...

Humility

Proverbs 11:2 NIV

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

One way we show our humility is by seeking reconciliation. Admitting when we are wrong and seeking forgiveness.

That is what we are supposed to do toward God when we make mistakes.

1 John 1:9 says

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

We are called to humble ourselves to God in repentance. Asking for Him to forgive us! All of us!

Though when we wrong one of His children we are not only to seek forgiveness from God (which is given openly and freely when you come with a repentent heart), we are also to seek forgiveness from those we wronged.

Jesus explained this concept to his disciples here:

Luke 17:3–5 NIV

So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Onesimus sought forgiveness, so should you. Laying down your personal pride to instead pursue peace

Onesimus wasn’t the only member of our story however, there is of course the recepient on the letter himself, Philemon. To him Paul’s message is clear:

Give Forgiveness

This is similar to seeking forgiveness. It takes letting go of your personal pride. As a Christian, giving forgiveness is an imperative. In other words it is crucial to your spiritual health. Why is this so important?

Because Christ forgave you

Matthew 6:14–15 NIV

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

How can you possibly proclaim to accept forgiveness from God (that you don’t deserve) and then refuse to forgive others…even if they don’t deserve forgiveness.

Bitter Christians should not, cannot exist. I’m not telling you this as your pastor I am telling you this exactly as Paul told Philemon

Philemon 9a (NIV)

… yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love…

The basis of the love that you have accepted. That is why forgiveness is an imperative. Why it is essential. Because if I can’t forgive those that have wronged me…I don’t understand the love God has given me.

When you accepted Christ you were made new. The mistakes of the past were washed clean because of Jesus. Because of what Jesus did on the cross.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

and everyone said Amen!

Though…I think as people we can get very tribal. Very selective of who is allowed in our group. This can sometimes appear valid when it is based on previous behaviour or spouted rhetoric. Though sometimes we make it far more arbitrary. Only allowing people in that dress the right way, or speak the correct words, or already know the established rituals.

Outside of the church this tribalism can be hurtful. Inside of the church it can be catastrophic. Jesus came for all people, not just those that hold their bibles tight. If we are closed off to welcoming new people into the body, holding their past selves, their pre-Christ selves to the standard they have only just begun attempting to live up to, we are cutting the legs out from under the church.

If we are going to profess to live in and through forgiveness, that means…

Letting it Go

As Peter says in Acts 3:19-20

Acts 3:19–20 NIV

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

When Christ forgives you the ledger is emptied. It is put onto Christ. That is true for you and for me.

Seasoned Christians here me, we shouldn’t shame new Christians for their iniquities but rather be an example of who Christ is! Be an ambassador. A physical reminder of who Christ is calling them to be!

Yes that means building relationships with new believers. It means correcting, in love for new behaviour. It means, forgiving those that are seeking reconcilation.

It means, dropping your pride and living to the standard you have been called to. Listen to Paul’s command to the Ephesians in…

Ephesians 5:15–20 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But why do any of this? To what end? To…

Be Unified

I think Paul summed it up beautifully in another prison epistle. Colossians 3:12-14

Colossians 3:12–14 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

We are to seek unity with one another. Why? For the Onesimus’ of the world.

Philemon 11 NIV

Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

We are united so that people that are lost, people that feel useless, so that people that need something more than what the world can offer can find it.

We are to be united. Not against the world. Not against people but against the enemy. Against sin.

Unified together as the church, not just Berwick Assembly, I mean THE CHURCH under the common goal of not just telling people about who Jesus is, but showing them who He is. But if we are to busy squabbling with in-fighting, what kind of ambassadors are we being. How are we representing God? How are we representing the church? How are we representing ourselves?

Conclusion

We are called to seek reconciliation and give forgiveness so that we may be unified in perfect fellowship.

As the worship team makes their way up…

I want us to make our hearts right today. How? To go out and…

Do it

Are you like Onesimus?

Have you done wrong to someone? Have you gotten forgiveness from the Lord but side-stepped taking the personal responsibilities for those mistakes?

Maybe you have a person immediately jumping to your mind.

Listen, it’s hard to admit fault. It’s hard to lay down your pride, go to someone and admit you made a mistake. I’ll never say that is easy. But I know it’s possible.

My encouragement to you when we go into worship, is pray to the Lord. Pray that he gives you the words to say. The heart to apologize and the opportunity to grow. Then…after service today, do the hard thing and seek reconciliation.

Or…

Are you like Philemon?

Maybe you’ve been wronged by someone. You’re a Christian and you have been hurt

Here’s the thing, you are called to forgive.

That may look like telling them. Though if you can’t for whatever reason, it may just be letting go of the bitterness and resentment you’ve been holding on to.

But as Christians we must lead with forgiveness first. Peace-making first. Humility first. It’s a process, but every process must start somewhere.

Are you not sure?

Maybe you’re not sure you by any of this.

Paul said in Philemon 17-19

Philemon 17–19 NIV

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.

There is a God that has done that for you. A God that lived for you, died for you and resurrected for you. That beat death so that you don’t have to experience it. Life is hard. It’s exhausting. Though Jesus offers you and me and all of us salvation. You can’t earn it because He gives it freely.

A God that wants you to come to Him so that he may give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Pray