Besides all the reading it requires to work on a
master’s! - I have been diving head long
into the letter Paul wrote to Philemon. In fact, over the next month, I will be
leading our SS class through this letter. I owe much to the ESV study Bible,
and various podcast pastors for my understanding of this tiny letter. Philemon
is quickly becoming one of my favorite (if not my favorite) “book” of the
Bible!
Philemon
The
Background -
Paul wrote this small letter to Philemon, his
family, and the whole church in Colossae (v. 1-2). Many think this was a private
letter, I believe that is not the case. Paul wrote to Philemon while he was incarcerated
in Rome, along with other books of Bible including: Philippians, Ephesians, and
Colossians. In fact, the church of Colossae met in Philemon’s house (v.2). It
is believed that Paul lead Philemon to Christ during Paul’s trip to Ephesus
(about 100 miles from Colossae).
The
Characters –
Philemon
= Philemon was a very wealthy slave – holding Christian man. As a result, he
purchased and bought many slaves including Onesimus. There is no evidence that
Philemon was an elder of the church at Colossae, but was influential.
Apphia = Philemon’s wife
Archippus
= Philemon’s son, who was believed to be in full time ministry. For info on his
name check out Colossians 4:10-18.
Onesimus = A slave bought and owned by Philemon. Onesimus
wanted his freedom. So, he escaped from Philemon, stole from Philemon
(v.18-19), and ran as a fugitive slave to Rome. It is in Rome where he was a runaway
slave, homeless, and living on the streets. By God’s providence (Oh! How
amazing is His providence) he bumped into Paul, who shared the Gospel with him,
and gave His life to Christ! The show the amazing works of God’s sovereignty in
our lives. God took Onesimus away from Colossae, to Rome, to bring Him to
Himself. God has a sovereign working in all of our salvation stories…what is
yours?!
Theme
– The tiny letter bleeds the Gospel. Love, forgiveness,
the Gospel transforming lives, a new heart, restoration, and reconciliation are
hallmarks of every believer. This just pours out of the letters that make up
Philemon. Paul is writing to Philemon to accept Onesimus back and to: forgive
him, erase his owned debt, love him as a brother in Christ, and to be
reconciled to him.
The
difficulty of forgiveness = we live in a world
that does not like forgiveness. In fact Hollywood celebrates characters that
get revenge on those who hurt them. Now, I am a sucker and enjoy watching westerns
and mafia movies. Tombstone and Goodfellows are two of my favorites. The mafia
and Doc Holliday are not very good at forgiving.
Before we begin this study, ask yourself:
Is the there anybody have a hard time with? Especially,
with the holidays ahead, you may have to be around that person?
Is there anyone you need to forgive that does not
deserve forgiveness?
Are you holding a grudge? Do you enjoy holding a
grudge and play “getting them back” in your mind?
As believers we must forgive. WHY!! Because that is
the Gospel!! If we don’t forgive, we are the biggest hypocrites around. How can
we REJOICE in Christ forgiving us and then we the same heart, not forgive
someone, especially another Christian!! That is not how the Christian responds.
Christians have the ability to forgive stems from the new heart. What does
Jesus say….Matthew 18:22– 70 X 7
An Unforgiving person has these poisons running
through their veins: imprisoned to the hurtful/painful past, blames others for
their unforgiveness, bitterness, gossip, slander and it shows on his or her
face.
Now my friends, forgive.
