Sermons on A Letter To Philemon:

"jesus" - More Than A Name

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Oct 25, 2020

The following sermon on Colossians 1:15-20 is going to examine Apostle Paul’s response to a heresy that broke out in Colossae concerning Christ’s identity in hope that we might come to associate the name “Jesus’” as the second person of the Godhead.

More than a Name Colossians 1:15-20 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 A “name” is “a word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.” Upon birth the name Christians parents choose for their child often depends on ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Burden And Blessing Of Forgiving Others

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

The gospel has made us all brothers and sisters, one in Christ Jesus. It has torn down whatever dividing walls used to stand between us, and it’s given us a reason to love and to forgive.

There are two sisters who aren’t speaking to one another because of things that happened, years ago: What does the gospel say to them? There’s a brother in the church who’s made a serious mistake: What does the gospel say to him, and those around him? There’s a whole congregation that needs ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:12-14, Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Conclusion And Summary Series

Contributed by James Phillips on Jun 19, 2003

The conclusion of Paul’s letter and a brief summary of the letter.

COLOSSIANS #5 (Much of the material comes from Barnes’ Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft.) Conclusion A. Commendation of Tychicus 4:7 9 COLOSSIANS 4:7 18 7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond servant in the Lord, will ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-18

Denomination: Christian Church

The Appeal For The Useful

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 5, 2022

Christian relationships must be filled with mercy, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Paul wrote this letter as a plea for a runaway slave of Philemon’s named Onesimus. He had stolen from Philemon then ran away to Rome where he met Paul. Subsequently he accepted Christ as his Savior, so Paul was writing this letter as he was sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but he wanted Philemon ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Taking A Mess And Making It Useful Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 2, 2008

To help my audience see how to apply deliberate Christ-centered action to their relationships at home and in the Church so that potential messes are made into decisive victories for the Lord

Sweet gum trees. They’re a great shade tree – they grow quickly and strong. They produce a lot of leaves that will often turn nice colors in the fall. And, if you’ve had a couple of them, you know they also produce about a billion spiny, ball-shaped seedpods called monkey balls or gum balls. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power And Love And Forgiveness

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on May 16, 2013

They say that love and forgiveness is powerful, but you put the two together and it is supernatural.

The power of love and forgiveness Philemon 8-20 Introduction- They say that love is powerful and they say that forgiveness is powerful, but to put the two together is supernatural. Only the power of God and the Holy Spirit working in our lives can we love and forgive people. Even if you ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-20

Denomination: Nazarene

The City Through The Centuries Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on May 30, 2006

Final in a three part series exploring the role of the church in the city. This message explores the book of Philemon, and the role the church has played in cities through the centuries.

It was a hand delivered letter. It arrived at his home. He opened it, and read it. (Had loaded a copy of the book of Philemon from "the message" into an envelope. Opened it as if it was a delievered letter, and read the text.) That’s it. The letter, or as we know it today, the entire book ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Wesleyan

Thankful For Friends Series

Contributed by Keith Andrews on Oct 6, 2008

This morning, I want us to look at our prayer life under the microscope of thanksgiving. And ask the question to you; are you bringing your friends before God and thanking God for them?

Thankfulness for Friends Sermon by CH(CPT) Keith J. Andrews All scripture marked ESV: The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society. Philemon 4 reads; 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, (Phm 4) In the Army we know too well what ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Prisioner Of Jesus Christ

Contributed by David Hudson on Dec 13, 2008

This message describes what it means to be a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

A P R I S O N E R O F J E S U S C H R I S T Philemon 1 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, Philemon 1 9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-9

Denomination: Apostolic

A Story Of Grace Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 3, 2024

If we're not careful, we might overlook the missing the treasures the book of Philemon holds: the beautiful story of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting both the heart of Paul and the heart of God.

A Story of Grace Philemon 1-3 Introduction: 1) An Intimate Letter Philemon = most personal of Paul’s letters – a note from a friend to a friend… “Philemon” (v.1) If not, careful we will read through the little book of Philemon, check it off our daily Bible reading log, and quickly pass on to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

What Does It Mean To Appeal For The Useful?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jul 7, 2024

An example of grace in how it demonstrates the action of true Christian fellowship.

Paul wrote this letter as a plea for a runaway slave of Philemon’s named Onesimus. He had stolen from Philemon then ran away to Rome where he met Paul. Subsequently he accepted Christ as his Savior, so Paul was writing this letter as he was sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but he wanted Philemon ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Refresh My Heart

Contributed by Patty Groot on Sep 8, 2025

This sermon shows how Paul’s opening words to Philemon (vv. 1–7) model grace-filled leadership, reminding us that our reputation in Christ matters, forgiveness is the mark of maturity, and we are called to refresh others’ hearts with the same love we’ve received.

Sometimes the most powerful messages come in the smallest packages. That’s true in life, and it’s certainly true in the Bible. Philemon is the shortest letter Paul wrote, just 25 verses. You could read it in under two minutes. But in those 25 verses, Paul lays out a powerful, personal, and deeply ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

"Forgoing One's Legal Rights In The Name Of Christ.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Sep 3, 2001

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 9th, 2001 Heavenly Father empower each of us to be a true follower of Christ by submitting all to his service. Amen. Title: “Forgoing one’s legal rights in the name of Christ.” Text: Philemon

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 9th, 2001 Heavenly Father empower each of us to be a true follower of Christ by submitting all to his service. Amen. Title: “Forgoing one’s legal rights in the name of Christ.” Text: Philemon 1-21 This, the shortest of Paul’s letters, 335 ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

I've Been Changed Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

Every person has a story, often marked by success, failure, or struggle—but for the Christian, that story can be summed up in one powerful word: Grace. This is the testimony of every believer—before grace and after grace—a story of transformation and redemption.

I’ve Been Changed! Philemon 8-25 Introduction: Every person has a life story. That story can be summed up on one word: achievement, success, power, wealth, family… tragedy, failure, brokenness. Christian = Grace! Every Christian’s life is a story of grace. Another Word = Changed! Before ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-25

Denomination: Baptist

Profitable Slave

Contributed by Benjamin Frawley on Dec 18, 2003

Narrative sermon depicting the life of Onesimus

“Profitable Slave” It was a spontaneous act. The temptation was more than I could bear. If you were in my place, I’m sure you would have done the same. I mean, if you saw the things that Philemon had, I’m sure you would have understood how much more I needed it and how little Philemon did. It ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Pentecostal