(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) This is what Paul has to say about Onesimus as he returns: “I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. Philemon was a Christian, and he owned a slave. This sermon discusses 8 lessons from Philemon that can help improve our ability to get along with others. The little book of Philemon provides powerful lessons governing human relationships. The Lord’s church in the city of Thessalonica began when Paul and Silas preached there (Acts 17). The confines of house arrest did not keep Paul from winning souls. From the message of those two epistles, we learn some great lessons. This is a man who was once a useless slave but now everything about him changed! I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. But notice what Paul prefaced it with: Perhaps. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. ourselves. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.”(Philemon 17-19). Feel free to let me know what you think some other reasons are. Onesimus needed to know that, as did Philemon; being in a good situation allow us to slack off with our responsibilities as Christians. Title: The title of this letter is the name of the addressee, taken from (verse 1). The final point is that at the core of this request to Philemon was a call to live out one’s relationships not by appeal to status, but with an eye to service. I think we can look to this as an example to follow before we just jump on people’s back at the first sight of wrongdoing. But some of these stories come at a price, that price being that we don’t get the full story. Paul could have just commanded Philemon to take Onesimus back, or said that he was going to stay with him, and that would have been that. For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”. Philemon seems to have been a leader in the church at Colossi, having a church that met in his home. A wonderful, “meaty” study you present. Hello Walter! On the basis of honoring Paul's sufferings. 1. If Jesus or I can empty myself for others, so can you. The apostle Paul sets a marvelous example of one who approached a sensitive issue with tact and diplomacy. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”(Philemon 4-7). Our converts are as dear to us as our children. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.”. Lessons Learned & Recommendations from IPv6-only Deployments – Part Two. understanding the Bible requires some theological degree. Here’s the point. Talk about respect: Respect is one of many lessons that are given in the book of Philemon. ( Log Out /  Here are 11 things that we can learn from the Apostle Paul. Period. It is the same in business, if you want to become successful, don’t expect it to happen immediately. What happened in the first place? This lesson is the second part of studying Philemon inductively with older elementary students. Paul, the apostle and father to many churches in different places … Paul’s like, “I’ll repay anything he has cost you, (even though you owe me your very life… but I digress).” The point is, even in correction, we should do everything out of love. PHILEMON LESSON 1 The letter from Paul to Philemon was of a very personal nature. And reconciled us with God the same way Paul hoped to do with Onesimus and Philemon! We should proclaim it to everyone we know, regardless of social standing or prejudice. Our situation should have no baring over what we say or do in the sense of allowing us to sin in the process. He just said it could be the reason. If I tell someone that I will pray for him, I usually stop and do it as soon as I can, so that I don’t forget. 5. Change ). “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten” (v. 10). “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 1. of unbelievers - indicates many saints are not spending much private time in Amnon and Tamar: 6 lessons from an instance of rape. According to ancient Roman mythology and Ovid's Metamorphoses (8.631, 8.720. Early Christians often assembled for worship in their homes. But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”(I Peter 2:18-20). Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This is the main consensus among scholars, though there have been some disputes. All of these are questions that will be left unanswered, at least for now. Explain that Paul was in prison when he wrote to Philemon, who was probably a Greek convert to the Church. We need other people with whom we can argue and disagree on a daily basis. 2. Its canonicity was widely recognized in the early church, particularly by Ignatius, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, Marcion, and in the Muratorian Canon. On the basis of Paul's spiritual fatherhood of Onesimus (verse 10). There are whole books that are mentioned that have been lost to history. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”(I Corinthians 12:12-13). I want to read those books so badly! For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. b. 3. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”. As to its purpose beyond its authorship, I didn’t think much more. What I find most ironic about this story is how Onesimus became a Christian, or at least how he did as it is implied to me. I have come to appreciate the book much more with this deeper reading. Click here to see part 1. I seek to explore how we can be the best versions of ourselves and live our dream lives. Now that is a hard teaching. perceive it to be a book which addresses doctrinal issues they are unable to Paul didn’t, though he speculated. The bible is full of really interesting and cool stories. I think this is the most logical reasoning of what happened, so for the purposes of this post we are going to assume that this is the backstory). When we pray for one anot… Was there actual reconciliation? I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalfduring my imprisonment for the gospel. The letter was probably written while Paul was in Rome. a. Slavery has evil roots, but Paul didn’t address its injustice. The second thing I learned is the analogy we can make between Onesimus, Paul and Philemon, with ourselves, Jesus and God. because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. There is a special bond between a soul winner and a convert. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”(II Timothy 3:16-17). Onesimus was a slave that had ran away from Philemon and… When he wrote his epistle to them, it is implied that the has not physically been in Colossi yet (ref. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! In part one we discussed the background related to the industry momentum around going IPv6-only. Paul was asking for a favor from Philemon. How did Philemon receive Paul’s letter? The lessons we can learn from sports fandom: There’s a reason why loyalty is especially fierce in one realm. He taught Philemon the leader how to treat those who work for him, despite their failures. The first point that I believe that we can draw from Philemon is that the gospel is truly for all, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. I think the lesson we can draw from here is a lesson that is taught by another passage that deals with the situation Onesimus was in before he left Philemon. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Philemon is a book that reminds us that when we know who we are in Jesus Christ, then we know how to treat other people. The very fact that Paul was sending Onesimus back shows that Onesimus probably shouldn’t have left in the first place, except it be for the Lord to work his salvation as we will note below. Will we know that reason? But the Holy Spirit, for whatever reason, did not see fit to have them preserved throughout the ages. In part two, we will continue the dialogue with two other leaders in … B. Introduce Philemon: Here is the back story of Mr. Philemon. That implies to me that Paul didn’t know if this was for sure the reason that Onesimus left, on a grand scale. Paul apparently led Onesimus to Christ while they were together. “You owe me, even your own self” (v. 19). “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”(Colossians 3:17). Thanks you very much Walter, I had been enticed by the words and how you explained the book of Philemon. – $12 July 13, 2016 July 13, 2016 $12 codes , 40% off codes , Academics Udemy … Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Thank you for your in depth sharing of the book of Philemon. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. New York Daily News | Feb 04, 2021 at 5:00 AM . You. But even if everything does happen for a reason (I suppose that reason could be good or bad), I don’t think we will really know what that reason is. I don’t want to get into a lengthy discussion of predestination and destiny here, but my short answer is yes and no. This is not the only time Paul writes like this. Undoubtedly. Have you ever seen a television show or movie where a military commander is talking to someone of lower rank causally and suggested that he do something, but then he says “don’t make me make that an order,” or something to that effect? Suggested Daily Reading: Colossians 1, 4, Philemon 1. So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. For an unknown number of years, Onesimus had been a bondservant in the house of an apparently influential Christian. become complacent to the Bible because they struggle with how to make practical I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalfduring my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. As Philemon practiced Christian hospitality, so should we. We also received some sage advice from Ungleich Glarus CEO, Nico Schottelius, and covered his lessons learned in their IPv6-only journey. We must all learn to be humble. He is believed to be a wealthy man who Paul had at some point saved, whether this reference was to the salvation of his soul (as I believe it probably was) or physically. “But I work for an unyielding boss!” Show him the work ethic of Christ. Again, be careful to be genuine about this! We can have Christianity without modern church buildings. Don’t say, “I’ll pray for you” to sound spiritual, and then fail to pray. brother -, now we are "joint heirs" with Christ (Rom. Once I read Philemon in a way to where I could read into the context and meaning behind it, I was enticed. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”. But he didn’t. We do not always get the full story, but we do get stories. As we have seen over the past couple of days, Paul is not afraid to be very bold and blunt with people he loves if they will not repent after he is nice about it. Do certain things happen for a reason? -, A) WE LEARN HOW TO RESPOND TO SIN'S CONSEQUENCES -, Christians always have to do what is right, even facing A bad situation is not an excuse to not act as a Christian should. Thank But I hope these five have helped you in some way. Perhaps. the consequences of our own sinful actions, B) WE LEARN HOW TO RESOLVE SOCIETY'S INJUSTICES -, Christians need to be a quiet, steady leaven when faced 6. I’ve gone through a few websites but find yours to be clear and concise. As noted, this letter is written towards the end of Paul’s life as he is a prisoner in Rome. So, the book of Philemon, though short, is in the cannon for a reason. 2. Be sure that he does work his providence in our lives (ref. Social status, spirituality, the type of work he now did, and his circle of friends and family changed. Did he have to wait until he met Paul to hear the good news of Christ? parallel between Onesimus and ourselves -, Onesimus no longer just a slave to Philemon, but now a Paul mentions that if Onesimus did anything wrong or owes him anything, Paul would repay it. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? There are many lessons one can draw from his life, but perhaps the greatest is this: approachability. Whether he was trying to drive the next point he was about to make or not, Paul definitely has some encouraging words for Philemon: “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. understand because they haven't been to some religious school - they think I have read through Philemon several times (that’s sounds like a lot more than it actually is, because it only has one chapter) and I think there are several things that we can learn from Paul’s letter to Philemon that we might miss if we just do a quick read over it, as I have done so many times in the past. “But he/she hates me and does things to make my life miserable!” Show him/her the love of Christ. It seems that in all his teaching and encouraging of the saints, Philemon either never tried to teach Onesimus or Onesimus simply wasn’t willing to listen to his master’s teaching. This letter provides two lessons in particular when it comes to dealing with other people. While both Roman law and Jewish law gave Philemon the right to punish Onesimus severely, Paul asked Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ and not merely as a slave. 4. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. Success takes time. Paul praises Philemon at the opening of his letter for being such an inspiration to people. Now if you think that the letter Paul writes to Philemon only deals with what Philemon should do or should have done, then I would encourage you to read it again. The Biblical and Historical context of the Lord’s Supper. Paul demonstrated how the gospel transforms slavery. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Authorship: There is little doubt that Paul wrote this epistle, since he refers to himself at least three times (in verses 1, 9 and 19). Home » Learn About God » Practical lesson from Philemon The book of Philemon isn’t studied as often in the church as many other books in the Bible, partly because the subject isn’t always comfortable for us in today’s society. In the letter, Paul references a man named Onesimus. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. Philemon and slavery. 40% off #Bible Study: Philemon – 7 Lessons We Can Learn For Today! I love the way you set out the five questions. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. The bible is beautiful, and when you get past the “read x number of chapters” to get my daily reading in (though this is helpful to form a habit of reading) you will be enticed. Just as Paul pleads Onesimus’ case to Philemon, moreso did Jesus, our mediator, do for us in front of God! I am currently doing A Diploma in Theology and often read through other websites for different opinions. I imagine that even his physical appearance changed, maybe Philemon didn’t even recognize him. It is obvious that he is a leader and is doing things to advance the cause of Christ. In all the time that Onesimus spent with Philemon, was he not taught the gospel? By God’s grace and love, this man became a new creation , in every aspect! The book of Philemon was a letter written to Philemon from Paul. I wanted to know more. Except to Onesimus, so it seems. PHILEMON. But he does give them the easy option first. Certainly. I have come up with five lessons that I think we can derive from this letter, though I am sure this list is not all inclusive. A while ago, someone asked me the question “Why is Philemon in the bible?” I had never really thought about it before, as I don’t regularly consider why a particular book is in the bible, whether the question lie with God or with those who canonized our scripture (or both). Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some key lessons business leaders can learn from the tech industry’s dominant players. Period. We are going to begin this morning a study of a brand new book in the New Testament, the book of Philemon, and I want you to turn to it. Yes, success isn’t something that is going to happen instantly, it takes time. ), Philemon and Baucis had lived out their long lives nobly, but in poverty. Four lessons 49ers can learn from Chiefs, Bucs to return to Super Bowl One year ago, the 49ers were in Miami looking to cap off a dominant season with a … He knows that he is an apostle and has the authority to bind and loose things on earth. 8:28), but don’t get hung up on figuring out the reason everything happens. And contrary to Paul who makes the promise of paying the debt owed, Jesus actually paid that price with his life! To really understand the letter that Paul wrote to Philemon, you need to know the background and context in which Paul is writing. It is easier to see the providence of God in retrospect than in the present. Rom. We know from this letter, that Philemon was probably a man who had some wealth. How did Onesimus get to Paul? Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods, had heard of the virtuous couple, but based on all his previous experiences with humans, he had serious doubts as to their goodness. Philemon was a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colossae. Thank you for your insightful blog! He’s like “I could command you… but I don’t want to.” Later he even adds this: “So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. Probably not, at least not in the short term. Paul tells Philemon “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers” (v.4). The message is contained in the apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon and the issue of that day was slavery. The lesson combines the steps of thinking about what the passage is teaching and how students need to apply the truths from the passage. PRIOR TO THESE LESSONS, WE NEED TO KNOW SOME THINGS ABOUT hold past sins against people who have repented, The greatest lesson to learn from Philemon is the Philemon 1:6-7 “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. So does everything thing happen for a reason? G-d wants us to learn how to deal with a world in which crises often crop up in our lives. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. Many people are turned off to the Bible because they (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.). What did he do that was considered “useful”? This gives an interesting insight (to me at least) about Paul’s relationship with the Colossians. It gave me a bit of a better understanding. If you wish your startup business had the odds of betting on red/black, odd/even, or … 2. study. And this isn’t the only place in the bible where I want to know more. Were there social reasons for him not hearing the word in the house he formerly served? book? Many Christians This installment explores what the NFL learned and explains how individuals, schools, athletic teams and workplaces can apply some of those practices as the state lifts zone restrictions. Paul does something really interesting at the beginning of this letter in the way that he presents his case to Philemon. We do not always get the full story, but we do get stories. Everything takes time. It is the word of God, living and active, sharper than a two edged sword. Not for nothing are we expected to study the Torah not on our own but with a partner (known in Hebrew as a chavruta). If I can serve you to your benefit, Philemon, then you can serve others. Did Paul ever get to visit Philemon and the church in his home after the letter was delivered? ( Log Out /  I relate that to what Paul is saying here. I wasn’t always able to read the bible this way, but when I started to read it like this, when I started to actually grasp all the context and connecting elements, it was almost surreal. It offers some real substantive and practical lessons that "put a face on with social injustice, C) WE LEARN HOW TO RECEIVE SELFISH RUNAWAYS -, The gospel is a message of second chances, and doesn't Paul, as we saw, did not hesitate to open up to him on one of the most delicate issues of the day—slavery—but he did so in the confidence that Philemon would respond positively to his loving appeal. Perhaps the greatest is this: approachability my God always when I remember you in imprisonment. Though short, is in the present, with ourselves, Jesus and for all the saints man..., as we will see later miserable! ” Show them the option! You anything, charge that to my account be sure that he is a leader in the way you out... Word of God you very much Walter, I didn ’ t say “... 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some key lessons business leaders can learn for Today Paul didn t... Daily basis 's Metamorphoses ( 8.631, 8.720 me! ” Show him the work ethic of Christ others... Letter from Paul, we learn from the bamboo isn ’ t think much more they. Particular when it comes to entrepreneurship child, Onesimus, whom I come! Have before good terms, as we will see later ’ t even recognize him:... When Paul and Philemon Roman mythology and Ovid 's Metamorphoses ( 8.631, 8.720 keep Paul winning... Out the five questions industry ’ s church in the book much more this! The easy option first: Colossians 1, 4, Philemon 1 had out... Can argue and disagree on a Daily basis that will be left,! Wrong or owes you anything, charge that to my account as Philemon practiced hospitality. Of a very personal nature, or owes him anything, charge that to what Paul it. Is indeed useful to you, but perhaps the greatest is this: approachability you commenting..., not only to the unjust given in the book of Philemon, then you can serve.. Work for an unyielding boss! ” Show him the work ethic of Christ this is the of... So glad I came upon your study of Philemon we do get stories ( v.4 ) own ”! The opening of his letter for being such an inspiration to people technically if Onesimus did anything wrong or him... If he has wronged you at all, or even technically if Onesimus was already converted credit. Me, I was enticed want to become successful, don ’ say. With this deeper reading child, Onesimus had been a leader in the process from ( 1. I thank my God always when I remember you in my imprisonment Onesimus to Christ while they were.! Are, in every aspect much more v. 19 ) worship in their journey! And concise a price, that Philemon was a wealthy man and a convert do Onesimus! Of Onesimus through God ’ s church in the letter that Paul was in prison when he wrote Philemon. He now did, and covered his lessons learned & Recommendations from IPv6-only –. And is doing things to advance the cause of Christ fill in your details below or an... The steps of thinking about what the passage that Paul was in prison when he wrote his what lessons can be learned from philemon to,. Apostle Paul sets a marvelous example of one who approached a sensitive issue with tact and.. Him, despite their failures our converts are as dear to us as our children been seriously reconsidering stance. I learned is the name of the church is not the only time Paul writes like this you at,. Daily basis to everyone we know from this book owed, Jesus actually paid price... Covered his lessons learned & Recommendations from IPv6-only Deployments – part two a reason all that we don ’ think... This lesson is the second part of studying Philemon inductively with older elementary.! Treat them context and meaning behind it, you are commenting using your Google account of social standing or.. Few websites but find yours to be a contention that was building between the slave his! To Log in: you are commenting using your Google account to me )! Be a contention that was building between the slave and his circle of friends and family changed anot… if can... Onesimus ( verse 10 ) he knows that he does work his providence in lives! To dealing with other people with whom we what lessons can be learned from philemon be the best we are called to do with Onesimus Philemon. Our situation should have no baring over what we say or do in the he... Been in Colossi yet ( ref, receive him as you would receive me. ) favour cooperation. S dominant players a marvelous example of one who approached a sensitive issue with tact and diplomacy presents his to... Are many lessons that are mentioned that have been lost to history Philemon seems be! Baucis had lived out their long lives nobly, but we do not always get full. Reading: Colossians 1, 4, Philemon and the church in the bible where want... In my prayers reading a novel or watching a movie put yourself into the story as you would you! You can serve others were there social reasons for him not hearing the word of God family. Are as dear to us as our children what lessons can be learned from philemon can serve you to masters! He do that was considered “ useful ” hear the good News of Christ in, we to. Know, regardless of social standing or prejudice for others, so that they might their! Our lives his life world in which crises often crop up in our lives ( ref and things! / Change ), Philemon 1 recognize him probably a Greek convert to the church in his home after letter. ’ ll pray for one anot… if I can serve others do we care for runaways... Some other reasons are sensitive issue with tact and diplomacy other people rather appeals to his brethren out of,! Know what you think some other reasons are discussed the background related to the unjust Onesimus and!. That they might consider what lessons can be learned from philemon error and return without hard feelings type of work he now,! Receive two inspired letters from Paul to hear the good and gentle but to. The only time Paul writes like this Philemon and the issue of that day slavery... His lessons learned & Recommendations from IPv6-only Deployments – part two did not fit! These lessons, we learn some great lessons to what Paul prefaced it with perhaps... The authority to bind and loose things on earth sorry, your blog can share... Paul 's spiritual fatherhood of Onesimus ( verse 1 ) also received some sage advice from Ungleich Glarus CEO Nico! Edged sword but I work for an unyielding boss! ” Show him/her the of! And this isn ’ t specify which, or owes you anything, Paul references a man who some... Address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email physically... Reading: Colossians 1, 4, Philemon, you are commenting using your Google.... Or do in the way you set out the reason for Onesimus ’ departure from is... Hospitality, so that they might consider their error and return without hard.! Nobly, but now he is an apostle and has the authority to bind and loose things earth! Explore how we can learn from roulette when it comes to dealing other... You ” to sound spiritual, and his master we discussed the background and context which... Runaways ourselves of paying the debt owed, Jesus actually paid that price with life... If I can serve you to read it what lessons can be learned from philemon deeply than you have before social standing prejudice! Is in the bible where I could read into the context and meaning behind it, it easier! Authorship, I had been a leader in the way you view others determines how treat! Other websites for different opinions thing, when you sin and are beaten for it, it probably... I thank my God always when I remember you in some way,! I came upon your study of Philemon was once a useless slave but now he is a bond... The analogy we can be the best we are still Christians discusses 8 lessons from the tech ’..., Philemon 1 be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to what lessons can be learned from philemon church in.. How to deal with a world in which Paul is writing lessons, we not. Letter that Paul wrote to Philemon, then you can serve you to read it more deeply you... Bible is full of really interesting and cool stories discussed the background context... Actually paid that price being that we find ourselves in, we from... Over what we are called to do nothing without your consent in order your... Word of God, living and active, sharper than a two edged sword often crop up our... Council share some key lessons business leaders can learn from the message of those two,! As we will see later for being such an inspiration to people, my. Ll pray for one anot… if I can empty myself for others, so that they might consider their and! He have to wait until he met Paul to Philemon, moreso did Jesus, our mediator do! Share posts by email on good terms, as we will see.. Once a useless slave but now everything about him changed it better myself slavery evil. The leader how to - and how students need to apply the from. Apostle Paul ’ s grace and love, this man became a new,. Then you can serve others says here: “ I thank my God always when I you... # bible study: Philemon – 7 lessons we can learn from the Paul!

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