Philemon: An Example of Love and Faith

Grammar

Thanks - Often time Paul gives thanks in his letters and in this letter, Paul gives thanks to God for Philemon

Always - Paul kept Philemon continually in his prayers

God - is the object of the thanksgiving and Philemon is the subject

Hear - Paul is hearing good reports about Philemon and his work in Colossae

Faith - Paul had heard of the faithfulness and love of Philemon

Sharing/Participating - Praying that he will receive Onesimus as a brother in the Lord and not punish him,

Philemon: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary Commentary

The total sense of Phlm 5 may be summarized as follows: Paul’s thankfulness (v 4) stems from his hearing that Philemon (σου) has both love and faithfulness in association with the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. Philemon’s Christian commitment was exemplary and, no doubt, provided a basis for Paul to make an appeal (cf. vv 9, 10). Perhaps Paul’s confidence in Philemon’s response was also based upon these observations (cf. v 21).

Summarizing - verses 5-6 construction in v 5 and v 6, thus reading “faithfulness” in both contexts. This has produced the notion that faithful Christian living, energized by the God who gives every good thing, unites the Christian community together for the sake of Messiah.

Joy and Encouragement - are a result of Philemon’s love

Refreshed - Philemon had been an encouragement to all the Saint, now would he be them same to Onesimus who had become a believer?

Ehorn, S. M. (2011). Philemon. (H. W. House & W. H. Harris, Eds.) (). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Structure

Title: Prayer of Thanksgiving

Introduction

Picture of Slave Owners

Picture of a True Believer

I. Thankfulness for Fellow Christians

A. Thankfulness should extend beyond personal blessing

B. Prayer should extend beyond personal need

B. Prayer should extend beyond Sunday morning

C. Thanking God in Prayer

II. Character of Fellow Christians

A. Reports should be good ones

B. Reports should include faithfulness and love

C. Reports should reflect Jesus Christ

III. Refreshment of Fellow Christians

A. Refreshment should lead to joy

B. Refreshment should lead to encouragement

C. Restoration

C. Refreshment should cause greater affection toward Jesus Christ

Conclusion

Praying for fellow Christians

Praying for broken relationship

Do people know that you are a Christian? What would their report be of you? Are people left refreshed or drained by you?

Spend time with Christ in prayer and His word

Refreshing fellow Christians

Thank God for those whom He has placed in this church

Pray that God will make you in the image of Christ

Be refreshed by His word so that you can refresh others with the Word