Philemon Part 3 The Depth and Joy of Forgiveness

Introduction

Paul wrote this 25 verse letter to a friend named Philemon

Philemon is the slave owner of a slave named Onesimus

Philemon is not a friend but was converted by Paul

By the providence of God Philemon’s runaway slave encountered and was converted by Paul during one of his imprisonments.

Paul now wants to reconcile the work relationship and also begin the brotherly relationship in Christ between Philemon and Onesimus.

Philemon has great Christian character but still needs some growth.

Onesimus who was once a gentile slave has now answered the Gospel of Jesus Christ and shown it is time.

3 Elements required for Forgiveness and a One Major element for the Forgiver

Repentance

Transformation

Faithfulness

Forgiver

Reception

Not by command

Not by coercion

Not by compulsion

By Love

We see all of these elements present between Onesimus and Philemon

Paul Taught How to Implement Forgiveness

Mediator must be transformed

Positive Greeting

Tender Reminder of Who The Person is in Christ

Remind Them You Are Not Trying to Hurt Them But Help Them

Tell Them What is Right in The Lord

Recap

Paul had a great greeting in Philemon 1-3

Philemon 1 NKJV

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,

Paul reminded him of their relationship and his value in the ministry.

Philemon 5 NKJV

hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

Philemon 7 NKJV

For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Paul then told him that Onesimus had been transformed into a new man!

Philemon 11 NKJV

who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

Paul then told him what was right and the heart he should do it from.

Philemon 14 NKJV

But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

The 1st Motivation of Forgiveness: I Owe a Debt I Cannot Pay

Philemon 17 NKJV

If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

Philemon 18 NKJV

But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.

Philemon 19 NKJV

I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.

The 2nd Motivation of Forgiveness: I Can Be a Blessing

Philemon 20 NKJV

Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

The 3rd Motivation of Forgiveness: I Am Called to Be Obedient to God!

Philemon 21 NKJV

Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Philemon 22 NKJV

But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

Philemon 23 NKJV

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

Philemon 24 NKJV

as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.

Philemon 25 NKJV

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Conclusion