Today I wish to introduce you to the wonderful book in the bible called
Philemon. This is literally a letter to
a Friend. The letter of Philemon is a story of two friends. This letter was written by Apostle Paul who
was in was in prison in Rome.
Now Philemon was a member of the church at
Colossae. This church met in his
house. He was generous and benevolent.
He was a man of some means. He was also a convert of Paul; Paul is writing to
him about Onesimus: He was a runaway slave of Philemon. Rebelled against his master and ran to
The lesson we learn from his life is that
you can’t run away from God. Onesimus
became a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to keep him as a helper,
this becomes a wonderful lesson of discipleship. Paul felt he should send
Onesimus back and this letter is Paul pleading with Philemon to forgive,
reconcile and restore Onesimus.
In
this letter Paul prays that
Philemon would be active in sharing his faith.
Paul knew what was at stake, an entire generation needed to hear about
Christ. One of the goals you should have
as a Christian is this very thing. In Philemon
Paul reminds him that he must have a full understanding of every good thing you
have in Christ. You have redemption, forgiveness,
peace, love, joy and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Many writers of the Bible call it full salvation.
Philemon’s love for Christ had given Paul
great joy and encouragement. Live a life
of joy and be an encouragement and example.
He tells him to refresh the hearts of the saints. Be a role model, mentor and example. Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit.
Paul uses Onesimus as an example of a
changed life. He makes an appeal for
forgiveness. We are to do this for each
other. So, what are the lessons we can
learn from Paul in this letter.
It is important to
appeal on behalf of others and the unfortunate.
Importance of being obedient to the law.
Onesimus had to be returned to Philemon.
Being brothers in Christ destroys all social and class distinctions.
Correspondence like this has a profound
effect on the receiver. In Paul case he
wanted to remind Philemon and us that lives that seemed wrecked can be restored
and be of great inspiration to others.
Robert Downey Jr. was a A list Hollywood star, but he fell into alcohol
and drugs. As a man young he literally
had destroyed his career. It got to the
point where no one wanted to hire him.
He decided to get sober. He
applied for many acting positions without success. Through perseverance and determination, he
slowly rebuilt his career and life. Today
he is one of Hollywood most successful actors and a model of restoration. You are only finished if you choose to be
finished. Paul showed this through this
letter, and you can through your life.
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