What Describes You?
Philemon Series • Sermon • Submitted
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What Describes You?
What Describes You?
9 yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
philemon
Philemon 8-14
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13 whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14 but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
The letter comes to the climax
Paul is now going to ask Philemon to take back and forgive Onesimus.
Set him free and forgive him for the wrong he has caused by stealing from you.
Paul an Apostle that led Philemon to the Lord no doubt had some authority over Philemon.
He could order Him to release Onesimus!
He could demand it ......
He could also appeal to him based on Christ and He will do the right thing.
This is the crux on the Christian life.
Is our motivation?
Fear of punishment
What others will say or think
The desire to conform
or
Love for God
An excitement and joy
a desire to please the Lord
Are we forced to live right!
Do we just obey fr the sake of pleasing others!
Do we never really agree but just go along.
As leaders are we constantly demanding.
Do we ever appeal to holy spirit to work.
illustration - Child at some point has to come to convictions that are their’s.
Illustration - Barry teacher at crown
Kids were told to get up do their devotions at 6:00 and report to dad for breakfast
Melto’s - children were caught reading their bibles and praying on their own not knowing if we ever would have known it
Parents’ and leaders todays message is all about letting God work … and being blessed.
Give the holy spirit a chance to work...
Giving your child back to God can be a tough decision for parents. Eighteen or more years of sacrifice, commitment, and training suddenly bring you to a point of no return.
Hovering over them making all their decision will lead to dysfunctional, rebellion and resentment.
There is a huge difference between being forced and a desire ....
Watching a football game:
will watch while others are home
Could care less-about the game and the score but has to be there
IS present but has a glazed oer look in their eyes they are not there.
When he/she has a chance they will bail out and do what they want to
Some treat the Christian life that way:
they will go along as long as they heave to
they are bored stiff
as soon as they get free they will gravitate to what really interest them.
more here.......
Ladies and Gentlemen lets appeal to the Holy Sprit to work in the lives of people rather than demanding obedience.
example - living the Christian life is something i have to ....
Every Friday I have to do laundry. Every day, two or three times a day, I have to vacuum the dog hair off my floor so my clothes will be sufficiently hair-free and my nose doesn’t start to run. Once every three months I have to change out the box of baking soda in my fridge.
And when my parents call I have to call them back within a few hours, or otherwise they’ll have the NYPD banging on my door to make sure I’m not dead. (No, seriously.)
We treat Christian service and more importantly our demands to others like I have to rather than I have the privilege to ...
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Prov
Paul was clearly appealing to Philemon not demanding.
What Describes You?
I. You Love
I. You Love
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Philemon
philemon
I. Your Love
I. Your Love
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—
Command not appeal
philemon 8-9
I can command you to do what is required
Now Paul comes to the main purpose of the Letter. He is about to intercede for Onesimus.
But how will he approach the subject? As an apostle, he could justifiably say to Philemon,
“Now, my brother, it is your duty as a believer to forgive and restore this runaway, and that’s exactly what I’m telling you to do.”
Paul could have ordered him to do it, and Philemon would no doubt have obeyed. But that would have been a hollow victory in this case.
V. 9 If the apostle did not win Philemon’s heart, then Onesimus might have returned to an icy reception.
Only obedience that was motivated by love would make the slave’s status in the home tolerable.
Perhaps as he wrote this, Paul thought of the Savior’s words: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” ().
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
the
Sometimes love means allowing the other party to get hurt
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
luke 15.11-
exegete all verses
There was no force to stay at the with the father
The son had to come to that position on his own
would the had been better off being told or demanded by the dad to stay?
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
look at the results
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
luke 1.
The dad acted out of love and did not force duty ....
Is your Christian Life one of being commanded or is it one out of Love
One of the hidden delights of the Christian life is to see God working in marvelous, miraculous ways, revealing Himself in converging circumstances that cannot be explained by coincidence or chance. First Paul had led Philemon to the Lord. Then the apostle had later been arrested and taken to Rome for trial. Philemon’s slave had run away and made his way to Rome. Somehow or other he had met Paul and had been converted. Master and slave were both born again through the same preacher but in widely separated places and under quite different circumstances. Was it a coincidence?
V. 11 The name Onesimus means profitable. But when he ran away, Philemon was probably tempted to call him a worthless rascal. Paul says, in effect, “Yes, he was useless as far as you were concerned, but now he is useful to you and to me.” The slave who was returning to Philemon was a better slave than the one who had run away. It has been said that in NT times Christian slaves commanded a higher price on the market than others. It should be true today that Christian employees are more valuable as workers than unbelievers.
V. 12 The attitude of the NT toward slavery comes into focus in this Epistle. We notice that Paul does not condemn slavery or prohibit it. In fact, he sends Onesimus back to his master. But the abuses connected with slavery are condemned and prohibited throughout the NT. Maclaren writes:
The New Testament … meddles directly with no political or social arrangements, but lays down principles which will profoundly affect these, and leaves them to soak into the general mind.
Forcible revolution is not the Bible way to correct social evils. The cause of man’s inhumanity lies in his own fallen nature. The gospel attacks the root cause, and offers a new creation in Christ Jesus.
It is conceivable that a slave who has a kind master might be better off than if he were independent. This is true, for instance, of believers, who are bondservants of the Lord Jesus. Those who are His slaves enjoy the truest form of freedom. In sending Onesimus back to Philemon, Paul was not doing an injustice to the slave. Both master and slave were believers. Philemon would be obligated to treat him with Christian kindness. Onesimus would be expected to serve with Christian faithfulness. The deep affection which the apostle had for Onesimus is expressed in the words sending … my own heart. Paul felt as if he were losing a part of himself.
We should notice that the important principle of restitution is set forth. Now that Onesimus was saved, was it necessary for him to return to his former master? The answer is definitely “Yes.” Salvation removes the penalty and power of sin, but it does not cancel debts. The new Christian is expected to settle all unpaid accounts and to make right all wrongs, insofar as it is humanly possible. Onesimus was obligated to return to his master’s service, and to repay any money which he might have stolen.[1]
What Describes You?
II. You are a Son
II. You are a Son
II. Motivation as a Son Not a Slave
II. Motivation as a Son Not a Slave
II. Your Sonship
II. Your Sonship
10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Philemon
10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.
10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.
philemon
He is a son not a slave!
Treat him as you own flesh not as a servant ...
That is why i want you to respond out of love not a command!
look at vs 13 - out of my bowels
I am giving you my heart
This man is different just like you I should not have to command you to do the right thing!
Has Christ made a difference in your life?’
Do the right thing means you are obedient because of the inner working if the Holy Spirit .....
Not because you were commanded to do do
Key - are you only doing what you are doing because you are commanded or because you have a conviction from God!
Are you a son or a slave
I have to obey or I want to obey...
I want my Children to obey God out of love for the savior not because they were commanded ....
That never last ...
Paul said ...... i am sending his to you as in my heart....
A slave you command
A slave obeys out of duty
A son you love and becheech
A son does what is right out of conviction not duty or guilt..
Illustration - son ......
Joe leaving for college etc...
Imagine his surprise when he learned that the “scoundrel” had been converted and, even more surprising, had been led to Christ through Paul, the prisoner!
One of the hidden delights of the Christian life is to see God working in marvelous, miraculous ways, revealing Himself in converging circumstances that cannot be explained by coincidence or chance.
First Paul had led Philemon to the Lord. Then the apostle had later been arrested and taken to Rome for trial. Philemon’s slave had run away and made his way to Rome.
Master and slave were both born again through the same preacher but in widely separated places and under quite different circumstances. Was it a coincidence?
Appeal not demand
V. 10. The verb I appeal (parakalō) was repeated from verse 9, thus giving it special force. This plea was for Paul’s
son (tou emou teknou, lit., “my own child”), a term of endearment, which Paul used elsewhere only of Timothy and Titus (; ; ).
illustration of how you treat a son ....
In Greek, the word Onesimus is last in , evidently withheld deliberately in order to render Philemon’s heart more tender.
I sending you my heart my emotion he
V. 12 The attitude of the NT toward slavery comes into focus in this Epistle. We notice that Paul does not condemn slavery or prohibit it. In fact, he sends Onesimus back to his master. But the abuses connected with slavery are condemned and prohibited throughout the NT. Maclaren writes:
“St. Paul seems to say, ‘He belied his name in days past; he will more than deserve it now’ ” (Alfred Barry, “The Epistle to Philemon,” in Ellicott’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, 4:273). Onesimus was then doubly useful, to Paul as well as Philemon. This clever play on words on the slave’s name no doubt strengthened the force of the apostle’s request.[1]
Instead, facing Onesimus, the slave owner would need to decide right then. Since this converted slave was, as Paul wrote, my very heart (splanchna, “emotions”; cf. vv. 7, 20), how could Philemon refuse his friend Paul? The apostle certainly knew the art of friendly persuasion! This verse suggests that Onesimus himself was the bearer of the letter.[1]
V. 12. Paul passed the problem on to am sending him … back to you. Philemon would not have opportunity to think over Paul’s request before seeing Onesimus. Instead, facing Onesimus, the slave owner would need to decide right then. Since this converted slave was, as Paul wrote, my very heart (splanchna, “emotions”; cf. vv. 7, 20), how could Philemon refuse his friend Paul? The apostle certainly knew the art of friendly persuasion! This verse suggests that Onesimus himself was the bearer of the letter.[1]
What Describes You?
Forcible revolution is not the Bible way to correct social evils. The cause of man’s inhumanity lies in his own fallen nature. The gospel attacks the root cause, and offers a new creation in Christ Jesus.
It is conceivable that a slave who has a kind master might be better off than if he were independent. This is true, for instance, of believers, who are bondservants of the Lord Jesus. Those who are His slaves enjoy the truest form of freedom. In sending Onesimus back to Philemon, Paul was not doing an injustice to the slave. Both master and slave were believers. Philemon would be obligated to treat him with Christian kindness. Onesimus would be expected to serve with Christian faithfulness. The deep affection which the apostle had for Onesimus is expressed in the words sending … my own heart. Paul felt as if he were losing a part of himself.
We should notice that the important principle of restitution is set forth. Now that Onesimus was saved, was it necessary for him to return to his former master? The answer is definitely “Yes.” Salvation removes the penalty and power of sin, but it does not cancel debts. The new Christian is expected to settle all unpaid accounts and to make right all wrongs, insofar as it is humanly possible. Onesimus was obligated to return to his master’s service, and to repay any money which he might have stolen.[1]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
III. Your Volunteering
III. Your Volunteering
13 whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14 but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
philemon
13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.
Philemon
13 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. 14 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.
philemon
when you have your own faith you are willing to step out in faith and do much for God.
Illustration - can i go please
I want to do that ....
I want you to voluntary do the right thing.
I love IT work .... coding , software, etc....
Can i do that
Paul wanted to respect to Philemon by asking him to free and forgive Onesimus ?
He did not want to force the issue.
Retaining a slave could be done only with the owner’s consent.
Though Paul probably could have talked Philemon into letting him keep Onesimus in Rome, he did not want to take undue advantage of their relationship. Paul preferred that such permission would be spontaneous (hekousion, “voluntary,” used only here in the NT).
No one knows whether Philemon freed Onesimus and sent him back to minister to Paul in Rome, but it is an interesting thought.
Show respect and kindness by letting him come up with the idea....
What describes you?
Your Love For God is why you serve and obey?
You are His son/daughter and that’s why you serve and obey?
Because you are His son/daughter
You serve by others demanding and commanding you ?
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
English Standard Version Chapter 1
9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.