A Letter to Philemon :..p.s. See the Love Good Morning! Today we are going to look at the Letter of Philemon. It is one of four letters Paul wrote while he was in a Roman prison. Paul has now entered a new mission field where he is able to write Holy letters to the various churches in Asia Minor and share the Gospel while in prison chains.. Philemon is a one chapter book that is sandwiched between Titus and Hebrews. It is only one page out of my Bible which has 1700 pages. Though a small letter, it carries the message of the Gospel. If you had one page ripped from the Bible on a desert island, this one page would contain much of all you need to know of God's love and the message of forgiveness. Overview of the Letter: While Paul was in prison in Rome, he led a runaway slave to the Lord Jesus Christ. His name was Onesimus who later became very valuable to Paul in the ministry. Overtime, Paul learned that Onesimus was from the town of Colossae and was owned by a Master named Philemon.Onesimus also had stolen property and money. By God's amazing providence, Paul was very close to Philemon, for he had led him to the Lord years ago while he was in Ephesus. Paul knew the right thing to do was to send Onesimus back to make reconciliation with Philemon. Paul then writes this personal letter to Philemon to lovingly plead for Onesimus to be received back with open arms of forgiveness. There is news also for Philemon; Onesimus is now Born Again. In this letter we will see 1. Paul's appreciation and acknowledgement of Philemon's love and the effects of this love, 2. we will see the loving appeal for Onesimus to be reconciled, and 3. we will also see the actions of true Christian love and 4. the expectations of Christian love. Also in this letter, you will see close-up, the heart of a disciple (love, devotion, affection and discernment), the testing of the faith of these Believers, the Sovereignty of God and most importantly you will see this letter is written to be very Personal then, as well as today. I have no doubt that the Hand of God has been on this Body and the timing of today's message is in order with what He has prescribed.
////////////// ////////////// LET S PRAY T/S...The major theme of this letter is forgiveness. The intent of this letter is to make an appeal, not by authoritative command, but with deep love to receive back a Brother who was once a run-away, thieving slave, but now a Believer in Christ. Paul knows this will not be easy to Philemon to do but he knows also it is necessary for them to be reconciled. This will also serve as a great testament and lesson to the church. Paul's heart is always about the unity of the Church and the Glory of God. So let's take a look at the Greeting to Philemon. I. Greeting ( vs. 1-3 ) 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy [a]our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia [b]our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a typical style for Paul's greetings. What is notable, Paul uses the title of prisoner of Christ Jesus. In the other prison letters, Paul uses the title of Apostle or bond servant in his openings. He may do this to disarm Philemon because he knows he will be soon asking him to receive back Onesimus. Being in prison for Christ is harder then what he is going to ask Philemon to do and this may be noted by Philemon. What is important here is Paul states he is a prisoner of Jesus, not of Rome. He is at peace at being where ever God places him...he is not a victim of Christianity but a blessed servant...how about you???
Note Paul's loving language, he refers to Philemon as Beloved Brother. Paul also addresses Philemon's wife and son in the greeting. Again, this shows love and warmth, and unity. He creates a loving atmosphere. He shows they are on the same mission, the same purpose, to the Glory of God. He closes the greeting with saved by Grace that causes Peace. See the Love in this greeting!! /////////// T/S As we look at the next 4 verses we will see how Paul is touched by the Christ-like attributes of Philemon, He is effected deeply by his love for God and the saints. He will nourish him with praise which is a great motivator to continue deeper in the faith. III. Appreciation of Philemon's Christian attributes and the effects of this love ( vs. 4-7 ). 4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,5 because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the [c]saints; 6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective [d]through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you [e]for Christ s sake. 7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the [f]hearts of the [g]saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Paul is overwhelmed and blessed to know that his son in the faith is growing so strongly in the faith. Philemon's love for God is most important. When that is healthy, the horizontal loving to others is strong. Paul is effected strongly by this love. He is moved to give thanks always! Paul also prays that the sharing of his faith be effective
(powerful). imagine that cycle of cause and effect. love-prayer-more power- more love-more prayer... more are then effected by your faith and people are added to the Kingdom... Amen!!! The Apostle John wrote in 3 John 4, "Nothing gives me greater joy than to see my children walk in the truth." THIS IS TRUE FOR PAUL TOO. And lastly Philemon's faith brings much joy and peace to Paul and Refreshment to the saints. Philemon truly is a total joy to know and be with. Paul must be encouraged by his bountiful faith because a man who loves God truly is one who will want to obey God and Forgive... and this is the reason for this letter. For Paul is getting ready to make this glorious appeal to Philemon. //////////// T/S..Now we are coming to the place where Paul is going to let Philemon know that he is sending back to him Onesimus. Paul will use great discernment and not invoke his Elder status to command him to forgive and receive back Philemon, but rather appeal in love. Paul knows this could be very difficult for Philemon. There may be in Philemon a problem of forgiveness. Perhaps, this is the reason God has aligned this situation. LET S GO ON TO READ THE NEXT VERSES. III. The loving Appeal to receive back Onesimus. ( vs. 9-11 ). 8 Therefore, though I have [h]enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love s sake I rather appeal to you since I am such a person as Paul, [i]the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus
10 I appeal to you for my child [j] Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my[k]imprisonment, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. Again, an appeal by love from Paul...He has the age and battle scars of the faith to account for his wisdom. See the affectionate language Paul uses to refer to Onesimus, " my Child". Imagine what a gift from God Onesimus was to Paul. Though in prison, he gets to carry out his desire to preach, teach and disciple This truly is Paul's love. FORMERLY USELESS TO YOU BUT NOT USEFUL TO BOTH OF US. Why is that so? : BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED, A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST. No longer a useless one slaving under the sun (vanity), but now ALIVE and living for Jesus. CAN YOU REMEMBER THAT CHANGE? DEAD TO LIFE, LOST TO FOUND. AMEN AND HOW IS ONESIMUS NOW USEFUL? HE IS NOW A BELOVED BROTHER, FRIEND AND CO-LABORER FOR CHRIST. NO GREATER WAY TO BE USED, OTHER FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. TRANSFORMED FROM A SLAVE OF SIN TO A SLAVE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. T/S As we read on we will see Paul repeats for emphasis that he is appealing to Philemon out of love and not by an authoritative command. Also note Paul s affectionate description of Onesimus (my heart).
12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,13 whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my [a]imprisonment for the gospel; 14 but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will. Wow, look what Paul says, I am sending to you my HEART ", Onesimus is not a mere convert, he is Paul's HEART. Paul is also letting Philemon know he would love to have Onesimus back, for he is of great value. Here Paul is letting Philemon know that he truly is a changed man. He is of great value to the witness and work of God's Kingdom. SEE THE TESTING OF FAITH FOR ALL THREE 1. Paul is tested by sending back his friend Onesimus who has great value. 2. Onesimus is tested in obeying his elder, confronting one whom he has sinned against and asking for forgiveness. Paul knew that this would be a huge test for both Onesimus and Philemon, but also knew the church would be blessed with this act of forgiveness. 3. Philemon is tested to forgive one who has wronged him and give that GLORIOUS HUG OF RESTORATION. ******** WOW!!! See the sovereign hand of GOD and HIS efficiency. ***** ///////////////// T/S.In these next two verses we will see the Sovereignty of God and the precious value of one believer to another. 15 For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but
more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Did Onesimus's sin lead him to his salvation? Only God can take our sin and make good from it. See this same parallel of sin and God s goodness and sovereignty in the story of Joseph and his brothers. Genesis 20:50. What you meant for evil, God meant for good. How about Romans 8:28 All things work out to the good.. I love Psalm 119," in your faithfulness you afflicted me"; "before I was afflicted I went astray but now I keep your Word " HOW ABOUT YOU? DO YOU REMEMBER HOW YOUR SIN LEAD YOU TO THE MERCIFUL CRY FOR FORGIVENESS TO OUR LORD? /////////////////// T/S.Now we come to the part of the letter that I believe is the Biblical example of how to forgive. To me this is not only the climax of the letter but it s a true demonstration of Christ-likeness and a clear picture of what Christ did for us on the cross, and still does as our Intercessor. In my outline, I ve titled this The Actions of Love. We will not only look at the text for today but also look at the Gospels on how to forgive like this. V. ACTIONS OF LOVE. ( 17-19 ). A. FROM TODAY S TEXT. 17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to [a]mention to you that you owe to me even your own self
as well).20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. See the substitution and the intercession of Paul for Onesimus. If you accept me Philemon as one and a partner, then you must accept my brother Onesimus. We are one. Do you not see Jesus pleading for us, Oh Father, if you accept me than accept my beloved brother, Charlie Bethmann who has trusted in my substitutional payment for his sins. Now see the imputation or payment of debt as we see Paul stating if he owes you anything, put it on my account. Again, do we not see Jesus,our sins imputed on him, our debt paid in full and we are given His righteousness. These actions of love is BIBLICAL FORGIVENESS, THE CRUX OF THE CROSS!!! //////////////// T/S..Now let s look at the Gospels that show and tell us how we should forgive. B. FROM GOD S WORD (THE GOSPELS) HOW ARE OFTEN ARE WE TO FORGIVE? / 7x70 Jesus said to Peter HOW DO WE FORGIVE? / We forgive from the heart. Paraphrase: Matthew 18, the parable of The Unforgiving Servant. (Unless you forgive from the heart, this same judgement will happen to you.) WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE? / Check out the Father in the parable of the Prodigal son: You forgive eagerly, swiftly, affectionately, lavishly,humbly, joyfully, totally, it s a celebration, for we had a dead relationship, now it is ALIVE, RESTORED. ( Luke 15). The greatest example is Jesus on the cross; Luke 23, Amongst all the mocking and abuse, " Father forgive them, for they know not what they do".
The Ultimate Act of Love!!! we can't fathom it. WHERE DOES THIS KIND OF LOVE COME FROM? You have it in Christ!!! You can forgive like that. PROOF,GOD WORD: JOHN 17:26. 26 and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. 2nd Timothy 1:8, and God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, LOVE and a sound mind. NOW CHALLENGE OUR CONGREGATION TO EXAMINE THEIR HEARTS AND PRAY, ASKING GOD TO SHOW THEM WHO THEY NEED TO FORGIVE, AND WHO THEY MUST GRANT FORGIVENESS. AND HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE BY GOD S GRACE AND POWER YOU HAVE THE SAME LOVE AND CAPACITY TO FORGIVE OTHERS AS CHRIST HAS FORGIVEN YOU. ////////////// T/S.As we come to the close of this letter, we see that Paul has a confidence that Philemon indeed will not only forgive Onesimus but will go beyond and do more than he asks. This truly is Christian love that knows no bounds. It should be the expectation that we should have from each one of us. VI. EXPECTATIONS OF LOVE ( vs.21-25 ). 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. 22 At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. A. His statement of expectation will give more than expected, he wrote about it in the letter to Ephesians. Ephesians 3:20,
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Also he wrote in Ephesians 1:3 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ... more than just Salvation See how God gives us not only salvation, but every Spiritual blessing. (Just one example, the fruit of the Spirit.) Sermon on the Mount: go the extra mile, give not one but two tunics. SEE THESE EXAMPLES OF TRUE BIBLICAL LOVE, GIVING MORE THAN EXPECTED. And lastly see the joyful expectation of Paul rightfully expecting Philemon to open his home for lodging. See how Paul did not ask but knew through true Christian intimacy and warmth that he would be welcome. ////////////// VII. CLOSING. This letter has so much more than meets the eye. It contains a message, THE MESSAGE of God's purpose in sending His Son. Forgiveness. Without it, there is no restoration of relationship, no unity, no true love. Unforgiveness is not only a sin, it is a cancer and sickness to the soul. It breeds anger, anger becomes hate, and according to Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, hate is murder in the heart. In my preparation, I was most impressed with Paul s love for Philemon and Onesimus and his concern for the Glory of God. He knew if relationships are not truly bound by love and true forgiveness then this would be a major insult on God s church and add to only superficiality. We are ambassadors of reconciliation, or in other words ambassadors of forgiveness that point to Jesus at the cross.
The big question is for you and me today, do I need to forgive someone right now, and do I need to go to someone and ask for forgiveness? Or this question, the most Important one of all... Have you received Christ's forgiveness, Have you been redeemed? You may have the key to lead one to Jesus by your Christ-like unselfish act of forgiveness. Perhaps the words of Jesus on the cross, "forgive them Father they no not what they do" is what lead the thief on the cross to go from a mocker to a worshiper and straight to Paradise. It has been said, you are never more Christ like as you are when you forgive. There is some historical evidence that Onesimus became the Bishop of the church in Ephesus in 110 AD. If this is true, could the letter to Philemon been instrumental in restoring the relationship and encourage Onesimus to continue stronger in the faith? Perhaps, your hug could do the same. Who knows what one hug of forgiveness will do.