The Values of a Disciple of Christ

We cannot conclude the letter to Philemon without discussing the topic of slavery. Many critics of our faith question how Paul could write to a slave owner without condemning the practice of slavery altogether. Most commentators agree that the purpose of this letter was not to address slavery but for the purpose of communicating to Philemon that he was sending Onesimus back to him. We should also keep in mind that this was a topic that had caused a great deal of turmoil in the Roman world. It is possible that if Paul had condemned slavery in this letter, it would have caused an uproar in the house church that Philemon served in. Because of that, Paul chooses not to speak against slavery in a letter that would have been distributed in the church, though there were many first century Christians who did speak against it. Instead, the topic that he was writing on was covered and the manner in which Philemon should treat Onesimus was handled.

It is also important to keep in mind Paul’s stance on humankind in general in Galatians 3:28.

Galatians 3:28 ESV

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

In the kingdom of God, there is no social status. Rather, there is only saved or unsaved.

This final section that we are going to cover this morning is what the purpose of this entire letter was leading up to. There are three commands that Paul gives to his brother, Philemon. To give a bit of a review, we have so far looked at the responsibilities and benefits of a Christian relationship and the impact of the gospel on someone’s life. Today’s message in particular looks at the values of a disciple of Christ that come about because of the impact of the gospel on an individual’s life.

The Value of Reconciliation

Paul’s concerns for these two brothers in Christ are centered on the renewal of their relationship. Last week we looked at the new value that Onesiumus would have for Philemon in the gospel. Now he is urging Philemon to put their past behind them and receive him just as he would receive Paul. It is important to note that there is a qualifier here with “if you consider me your partner”. This is a request that leans heavily on both the relationship that the two of them have as well as the character that Paul knows of Philemon. Because he knows Philemon, he knows that he will do the right thing in this situation rather than the easy thing.

I won’t spend a great deal of time on this point because it was covered last week but it is important for us to keep in mind as disciples of Christ that the easy thing is not always the thing that needs to happen. In this case, Paul points out that the right thing to do would be for Phlemon to receive Onesimus back into his home, and more importantly, back into a friendship with one another.

Because of our flesh, we have a tendency to hold grudges against one another over issues that are not of eternal importance. We get our feelings hurt and hold these things over one another’s heads, even though it might be in silence. I need to remind you that the Christian way of thinking on a matter like dispute between believers is to come together because of the bond of Christ. The things that pit us against one another are no match for the beauty of the gospel. The cross of Jesus Christ has a power that is vastly superior to silly squabbles that we find ourselves in.

What Paul was asking for with “receiving him as you would receive me” required this sort of power beyond what our earthly minds can conjure up. This sort of receiving would have placed a former slave on the same level as Paul, a Roman citizen. The second reason why it would have been a tall task is because the forgiveness that was necessary in this case would have been unheard of in the ancient world. To receive

Yet, above the cultural expectation, Paul valued reconciliation between two brothers in Christ. And the reason for that is because reconciliation comes from Christ first. For instance, Romans 5:10 gives us the needed reminder. Though we were once enemies with God, Christ has made a way for you and I to be reconciled to Him. And because of that and the bond that we have together, we do the difficult thing and pursue reconciliation.

Romans 5:10 ESV

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

The reconciliation moves beyond just forgiveness and Paul actually says that any sort of wrong doing, including theft, should be given to Paul rather than Onesimus owing anything to Philemon. Isn’t this a picture of what took place on the cross. Substitutionary atonement is the doctrine that explains that Jesus died on the cross as a substitute for the punishment that man deserves. Paul’s willingness to take on the debt is a picture, while imperfect, of the willingness of Jesus to suffer on the cross for your sins and mine.

If Christ is willing to sacrifice Himself so that man might be reconciled to God, how can we be unwilling to put aside any sort of differences we have with a brother or sister in Christ. Reconciliation takes sacrifice. It takes love. And it ought to be prioritized whenever there is an opportunity for it.

We move from valuing reconciliation to understanding

The Value of Recouping Spiritual Matters

Paul goes on to say that Philemon owes him nothing material when it comes to the situation with Onesimus except for one thing: the refreshing of His heart. Paul was not concerned about money. Clearly the joyful disposition in the midst of being imprisoned shows he doesn’t value comfort. What he does desire is his heart to be refreshed. Paul knew that if these two brothers would be able to come together, two things would happen. First, a fruitful relationship would be rekindled. But beyond that, Paul believed that the kingdom work that would be done by these two would be highly effective, seeing many souls saved and lives changed.

Those two outcomes would do Paul’s heart a great deal of good. Of all the things in his situation as an old man, the thing that he desired had nothing to do with the things of this world and had everything to do with what is eternally valuable.

Do we place value on kingdom matters? On spiritual things or do we allow our own personal preferences or optics from other people to stand in the way. Paul could have certainly requested money or Philemon to try and pull some strings for his release. Instead, he just asks Philemon to receive this brother and the benefit of knowing that happened would be enough. It is my prayer as we work for the kingdom of God that we have place the same amount of value on the the things of the Lord. That we would desire for lives to be saved. That we would bend over backwards to see people discipled in a healthy way. That we would pursue holy living over all other things.

We know that Paul had this value from other things he wrote. For instance, in Philippians 3:2-11.

Philippians 3:2–11 ESV

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

In this passage of scripture, Paul makes mention of the many reasons why he had such a high level of status previously. But all of those points were worthless when they are placed alongside the ability to know Jesus Christ. Do you hold the things of God in the same regard?

The third value we see is also of spiritual nature. It is

The Value of Reliance on Obedience

Paul is only able to make these requests of Philemon because he knows the character and obedience of his brother. Here, he is relying on the expectation of obedience because Philemon is a man who has a track record of doing the right thing according to the standard of God rather than just what a brother in Christ is requesting.

What I love particularly about verse 21 is that there is not just an expectation of the bare minimum in the matter of obedience but Paul has reason to believe, based on past history, that this brother will go beyond what is being asked of Him.

As we interact with one other, we should hold both ourselves to the standard of obedience to the Lord’s will as well as one another. This is one of the overlooked aspects of accountability. It isn’t just for our own benefit but also for the benefit of those who are seeking to the Lord’s will. We first hold ourselves to this standard and then hold one other to the same expectation. The reality is that for the Church to succeed, there must be a reliance on obedience.

Finally, this morning, we see

The Value of Renewing Fellowship

Paul has some reason to believe that he would be released shortly because of his prayers. Because of this anticipated release, He asks that Philemon would prepare a guest room for him so that he can visit. This isn’t to just check in and be sure that Philemon has done all that was requested of him. Instead, he misses his brother and desires to not only see him but to spend time with him. I am pointing this out to you but also want to glance back at verse 17 where Paul refers to Philemon as his partner. The word for partner in the Greek uses the same base as the word for fellowship, koinonia. These two men had a great deal of joy found in fellowshipping. It was desired that they may gather and discuss the things of God and the marvelous mysterious of their Lord.

When we have been away from our brothers and sisters, there should be a desire to renew that fellowship. This is why we often read from Hebrews 10 and the command not to neglect the regular gathering of the saints. We should not only want to be with the body but we should also desire that those who have been away would desire to be back with us.

Placing a value on renewing fellowship emphasizes the importance of fellowship not just for our own benefit but also for the glorification of God. It honors the Lord when His people come together.

So, this morning, I want to close by asking, do you value the same things that Paul valued? Does this come across in your conversations? That you hold spiritual matters in high regard? Or that you’re willing to sacrifice your pride for the sake of reconciliation? As we close, I pray that the Lord would have a serious effect on the things that you value the most. That He would mold our desires and change our hearts.

Just as Paul stated, if this takes place, it will be refreshing to my heart!