Effective Ministry from the All Sufficient Effective

Philemon 1–25 NKJV

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, 2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. 8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 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—10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. 12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. 15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 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. 17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Begin in verse 8 .

Introduction:

Thankful for WBBC, opportunity to preach, NCBC, PVBC, PTG- Ministry partners covered tonight.

Context:

Paul is in prison, approx. AD 60. This letter may have been sent at the same time as the letter to Colosians.

This is the only letter from Paul that he rights on a personal level. Every other letter was written from the aspect of leadership. “I Paul an Apostle”. Its almost like he did that when he needed to share a truth or teach doctrine. However, here in Philemon, He simply does not do that. The introduction is rather simple and personal. However, it is also addressed to possibly his wife and son, and the church within his house. Let’s not forget that Philemon is involved with the church in Colosae (Col.4:16-17). This will become more important we go down through the text. The letter is clearly lateral to a fellow laborer in the ministry, Philemon, who at one point was a master over Onesimus. Tonight we will be covering the vitality of ministry partners which is covered in the first 7 verses. Notice the simplicity of his introduction, yet he does not abandon his typical greeting “Grace and Peace”. Have you ever noticed its never Peace and Grace? You cannot have mercy, peace or love without grace. Grace takes the lead!

Big idea: “Ministry becomes effective, when the “defective” realize that the cross was sufficiently effective.”

As we have read here Onesimus appears to always had been an unsatisfactory servant (vs. 11), but looking at vs. 18 it seems as though He may have jeporized the relationship even further by robbing from Philemon. We have to recall how bondservants worked back them. We tend to get a picture of slavery in our minds that is not in alignment with how bondservice actually took place. There was a willingness on Onesimus’ part to serve in this capacity. Back in that day this is how many people learned trades. After all, Luke achieved his experienced as a bondservant. When done well the master to bondservant relationship was a successful and pleasant relationship in comparison to what we have seen with slavery over the years.

Here in this text we see Onesimus some how make his way back to the “influencer”, Paul who is in prison for his faith.

So Paul first off begins his letter appreciating the partnership He has with Philemon. Some preachers have suggested that Paul is manipulating and buttering Philemon up in preparation for the harsh words to come in his letter and not being sincere with his words. However, I am not sure this is the case, since no where else in Scripture does Paul come across as sarcastic or manipulative. I truly believe He is appreciative for the ministry that Philemon has for the saints and the encouragement He is to his fellow laborers. However, Paul as the influence and mentor to Philemon appeals with Philemon. He does take a different approach with Philemon.

Vs 10 as indicated through the word “begotten” also means “became” describes the fact that Onesimus accepted Christ as his Savior while visiting with Paul. Other translation’s may say something like “I appeal to you for this Child Onesimus, Whose father I became” to describe that now Paul has another sheep to care for within the flock”. He is now part of the “fellow laborers group” that was mentioned in the introduction of his letter. What a reminder folks that even in hard moments, the Lord can still use you! Wow!

Verse 11 describes to us to now Paul is challenging Philemon to take him back for now Onesimus who has a common epistemology is now going to be useful to him and his ministry. Let’s not forget, this is refereed to as a pastoral epistle. When the word useful or useless is being used it is not being refereed to common existence, it is for the sake of the ministry. Onesimus who is now a believer will now be useful to both Paul and Philemon. Do you know what the name “Onesimus” means? Useful, profitable, and beneficial. Remind the situation and consider the initial thoughts in Philemon’s mind. Your name means one thing and I’m seeing another...

Verse 12 continues with Paul explaining that He is sending Him back.

*Men come forward for the Lord’s Supper”

Verse 13 Paul explains he had personally considered keeping with Him because he does see the value in Him. Yet, he wanted to honor the prior relationship. Paul explains such a beautiful truth. Perhaps all of this, the separation, the struggle all occured for a purpose. This brings us back to the word used in the NKJV “Begotten”- All of this occured so that He would truly see Christ!

Verse 16- He is no longer a slave (As we know a slave) but more than a slave, a brother, a fellow laborer.

Paul continues his petitions to Philemon and says that if he continues to owe Philemon anything at all to add it to His account. Paul can say this because once Paul was in this situation with Philemon. Verse 19 explains this situation that Philemon owes his life to Paul. Paul explains, don't let the buck stop with you. Continue our theme. And by doing so you will refresh me! Paul reiterates the fact in excitement I believe that Philemon will follow through.

Today’s text teaches us a few key principles:

1) When we are begotten by Christ, we are useful!

2) We can be on two sides of forgiveness (Onesimus or Philemon). Don’t forget Paul had experience with a similar issue in Acts 15:39

Acts 15:39 NKJV

39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;

Then Paul asks for Him back after Barnabas impact John Mark- 2 Timothy 4:11

2 Timothy 4:11 NKJV

11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

The Lord’s Table: (1 Corinthians 11)

We are to examine our hearts. I must be honest. I have struggled at times throughout my walk with varying aspects of forgiveness. I certainly struggle at times and can understand the difficulty on both ends of what we see in the text today.

In moment of Betrayal Christ took the bread.

I believe 13 of you are preparing for Baptism over the course of the next few weeks. Really baptism is the profession and proclamation that Upon your profession of faith, I now baptize you my brother in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Buried in the likeness of His death ) and raised to walk in newness of life . Intended to be sent out after washed clean. Intended to walk differently then before.

Men He desired to be partners in the ministry. Men who he desired to send out. He knew they weren't perfect, but they were considered useful. Overlooking all of the impurities before Him, He took the cup....

This is communion through the element of forgiveness.

You proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes!

Forgiveness provides a sense of commissioning. What will our next steps be towards for an affective ministry?

Big idea: “Effective ministry, becomes effective, when the defective realizes that the cross was sufficiently effective.”