Philemon

The Intercessor (4/21/21 Wed.)

The book of Philemon – Philemon lives in Colosse and has a church in his home.

Theme – Spiritual Typology & Redemption or Forgiveness, as well as Restoration.

Paul crafts a very carefully worded letter, beginning with the word “prisoner” as he taught all followers of Christ are and should be.

That is followed by “Jesus Christ” who Paul makes reference to 11 times, 6 coming before he even mentions Onesimus, the primary subject of the letter.

Verse 5 is a key verse, reminding Philemon of his love and faith towards all saints.

Verse 6 is key in that Paul reminds Philemon that our life should be lived out in a way that it is effectual; lived in a way that builds the Kingdom of God up.

Verse 7 Paul takes time to praise Philemon for his work as a Christian

Verse 8 – in other words, I might use more persuasive words to convince you BUT

Verse 9 – I’d really just rather ask you more as a favor than a demand.

Verse 10 – Paul finally gets to the jest of the letter – Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. Here, Paul is interceding for Onesimus much in the way Christ intercedes for you and I with the Father.

In verse 10 we see all three characters – I (Paul), Thee (Philemon), and Onesimus, the born-again servant. Spiritually representing – God the Son, God the Father, and the converted sinner.

In verse 11 we see a clear picture of our past – when we were once unprofitable to God. When we are lost, we are unprofitable to Christ. Being born again we become profitable. We all have a past but, being born again we now bear fruit unto the Lord.

Verse 12 speaks of Paul’s heart for Onesimus; he says bowels, we would say heart. Either way, there is a deep feeling of compassion and brotherly love for Onesimus on the part of Paul.

In verses 15-17 Paul pleads for a second chance for Onesimus who now having been born again has a new lease on life.

The Spiritual typology of Christs enters in in verse 18 where we see Paul’s willingness to accept the debt of Onesimus as his own. Much in the same Christ bore our sin debt on the cross.

Verse 20 conveys the idea of – do this for me that my heart might be full of joy even as our obedience brings joy to the Lord.

Verse 22 conveys the idea of a coming again of Paul’s. Even as Christ, in speaking of His Second coming, stated, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8.

Verses 23-25 closes Paul short, yet personal letter to Philemon.

Seeing Spiritual Typology is just one of many ways to read the Book of Philemon.

· Philemon, as God the Father

· Paul, as God the Son / Intercessor

· Onesimus, as the converted sinner

The real trick is to find yourself in the story on any given day, because on any given day you could find yourself in any on of these positions; Forgiver, Intercessor, or restored sinner.