A Life of Redemption and Transformation

Philemon  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
0 ratings
· 227 views
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
View more →

A Life of Redemption and Transformation

Introduction:
When Paul was in roman imprisonment in Acts 28:30-31 he shared the gospel with a runaway slave named Onesimus. Sometime after Onesimus had become a Christian and a friend, Paul sent him back to his master, Philemon, asking that Philemon welcome him back as a brother in Christ. This letter illustrates how the good news about Jesus breaks down barriers, transforms relationships, and unites all believers into the family of God.
Theme is the Gospel’s power to transform people and relationships.
Philemon 1 KJV 1900
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Philemon 1
1. Prisoner defined by New Testament and one compared to today.
Who was he a prisoner for? He didn’t consider himself a prisoner of Rome, of circumstances or of religious leaders but for Jesus!
He didn’t consider himself a prisoner of Rome, of circumstances or of religious leaders but for Jesus!
Who are we a prisoner for? Jesus? World? Money? Sin?
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Who are we a prisoner for?
Letter wrote to Philemon. But Why? start with who he is.
Who was Philemon? Beloved fellow worker, slave owner, host of church in Colossae.
So these 3 are important to begin to determine who he is and why Paul would be writing him? Paul calls himself a prisoner showing how he can identify with Onesimus as a slave, then writes a slave owner that has also found Jesus and a fellow worker of God to plead on Onesimus’ case.
but why is
Philemon 2 KJV 1900
and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
[if !supportLists]· [endif]
Who is Apphia? She might be Philemon’s wife, in which case Paul is addressing her because wives often managed household slaves in Graeco-Roman society.
Who is Archippus? Probably another member of Philemon’s household—perhaps his on. Archippus seems to have held some kind of ministry role at church in Colossae.
Paul addresses the church because the reconciliation he seeks between Philemon and Onesimus will involve the entire community. The early church typically met in homes
Paul addresses the church because the reconciliation he seeks between Philemon and Onesimus will involve the entire community. The early church typically met in homes
home church:
Up to the third century we have no certain evidence of the existence of church buildings for the purpose of worship; all references point to private houses for this. In Rome several of the oldest churches appear to have been built on the sites of houses used for Christian worship.”
Spurgeon points out that apparently, Philemon had a church that met in his house. This suggests to believers that their homes should also be a church, and that each home can have the characteristics of a healthy church:
· Consisting of converted, saved people
· Worshipping together
· Together having a bond of unity
· Supplied with oversight
· Teaching always present
· With a heart to minister to those on the outside
Paul addresses the church because the reconciliation he seeks between Philemon and Onesimus will involve the entire community. The early church typically met in homes
Philemon 3 KJV 1900
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
This greeting summarizes Paul’s gospel message (see note on ). If the gospel can reconcile Jew and Gentile (), it also can reconcile slave and master.

This greeting summarizes Paul’s gospel message (see note on Rom 1:7). If the gospel can reconcile Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:14–16), it also can reconcile slave and master.

This was a personal letter to Philemon, are we personal with other believers in such a way of lifting them up, encouraging them, etc..
This greeting summarizes Paul’s gospel message (see note on ). If the gospel can reconcile Jew and Gentile (), it also can reconcile slave and master.

This greeting summarizes Paul’s gospel message (see note on Rom 1:7). If the gospel can reconcile Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:14–16), it also can reconcile slave and master.

Philemon 4 KJV 1900
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
A Spirit-led man will certainly be gracious and tactful, and Paul illustrates this attitude in his approach to the problem of the runaway slave. Instead of immediately pleading for the man’s life, Paul first expressed sincere appreciation for his friend Philemon. This was not empty flattery; it was sincere Christian appreciation, “the love of God shed abroad” in Paul’s heart.
are we praying for our fellow co-workers in Jesus?
Philemon 5 KJV 1900
hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
the two-fold outreach of Philemon’s life: upward to Christ and outward to others
Philemon did not keep his faith to himself; he shared it (communicated) with others. Paul had been praying for Philemon, that his faith might “go to work” (be effectual) and be a blessing to others
what does people hear or see of our love and faith?
Philemon 6 KJV 1900
that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
the word communication is widely debated on, other words used are, fellowship, sharing, put into action the generosity.
this is a solid foundation for an effective ministry or evangelism when the overflow of a life touched and changed by God.
do we live in overflow of God’s grace,mercy and love?
How are we communicating the faith?
Is it easier for others to see the bad we go through or the good God is doing?
Philemon 7 KJV 1900
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Philemon 7 ESV
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
Philemon refreshed the hearts of the saints because of his faith but what about us, are we refreshing and encouraging the hearts of the saints?
Hebrews 3:13 ESV
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Philemon 8 KJV 1900
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more