Transcript PHILEMON “Relational Restoration” DOWNLOAD THIS POWERPOINT AT HTTP://WWW.JLWILLIAMS.ORG/MEDIA/POWERPOINTS/ BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING SERIES INTRODUCTION One of Paul’s “Prison Epistles” Ephesians  local Christians Philippians  local Christians Colossians.

PHILEMON
“Relational Restoration”
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HTTP://WWW.JLWILLIAMS.ORG/MEDIA/POWERPOINTS/
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING SERIES
INTRODUCTION
One of Paul’s “Prison Epistles”
Ephesians  local Christians
Philippians  local Christians
Colossians  local Christians
Philemon  only personal letter by Paul
Written between 60 – 62 AD from House Arrest in Rome
(last verses of Acts):
“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own
rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.
Boldly and without hindrance he preached the
Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus
Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).
Note: There were 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire!
Slaves were not a person but rather a “living tool.”
Virtually every group of people recorded in history have
been enslaved at one time or the other by some other
more powerful people group.
God’s own “chosen people,” the Jews, were enslaved by
the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians and Romans.
So slavery is not a “black issue” – but a universal issue.
While historians tell us that there were “60 million slaves” in
the Roman Empire; the Bible tells us that the entire human
race is in slavery!
Jesus said: “Everyone who sins is a slave of sin”
(John 8:34).
Peter wrote: “A man is a slave to whatever masters him”
(II Peter 2:19).
Paul wrote about our BC days: “Don’t you know that when
you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you
are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are
slaves to sin which leads to death, or to obedience which
leads to righteousness. But thanks be to God that, though
you used to be slaves to sin…you have been set free from
sin and have become slaves of righteousness…you used to
offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to
ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to
righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to
sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What
benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now
ashamed of? Those things result in death. But now that you
have been set free from sin and have become slaves to
God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is
eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:16-23)
Paul summarized: “…I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to
sin…making me a prisoner of the law of sin. What a
wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of
death? THANKS BE TO GOD – THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR
LORD…Therefore, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those
who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the
law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and
death” (Romans 7:14 - 8:2).
Philemon was a wealthy Christian from Colossae – who
was also a “slave owner.”
Like many of his upper class contemporaries, he came
into the Christian life with this evil – but totally accepted,
“social baggage.”
But as a result of this short personal letter of just 25 verses,
a literal spiritual and social earthquake shook the ancient
world.
This short “Biblical email” undermined the practice of
human slavery forever – at least for serious and obedient
Christians!
But while the Bible ultimately destroyed forever human
slavery, Islam continues to be the world leader in the slave
trade since it was practiced by Mohamed and is
sanctioned in the Koran.
Muslims were the primary leaders in the African slave
trade and continue to practice slavery to this very day
(ISIS).
So as a result of their “slavery to sin” and their “slavery to
Allah,” Muslims continue to practice the most vicious
forms of slavery – especially “sex slavery,” one of the
bounties and benefits of jihad!
Now let’s carefully read this short “Biblical email” that
transformed the lives of Philemon, Onesimus, the ancient
world – and has been the fuel for most of the major
“emancipation movements” in history since the First
Century until now.
The message of this little epistle is especially relevant in
these troubled days of renewed racial tension and divide
in America…
1. SALUTATION
“Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our
brother” (Philemon 1:1).
Note: Unlike his normal salutations, Paul did not say, “Paul,
an apostle of Jesus Christ…” No, this was “friend-to-friend”
rather than “Apostle to the church.”
It is also important to note Paul’s introduction of “…Timothy
our brother…”
When Paul writes to Timothy, he refers to him as his “dear
son.” But when he writes about Timothy, he refers to him as
“our brother.”
We can see in this how Paul was always encouraging,
equipping, enhancing and empowering the leadership of others.
As a “team leader,” Paul never exalted himself; he always
exalted others through his words and deed.
Paul was always bringing others along with him in the
leadership journey.
“To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker
and Apphia our sister and to Archippus our fellow
soldier, and to the church in your house:”
(Philemon 1:1)
“To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker
and Apphia our sister and to Archippus our fellow
soldier, and to the church in your house:”
(Philemon 1:1)
Here Paul addresses the host household:
• Philemon = father and head of
“beloved brother” and “fellow worker”
house
•
Apphia = Philemon’s wife  “…our sister”
•
Archippus = their son  “…our fellow soldier”
•
Church
members
“…to the church that meets in your house.”


“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 3).
Principle:
“No peace without grace.”
People in our world are trying to find “peace” without
accepting “grace” first.
2. APPRECIATION
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my
prayers…”
Paul assures Philemon that he is being prayed for and this
letter flows out of prayer.
Paul’s words here remind us of the leadership principle:
“Talk to God about a person
before you talk to the person about God.”
Bathe any crisis or counseling in prayer so you can have
the clear “mind of God” on the issue before you “go
public” with it.
Wisdom and experience remind us that it is hard to reject
the loving council from someone whom you know has
prayed about your situation and sought God’s mind on
the matter.
Remember:
A positive, prayerful, proactive approach is always
the best way to resolve relational issues.
3. COMMENDATION
“I always thank my God…because I hear about your
faith in the Lord Jesus, and your love for all the saints”
(v. 5).
Note: Paul calls forth two things here in Philemon’s life:
“faith” and “love” – both of which will need to be active
and operational when it comes to the “relational
restoration” he is seeking to bring about. Paul is getting
ready to introduce a new “saint” to Philemon for him to
“love” with love of Christ!
“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so
that you will have full knowledge (“full understanding”) of
every good thing we have in Christ” (v. 6).
Here Paul is preparing Philemon for the revelation that
there is a “blind spot” in his spiritual life.
There is an area where he does not have “full
knowledge…full understanding…full discernment” –
therefore he does not have “full obedience” and “full
application.”
Note: the word here is “epignosis” – meaning “full
knowledge…full understanding.”
Remember:
All of us have areas in our spiritual lives where
our knowledge is incomplete –
therefore our obedience is incomplete.
So where our knowledge is incomplete, our obedience
will be incomplete.
So many Christians – even Christian leaders, have “gnosis”
– but not “epignosis.”
As Paul reminded the Corinthians: “For we know in part…”
(I Corinthians 13:9).
And, we will usually not to come “full knowledge…full
understanding” without someone more mature “taking
the blinders off” so we can see God’s Word and will more
clearly.
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,
because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the
saints” (v.7).
Paul continues to emphasize and affirm Philemon’s “love”
that has been a source of “great joy and
encouragement” to him.
But also because his love has been a source of great
“…refreshing to the hearts of the saints.”
The word here for “heart” is not the normal Greek word,
kardia, but splanchna, which literally means the “inner
parts of the body.” So this denotes a deep touching of
the hearts of others – not just superficial.
Remember:
“The heart of every issue
is the heart of the person!”
Until the heart is touched and transformed – nothing else
can change. But when the heart is changed – anything
and everything else can change!
So Paul addresses the “heart of the issue” by addressing
the “heart of Philemon.”
Since
God
has
“touched…changed…refreshed…transformed”
Philemon’s heart through Christ, he wants him to do the
same with Onesimus.
4. EXHORTATION
“THEREFORE, (transitional word from “affirmation” to
“application”), although I have enough confidence in
Christ to order you to do that which is proper, yet I
appeal to you on the basis of love” (vs. 8-9).
Here we see Paul’s wise use of “Apostolic authority” – not
through the force of position but through the power of
love!
To the carnal saints in Corinth Paul demonstrated the
same spirit of “gentle authority” when he reminded them
that “…the authority the Lord gives us is for building you
up
rather
than
pulling
you
down”
(II Corinthians 10:8; 13:10).
Insecure leaders and cultic personalities always use their
feigned authority to dominate people…manipulate
people…hold them down…keep them in mindless
subjection – and whenever necessary for ”…tearing them
down.”
But authentic “apostolic authority” always flows from the
meekness and humility of a servant’s heart.
Its goal is always to “build up” – never “tear down.”
“I then, as Paul – an old man and now also a prisoner
of Christ Jesus – I appeal to you for my son, Onesimus,
who became my son while I was in chains” (vs. 10).
Note how Paul leverages his age and leverages his
condition to his advantage – or rather to Onesimus’
advantage.
In the Biblical culture, “old age” and “grey hair” are a
symbol of wisdom…experience…respect.
One of the blessings of “growing old in Christ” is the
wisdom of years and experience that you can impart to
the younger generation.
In this day and age when we “worship youthfulness,” so
many Americans have “lost their minds” because they
have knowledge but not wisdom.
We need the seasoned wisdom of “old men” and “old
women” in Christ who can teach…council…mentor from
the perspective of a long life of “living in the Word” and
“walking in the Spirit.”
Note the intimate, personal terms Paul uses to speak
about Onesimus. He does not call him a “runaway
slave…a rebel…a no good…a thief.”
No, Paul refers to him as “my son” (tou emou terknou),
literally “my own child.”
It is a term of endearment that Paul only uses of Timothy
and Titus – two of his other “spiritual sons.”
Somehow God sovereignly orchestrated the events in
Onesimus’ life when he was “on the run” to the degree
that he “ran into Paul” – who reached out to him and
loved him into a personal relationship with Christ!
Since Paul had started out his Christian journey “on the
run” from Christ; he had a heart for others who were
doing the same.
We don’t know any more of the circumstances about
how Paul and Onesimus met. All Paul tells us that
Onesimus “…became my son while I was in chains.”
So his was a “jailhouse conversion” – like some of you
have had!
“Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has
become useful both to you and me” (v. 11).
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul uses a wise
“play on words” here that we do not pick up in the
English.
In the Bible, names are very significant because “name
represents nature.” So people were generally named
according to their nature.
The name “Onesimus” means “useful.” It was a common
name for a slave.
Obviosly, to Philemon Onesimus had become “useless” –
not “useful!”
But Paul says to Philemon: “Onesimus – who was formerly
‘useless’ to you has become very ‘useful’ to me!”
He was saying that now for the first time, Onesimus could
live up to his name!
I often tell people who profess to be Christians – but
overtly act contrary: “Change your behavior or change
your name! Don’t continue to call yourself a Christian and
behave in such a way that you bring shame to Christ!
That is really “…taking the Lord’s name in vain”
(Exodus 20:7).
That is true profanity of the highest order!
God said to His Old Testament saints: “God’s name is
blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you”
(Isaiah 52:5; Romans 2:24).
So all of us – just like Onesimus, can only “live up to our
name as a Christian” through the power of the indwelling
Holy Spirit!
Only then can we live up to our name as
“Christians…Christ-ones…followers of Christ…disciples.”
5. RECONCILIATION
“I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you.
I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could
take your place in helping me while I am in chains for
the Gospel. But I did not want to do anything without
your consent, so that any favor you do will be
spontaneous and not forced” (vs. 12-14).
Under Roman law, it was against the law to harbor a
runaway slave.
So Paul had to set Onesimus an example of “obeying the
law” since he had been a law-breaker.
Also, if he would have kept Onesimus with him, it would
have “blown his witness” with Philemon if he found out
about it.
So Paul said: “I am sending him…back to you.” And in all
probability, Paul sent this personal letter of exhortation to
Philemon with Onesimus.
Onesimus then, is hand-carrying the letter that will either
lead to his execution or emancipation!
To help insure the latter, Paul made it very clear that he
was sending back his very heart in sending back
Onesimus.
Translation: If you do NOT receive him – who is my very
heart – you will break my heart. Moreover, you will break
the heart of God!
Paul is in essence saying to Philemon: “With this letter you
hold in your hand about Onesimus, you also hold my
heart!”
To further insure the right response, Paul even suggested
that Onesimus was taking the place of Philemon through
his service to Paul.
However, through it all, Paul kept putting the burden of
choice on Philemon – which is the only way people really
change and grow.
“I would like to have kept him with me so that he could
take your place in helping me…But I did not want to do
anything without your consent, so that any favor you
do will be spontaneous and not forced” (vs. 13-14).
Talk about wise personal persuasion! Because of the
significance of this decision – not only for Philemon and
Onisemus, but for the whole church in Colassae, Paul
“pulled all the stops” in his “friendly persuasion!”
He appealed to Philemon’s heart first – then his head.
Remember:
If you only move the head and not the heart,
a decision will not last.
6. EMANCIPATION
“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a
little while was that you might have him back for good –
NO LONGER AS A SLAVE, but better than a slave, AS A
DEAR BROTHER. He is very dear to me but even dearer
to you, both as a MAN and as a BROTHER in the Lord”
(vs. 15-16).
With those words, Paul destroyed forever any justification
for human slavery!
Because of Jesus Christ, there was a new “Kingdom
relationship” established.
Because both Philemon and Onesimus were “in Christ,”
they were now equal spiritually – while not necessarily
equal socially.
No longer could Onesimus be seen as a “living tool” – but
as a “MAN” in every sense of the word. But not only a
“MAN,” but also as a “Brother in Christ.”
Paul echoed this same principle of spiritual equality in
Christ in other epistles to churches…
(To the church in Colossae): “Here there is no Greek or
Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
SLAVE or FREE, but Christ is all, and is in all”
(Colossians 3:11).
(To saints in Galatia): “You are all sons of God through
faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into
Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither
Jew nor Greek, SLAVE nor FREE, male or female, for you
are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28).
(To Corinthian church): “For we were ALL baptized by one
Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, SLAVE or
FREE – and we were ALL given the one Spirit to drink”
(I Corinthians 12:13).
7. IDENTIFICATION
“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you
would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or
owes you anything, charge it to me. I Paul, am writing
this with my own hand. I will repay it – to say nothing of
your owing me even your own self” (vs. 17-18).
First, Paul reminds Philemon of their “partnership.”
Paul identifies himself with Onesimus – his “spiritual son,” to
the degree that he asks Philemon to “…welcome him as
you would welcome me.”
So here is the “Apostle Paul” asking Philemon to welcome
back Onesimus – his “runaway slave,” as he would
welcome Paul into his home as Christ’s Apostle!
Paul puts Onesimus on the same level with himself as
Christ’s Apostle.
That’s real spiritual and social identification!
Just as Christ totally identified with us – we are to identify
with each other.
Just as Jesus called us into friendship and partnership with
Himself, He calls us into that same friendship and
partnership with each other.
Since Jesus said to His disciples: “You are My FRIENDS…I no
longer call you SLAVES, for the slave does not know what
his master is doing; but I have called you FRIENDS, for all
things that I have heard from My Father I have made
known to you” (John 15:14-15).
But like Jesus, Paul presses his identification with Onesimus
to the degree that he says: “If he has done you any
wrong or owes you anything (which is an obvious
understatement!), charge it to me.”
Just like Jesus paid the debt we owed and could never
pay, Paul was doing the same for Onesimus.
That’s GRACE!
Song:
“He paid a debt He did not owe;
I owed a debt I could not pay;
I needed someone to wash my sin away;
And now I sing a brand new song –
Amazing Grace, the whole day long,
Christ Jesus paid the debt I could never pay.”
And just like we owe our very spiritual lives to Jesus, Paul
reminds Philemon of his personal spiritual debt to him
when he says: “…you owe me your very self.”
Paul ties a 4-way spiritual knot between himself, Christ,
Philemon and Onesimus that cannot be untied!
They are all inseparately linked together spiritually!
8. EXPECTATION
“Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord, refresh
my heart in Christ. Having confidence in your
obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do
even more than what I ask” (vs. 20-21).
Paul closes by expressing his expectation to reap some
“benefit” from Philemon.
He is basically saying to Philemon: “I expect to find in you
the same benefit I found in Onesimus. Just like he has
been ‘useful’ to me and blessed my heart in prison, I
expect you to also “refresh my heart in Christ.”
Since Philemon was known for “…refreshing the hearts of
the saints” (v. 7), he could hardly not do the same for the
elderly Apostle Paul – to whom he owed his very own
spiritual life!
And Paul again expresses his “positive expectation” in
Philemon’s spiritual obedience and that he will ”…do
even more than what I ask.”
9. PREPARATION
“And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me,
because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your
prayers” (vs. 22).
This issue was so important for Philemon, his family,
Onesimus and the church that met in his home – that Paul
was going to do personal follow-up.
This was more than just a private personal issue between a
“master” and his “slave.” It was an issue that would
impact the very spiritual and social life of the “house
church” that Philemon hosted and led.
How could Philemon pray for Paul’s release from prison –
and not set Onesimus free from his bondage to slavery? It
was inconceivable to Paul!
He knew if Philemon made the wrong decision about
Onesimus, it would set the wrong example for the whole
church in Colossae!
So Paul was going to do personal follow-up to make sure
the leader and people did the right thing.
This crucial area of follow-up and follow-through is where
so many pastors and Christian leaders fail! But not Paul.
Just as soon as he was released from prison, he was going
to go to Colossae for a personal visit. That way he would
be able to see first hand – close up and personal, if
Philemon had fully welcomed Onesimus back as a
“brother in Christ.”
So a stay in Philemon’s “guest room” would refresh Paul’s
body. But a time of fellowship with Philemon and
Onesimus as brothers in Christ and partners in the Gospel
would refresh his spirit!
Here is wise and mature leadership in action. Paul was
going to do personal follow-up to make sure his advice
had been followed.
10. ASSOCIATION
“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you
greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and
Luke, my fellow workers” (v. 23-24).
Here we not only see again Paul’s “mentoring model of
leadership” and “team ministry” – we see him reinforcing
his exhortation to Philemon.
By just mentioning these names of the other ministry
partners who were with him, Paul is letting Philemon know
that others are watching his decision in regard to
Onesimus.
Obviously, if these other men were Paul’s “fellow
prisoners” and “fellow workers,” they too had become
close to Onesimus for the time he was with Paul as his new
“spiritual son.”
So they too had a vested interest in seeing Onesimus
received back as a “brother in Christ.” Since they had
embraced him as their “spiritual brother” who was now
their equal in every way – Philemon should do the same!
Remember:
It is always easier to do the right thing
when other people are watching and expecting us
to make the right decision!
11. BENEDICTION
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”
(vs. 25).
Paul starts and ends his short personal epistle with grace.
Since the “…grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” was the basis
of his own spiritual emancipation; it was the only basis for the
social emancipation of Onesimus!
And like everything else in the Christian life, Paul knew it was a
“heart issue.”
That’s why he closed with the benediction and blessing for
Philemon to let God’s grace “…be with your spirit.”
With similar words, Paul wrote to the saints in Ephesus:
“I pray that out of His glorious riches he may strengthen
you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I
pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp
how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ…that you may be filled to the measure of all the
fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).
That was Paul’s prayer for Philemon. To be so
strengthened in his “inner man” with the love of Christ that
he would make the right decision for Onesimus – and for
the church.
Postscript: Christian history tells us that Onesimus went on
to become the “Bishop of Ephesus.”
Only the love of God…the grace of Christ…the humble
servant-leadership of a wise old Apostle, could cause a
runaway slave to ultimately become a “church bishop!”
What is impossible to man –
is not impossible to God!
AMEN!