Sunday, September 1, 2019

| Week Six of Six

Philemon, Onesimus & Paul Visions of Forgiveness

Important Points about VISION from George Barna,

The Power of Vision.

Vision is Clear.

Vision is preferable to the current state.

Philemon 1:4-7:

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

BUT… what about forgiveness?

Philemon What can we learn about Forgiveness in 25 verses?

The entire book of Philemon is really a twenty-five verse letter. Paul wrote this letter to a dear friend, Philemon, while he was imprisoned in a Roman jail. This letter has stood the test of time and biblical scholarship and still holds weight for us today. The major theme is that of Christian Forgiveness. Many encounter the letter and find the reality of slavery as an incomprehensible fact of life in the ancient world. Whom amongst us today would not want to break the chains of slavery and run toward their freedom no matter what the cost might be to the owner of the household?

The sticky point in Philemon is that a man chained in a Roman jail knows both of them. Paul is the Christian father/mentor to Philemon. It is Paul, who years before, led Philemon to a life in Christ and encouraged him to become a true disciple. Paul’s influence was so significant that when the letter is delivered to Philemon’s door, this is not only Philemon’s home, but it is also where a church is located. Philemon is doing everything possible to live and exemplify a Christian life and witness. Now Paul will teach him THE MOST IMPORTANT of all Christian traits. Paul will teach Philemon about real forgiveness.

Continued on the next page…

“All outward means of grace, if separated from the spirit of God, cannot profit, or conduce, to any degree, either to the knowledge or love of God. All outward things,

unless he works in them and by them, are in vain.” – John Wesley

2

Further Discussion and Thoughts…

Next week, Church of the Servant will begin a sermon series on Christian Hope.

A questions to ponder:

What is the difference between wishing for something and having HOPE?

• Some believe Onesimus is a flesh and blood relative of Philemon. It is possible Onesimus had to become a slave to Philemon so that his debts could be paid. It is possible Onesimus broke the contractual agreement between the two men, and there is great pain between them as actual brothers. If this is the case, does this help you see why Paul commands Philemon to forgive Onesimus? Or do you think Onesimus is a runaway slave?

• Family can be the hardest to forgive in life. Have you ever been offended by a family member? What was the reason why? Were you ever able to forgive this family member? Why or why not?

• How would you feel if the Pastor of the church commanded you to forgive someone who had harmed you? Could you do this? Why or why not?

• Paul not only challenges Philemon to forgive, he also informs him he will be traveling to his home to check on the two men of faith. In essence, Paul is telling Philemon to get his house in order. Do you have anyone in your life who you give authority to, to help you stay strong in your faith with God and relationships with others? If you do, share why you give them this important position.

Philemon is challenged by Paul to forgive and welcome Onesimus back into his life in a profound way. Paul does not split hairs. Paul Challenges Philemon to accept Onesimus back by telling him that he must forgive Onesimus and, by the way, get a room ready because Paul is coming to stay with Philemon in his home.

Paul holds a place of great importance and influence in Philemon’s life. The weight of what Paul says is something that Philemon does not take flippantly or lightly. Paul knows this and commands Philemon to get his affairs in order with Onesimus. This is interesting because Onesimus has cost Philemon a great deal of hardship as a runaway slave. While we cannot fully comprehend and understand slavery today, Paul realizes something eternal is at stake. What is it you ponder? Philemon’s eternal soul is at jeopardy.

Even though Philemon is a great man (see verses 4-7) and even though Philemon hosts a church in his home (see verse 2b), without forgiveness Philemon is nothing. Paul is so bold that he not only commands Philemon to forgive Onesimus, he reminds Philemon of the debt he owes Paul. Paul states, “…not to mention that you owe me your very self” (verse 19b).

How Paul’s letter to Philemon closes is a mic-drop moment. Not only does Paul command Philemon to forgive, he also announces he will be traveling to Philemon’s home and that a room should be prepared for his arrival. Paul loves these two men so much he will not allow the chains of the Roman Empire to separate them from Christian forgiveness!