Page 8 - Good News May 2014 paper

Continued from p. 7
Continued from p. 7
unity of the Spirit among all the saints

the relationship between master and slave. involved.
Both were equal before God (Gal. 3:28),
and both were accountable for their PERSONAL APPLICATION
behaviour (Eph. 6:5-9). This work presents the incredible power of

Christ to bring healing to broken lives. It
OCCASION AND DATE includes the personal reunion between Jesus
Paul wrote this letter during his first Christ and the runaway sinner, as well as the
Roman imprisonment about A.D. 61. He wonderful restoration of two believers who
desired a genuine Christian reconciliation were formerly separated. Only with Christ's
between a wronged slave-owner and a example of forgiveness through the Cross
forgiven slave. Paul tactfully, yet urgently, are we able to overcome our hurts and
interceded for Onesimus and expressed mistakes and be reconciled to our brothers
complete confidence that Philemon's faith and sisters in Christ.
and love would result in restoration (vv. 5,
21). CHRIST REVEALED
This epistle powerfully applies the message
PURPOSE of the gospel. Once an estranged slave,
Paul's primary goal was to see Philemon Onesimus is now “a beloved brother” in
freely embrace the fugitive Onesimus as a Christ as well (v. 16). Philemon is challenged
brother in Christ. He also expressed joy in to show the same unconditional pardon that
Philemon's ministry and encouraged him to he received through the grace and love of
continue (vv. 4-7). The apostle made clear Jesus. Paul's offer to pay a debt that was not
his desire for Onesimus to stay with him, his own on behalf of a repentant slave is a
but insisted on reconciliation first (vv. 13, clear picture of the work of Calvary. Paul's
14). intercession is furthermore analogous to
Christ's ongoing intercession with the
CHARACTERISTICS Father on our behalf.
While the shortest of Paul's epistles,
Philemon is a deep revelation of Christ at THE HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK
work in the lives of Paul and those around While not specifically mentioned in
him. The tone is one of warm, personal Philemon, the Holy Spirit was definitely
friendship rather than apostolic authority. active in Paul's ministry and in the life of the
It reveals how Paul politely yet firmly Church. It is the Holy Spirit who baptizes all
addressed a central issue of the Christian believers, whether slave or free, into the
life, namely love through forgiveness, in a body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); and Paul
very sensitive situation. It presents Paul's applies this truth to the lives of Philemon
persuasion in action. and Onesimus. Love, a fruit of the Spirit, is
evident throughout the letter.
CONTENT
The epistle is a hallmark expression of true GROWING IN GODLINESS
Christian relationships. After personally Sharing Jesus with others gives us a deeper
greeting Philemon and his fellow believers, insight into our inheritance in Christ. The
Paul expresses thanksgiving for their love godly person is immediately available for
and faith toward Christ and their fellow restored relationships. Sharing your home,
believers. food, and possessions with strangers is a
Brotherly love often requires practical greater blessing to the ones who show
grace and mercy, and Paul soon comes to hospitality than it is to the ones who receive
this point. He explains the conversion of it.
Onesimus and the slave's new value in the
ministry and family of Jesus Christ (vv. 12- Understand that by sharing your faith in
16). This transformation, along with Paul's Jesus, you gain a fuller understanding of
deep friendship with both men, is the basis your inheritance in Christ.
for a new beginning. Practise instant forgiveness of those who
This is no shallow appeal by Paul, for he have offended you. Make room for the
writes a “blank cheque” on behalf of Onesi- restoration of broken relationships.
mus for any outstanding debts (vv. 17-19). Practise hospitality. Provide lodging for
He brings the petition to a close knowing travelling servants of God.
that Philemon's love and character will - New Spirit-filled Life Bible, NKJV, Ed. Jack
prevail. As he concludes, one can sense the W Hayford, 2002, Thomas Nelson Inc.