Relational Intelligence 101: Acknowledgement

Transcription

1 Relational Intelligence 101: Acknowledgement Philemon 1-3 WEEK OF November 2, 2014 Leader, as a rule, answering the questions in engage it should take no more than 10 minutes and are designed to generate conversation around the sermon s main themes. 1. How is a person s self-image developed? Who and/or what has largely shaped your self-image? 2. Think of someone who is skilled in the art of connecting. What does he or she do to build relationships with others? Leader, unpack it questions help provide an understanding of what happened in the passage and a deeper analysis of certain themes in it, oftentimes, bringing in additional passages for comparison or support.

2 Context: Phi le mon \fə- lē-mən, fī-\ noun [Greek Philēmōn]. 1 The Book of Philemon is a letter (epistle) written in typical first century form 2 that addresses Christian relationships and reconciliation. While the Apostle Paul usually dictated his letters, he chose to write this one personally under circumstances 3 that will unfold, as we proceed through this book. Paul s letter to Philemon offers insight on how Christians are to manage social issues based on godly principles. 4 Read Philemon What is the Book of Philemon, who wrote it, and for whom was it originally written? The Book of Philemon is a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul, while imprisoned as a result of his faith in and witness of Jesus Christ (verse 1). Most scholars agree that Paul wrote this letter from a Roman prison. 5 Verses 1-3 comprise a greeting. Paul wrote this letter with Timothy (verse 1). Timothy was the son of a believing Jewish woman, but a Greek father. Paul had previously asked Timothy to accompany him on his travels and assist in his work (Acts 16:1-5). The letter was initially written for Philemon the leader of a church that met in his house and for whom the book was named, Apphia most likely Philemon s wife, Archippus perhaps Philemon s son and likely a mission-pastor in Colosse (see Colossians 4:17), and Philemon s house church (verses 1-2). 6 Philemon lived in Asia Minor, in either Colossae or Laodicea In verse 1 of Philemon, Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ. Why did he identify himself in this way? Paul opened his letter by identifying himself not just as a prisoner of Rome, but as a prisoner of Christ unashamed of his chains (Romans 1:16). 8 Hence, his self-description was not used in a negative or self-pitying way. Paul accepted the injustice of his imprisonment because it enabled him to identify with and share in the sufferings of Christ, which all who follow Jesus will experience (2 1 Merriam-Webster, I. Merriam-Webster s Collegiate Dictionary. Eleventh Ed. Merriam-Webster, Inc., Logos Research Systems, Inc. 2 3 George, Jim. The Bare Bones Bible Handbook. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, Print Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. Philemon Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. n.p Logos Research Systems, Inc. 5 6 Deibler, E. C. Philemon 2. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, Logos Research Systems, Inc. 7 8 Wiersbe, W. W. Wiersbe s Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Victor Books, Logos Research Systems, Inc. 2

3 Timothy 3:12). Because of his commitment to Christ, Paul viewed his circumstances as God s sovereign and perfect will for his life. Paul s identification as a prisoner of Christ also laid a foundation for the contents of his letter. 5. Read about Paul s conversion in Acts 26: How did his encounter with Christ shape his identity? Paul s encounter with Christ shaped his identity by receiving a greater and more pervasive calling and purpose than he had ever known. Jesus had called and appointed Paul to be His servant and witness (verse 16) in preaching the gospel to his own people, the Jews, and also to the Gentiles. The purpose of this calling was to open eyes that had been blinded to the truth (turning them from darkness to light), to set them free (from the power of Satan to the power of God) so that they would have opportunity to receive forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ (verses 17-18). The calling and purpose Paul freely received from Jesus influenced eternity both for him and others. 6. According to 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Ephesians 3:7-9, and Philippians 3:4-7, how had Paul s conversion changed his self-image and self-worth? Clearly, Paul s conversion had humbled him. He began to see himself as the least of the apostles, the very least of all the saints, and even unworthy to be called an apostle because of his history persecuting Christians. Yet at the same time, he understood that God by His grace had given him a place in Christ along with the other apostles and believers. In Christ, Paul no longer defined himself by his religious observances (circumcision), nationality (of the people of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin), educational achievements (Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee), zeal (persecutor of Christians), or piety (righteousness, blamelessness under the law) by anything these characteristics and achievements meant to him personally or socially. He no longer saw himself as more important than others. He did not measure himself by either past success in his flesh or past failure on account of Christ. He now saw himself as defined by what Christ had accomplished in him and was accomplishing through him. 3

4 7. Examining Philemon 2, what terms did Paul use to individually acknowledge the recipients of his letter, and what do they indicate about their relationships? Why did Paul use these terms? Timothy our brother a familial reference. And not only Paul s brother in Christ, but someone close to them all in the faith. Philemon our beloved fellow worker, indicating deep affection. Philemon was a brother in Christ and loved much. Additionally, Paul emphasized Philemon s faithfulness to the cause of Christ so as to build him up and spur him on. Apphia our sister. Again, Paul uses a familial reference to communicate her close connection to them all as well as respect and love as a fellow believer in Christ. Archippus our fellow soldier. Almost every Christian man would be honored to be called a soldier for Christ. And to be called a fellow soldier by Paul, considered one of the greatest warriors for Christ, would be an incredible and somewhat humbling honor. There is little doubt that Paul was well pleased with Archippus and wanted him to continue strong in the spiritual battle. The terms Paul used indicate their close connections with one another ( our ) in a common purpose and work in Christ. Paul chose these terms to establish intimacy with the recipients of his letter What does Paul s greeting in Philemon 3 convey about the relationship between God and man? Use Ephesians 2:1-9 and Romans 5:1-2 to support your answer. Paul s greeting Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ is the salutation he typically used in his letters (e.g. Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians). Peace is a spiritual condition that indicates a right relationship between God and man. And such peace is a result of God s grace. 10 Paul combines the traditional Greek ( grace ) and Hebrew ( peace ) greetings and expressly links them to God the only true source of grace (unmerited favor freely given to sinful humanity through the saving work of Christ) and peace (total well-being and security given fully and only to believers, those who are at peace with Him) Wall, Robert W. Colossians and Philemon. IVP New Testament Commentary Series. BibleGateway, Web. 26 Oct Deibler, E. C. Philemon 3. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, Logos Research Systems, Inc. 11 Romans 1:7 footnote. Zondervan NIV Study Bible. Large Print. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Print

5 9. How have the grace and peace that God has given to you transformed your self-image, self-worth, and/or relationships with others? This question is meant to give group members opportunity to testify of God s transforming power in their lives so as to build one another s faith and stir up a hunger for the Lord as well as to encourage humility and transparency with one another. Leader, live it are generally designed for individual application after small group time; though, some may be appropriate for group discussion, if desired. 10. Describe your self-image in relationship with others. How might your self-image be influencing your interpersonal relationships? Meditate on and ask God to show you how to practice Philippians 4: What do you need to get right with God so that you can get right with others and experience greater peace? 12. What can you do to foster positive and productive interpersonal relationships in your own life and in the family of God? Examples include creating more time for relationships, prioritizing fellowship with other believers, taking risks in stepping out and building new friendships, being more transparent with others including your small group, encouraging others in their God-given gifts for service and how you see Christ reflected in and through them. 5