Knowledge of Christ and Obedience

Introduction:

How many of us are legalists at heart?

Would we like to see people get what they deserve?

Would we like to see people be forgiven by God?

Joseph and his brothers - Genesis 50:15-20.

This morning we will see Paul do the following things:

Offer Philemon an alternative way to think about Onesimus’ departure.

Ask Philemon to view Onesimus as though he were Paul.

Remove from Onesimus any lingering incentive to demand his legal rights.

We are challenged again to think about what it means to follow Paul as he follows Christ. What does it mean to live as a follower of Jesus Christ?

Paul Offers Philemon a Different Way of Thinking about Onesimus’ Departure.

He explains why it is that he wants Philemon to act willingly rather than by compulsion (see Philemon 14).

Paul does not speak with certainty. Instead, he proposes something as a matter of consideration.

The “because of this phrase” most likely looks forward to the “that” clause.

He also contrasts “short time” with “forever.”

Finally, he plays “separated” against “have back.”

Philemon could now have Onesimus back no longer as a slave but more than a slave.

Paul could be suggesting manumission although that could be the harder case to make.

His point seems to be that Philemon now has a higher form of relationship that can exist between him and Onesimus.

That relationship exists between Paul and Onesimus.

But, given their history, how much more could the brotherhood between Philemon and Onesimus be deeply cultivated!

In the flesh probably refers to their physical proximity to one another and the work they would do alongside one another.

Every aspect of their lives could now revolve around the “beloved brother” relationship.

Paul Asks Philemon to View Onesimus as though He Were Paul Himself.

Paul now begins to model Christ-like behavior.

We learn what Paul meant in Philemon 6, now.

Paul was telling Philemon that a full knowledge of Christ and all the good in him would enable him to act toward Onesimus in the manner which Paul requests.

Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as a KOINWNON just as he views Paul as a KOINWNON.

Note the echoes of Jesus.

According to Ephesians 3:14-4:1, Paul speaks of being able to know the love of Christ surpassing knowledge (I’m not sure exactly how to understand this last phrase.). But, the point is to pay attention to where Paul takes this in Ephesians 4. Scripture is clear that a correlation exists between our understanding of what God has done for us in Christ and our ability to practice love and faith towards others in ways very difficult for human beings to do by nature.

Paul Removes from Philemon Any Incentive to Harbor Thoughts of Legal Punishment

It seems likely, based upon Paul’s language, that Onesimus had cost Philemon money in absence and damages.

Paul stands as a guarantor for Onesimus with Philemon.

He asks Philemon to place Onesimus’ debt on his own account and stipulates that he will pay it.

Notice, that Paul seems to suggest that this will enable him to think humbly toward Philemon in turn.

Philemon owes Paul a debt, now from that debt can be subtracted Onesimus’ damages.

Paul concludes by appealing to Philemon once again to ease his, and no doubt Onesimus’ mind.

Philemon 6-7.

The same faith and love that prompted Philemon to act would now be needed toward Paul and Onesimus.