In Philemon

“Confronting Benny” - Ben Patterson, He Has Made Me Glad, 2005; Larson & Ten Elshof, Editors, 1001 Illustrations that Connect

fi-lee-mun (Google:British, Webster)

fuh-lee-mun (Google:American, Webster,BibleSpeak.ord)

fill-luh-mun (BibleSpeak.org)

Learned from KJ - Fi-lee-mun

He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor

our Benefactor

The Friend, Closer Than a Brother The Lord Jesus Christ

Philemon’s runaway slave ended up under Paul’s influence and came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Roman law dictated that Onesimus should return to his master.

Different than colonial slavery in US. Roman slavery was often a debt-work-off relationship.

Rather than order Philemon to forgive Onesimus as he returned, Paul appeals on the basis of love.

Please stand as we honor the reading of God’s Word:

Philemon 10–18 (NIV)

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.

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.

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—

16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

THE WORD OF GOD, FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD

A runaway slave

A repenting thief

A returning convert

(from “unprofitable” to “profitable”)

- William H. Smitty, 300 Sermon Outlines from the NT

How can we learn from Paul’s example as he shared about grace in the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus.

Move not Mandate

Move not Mandate

Be persuasive not barking orders

Appeal rather than order

A “Christlike and creative approach calls for the spirit of persuasiveness, conditioned by love” - New Interpreter's Bible commentary

Useful not Useless

Useful not Useless

Never give up on someone!

Be willing to reach beyond barriers

Touch the lives of those considered to be different or useless

“God’s grace can intercept us, intervene in our particular situations, inspire hope in our hearts, and bring about needed change in our lives.” - New Interpreter's Bible commentary

Love not Law

Love not Law

Jesus didn’t come to replace the law but to fulfill the law. Bring out the intent or the reason of the law.

God sent the Law because he loved His people.

It didn’t work out the best - people worshiped the law rather than God. So, God showed His love by giving His son, Jesus.

Just like the Law - Love is the means - not the object.

“We - like Paul - must work in this world with kingdom values informing and influencing our lives and deeds.” - New Interpreter's Bible commentary

Emperor Franz-Josef I

A sinner like us all!

Grace Illustration - David Seamands, Healing Grace; Alan J. White; 1001 Quotes, Illustrations & Humorous Stories from Edward K Rowell & Leadership Journal

What Paul does for Onesimus with Philemon, Jesus God’s Son does for us with God the Father.

Jesus moves rather than mandates.

Jesus makes us useful rather than useless.

Jesus paid the debt of our sin owed by the law.

Jesus is the source of our received grace and love.

Jesus is in Philemon!