I'm Sending Him Back! Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Paul’s Confidence in Philemon

2. Paul’s Conversion of Onesimus

3. Paul’s Consensus of Philemon

Introductory Remarks.

1. This Letter, though only one chapter, has a tremendous lesson for all Christians, especially for those who consider themselves “in authority.” This will be one of our Expository Sermons. We will review this section of scripture with great interest and anticipation of what Paul is about to share with all of us regarding our love for each other, whether master or servant. Paul’s appeal to Philemon to receive his former slave once again into his care, yet not as an enslaved person anymore, but rather as a brother in Christ. Paul tells Philemon, “I’m Sending Him back,” to you as my “own son” to receive him again without any reprisal for his departure from you. He who once was useless has now become “more useful” than ever before.

2. First, we will consider Paul’s confidence in Philemon to do what he is about to request of him regarding his former slave “Onesimus,” whose name means “useful.” We are given no reason why Onesimus fled his enslaver, nor how he ended up in prison. I see only the “handiwork” of God, and His will in providing to this “runaway” a new start in Christ, by his providential arrival at the door of Paul in Rome, to obtain the help he sought, while not even knowing it! Philemon might have spoken of Paul during Onesimus’ attendance in the worship being held in his house. Paul’s imprisonment was well known to all the churches of Christ everywhere. God is able!

3. Second, we will discuss Onesimus’ conversion to Christ while with Paul in Rome. I might suggest that many who are now incarcerated are looking for Christ! I pray this lesson will encourage any of you who read it to seek out and find the Lord, for He is ever near you, and much more during your time of imprisonment. Your offenses can be forgiven; however, you must serve the time imposed by the courts. Make this a time of investigation for a fundamental change to occur within, so that when you are released, you will not return as a repeat offender! Seek how to be “Born Anew,” John 3:3-8.

4. Lastly, we will investigate Paul’s approach to win Philemon’s forgiveness of Onesimus, and his reception again into his fellowship. However, not as a bond servant, but now as a free man, first in Christ, and now a brother to his owner, Philemon. Paul appeals to Philemon, not commands him to receive his son, because “I’m sending him back.” Therefore, receive him, that is, (like receiving) my own heart.” Paul reminds Philemon of his own debt to him and asks him to prepare lodging for him as well. Let us consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I PAUL’S CONFIDENCE IN PHILEMON

A. Paul salutation: “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philemon 1:1-3. What an exciting salutation to his addressee (Philemon). Like other salutations, Paul expresses thanks for his fellow workers, soldiers, and beloved brothers in Christ.

1. He ever reminds his readers where he was, and who he belonged to: “A prisoner of Jesus Christ, and let’s not forget Rome as well.” Paul’s only request was that they pray: “For him, that utterance might be given unto Him, that he might open his mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds, that I might speak boldly, as I ought to speak,” Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:2-4; and 2 Corinthians 5:20.

2. He remembers those who were with him, as it appears to be Timothy. However, in his “Farewell, he mentions Epaphras, my fellow prisoner, in Christ Jesus, who greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborer. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen,” Philemon 1:23-25. It appears to me that these may have been there with him as he wrote this Letter to Philemon. I will not suggest that they were prisoners, but that they could have been visiting Paul to encourage him and bring him up to date on what is going on at the churches where they were either ministers or serving in some capacity.

a. Epaphras is mentioned three times in the Letter of Paul to the churches, Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; and Philemon 1:23. To Paul, he was: 1) “Our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf; 2) Who is one of you (minister of the church at Colossae), a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God; and 3) “my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you.”