Sermons on A Letter To Philemon:

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

Being An Advocate For Others Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Apr 24, 2010

A sermon examining the importance of standing up for others.

BEING AN ADVOCATE FOR OTHERS Philemon 1:8-21 (Antioch Baptist Church: Sunday Morning, July 6th, 2025) Listen online at - https://youtu.be/hA3T00nqTGM?feature=shared It’s the kind of story that makes the news; a man who had set out on a mission to destroy a church unexpectedly came to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-21

Denomination: Baptist

Being An Advocate For Others Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 28, 2016

A sermon examining the importance of ministering to others.

BEING AN ADVOCATE FOR OTHERS Philemon 1:8-21 (Antioch Baptist Church: Sunday Morning, July 6th, 2025) Listen online at - https://youtu.be/hA3T00nqTGM?feature=shared It’s the kind of story that makes the news; a man who had set out on a mission to destroy a church unexpectedly came to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-21

Denomination: Baptist

Once Useless Now Useful

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Nov 15, 2004

Once Useless Now Useful: The story of Onesimus; the story of Paul; the story of us all.

My father has a knack for finding and fixing discarded bicycles. Bikes that are considered useless by most become useful in the hands of this skilled mechanic. Of course everyone knows that with a bit of duct tape anything can be made useful again. Does that work on people too? Can those who ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Amazing Grace

Contributed by Bledar Valca on Feb 19, 2007

Amazing Grace Sunday

AMAZING GRACE Philemon When, in England, William Wilberforce initiated his long campaign to outlaw slavery in the British Empire, he did not act as a social reformer. He was moved by Christian compassion: he acted because he cared about those helpless chattels that the majority in his day viewed ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It Takes A Big Man Series

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Aug 29, 2005

It takes a big person to forgive.

Philemon 1-7 It Takes a Big Man Woodlawn Baptist Church August 28, 2005 Introduction I don’t know if you are familiar with whom Elizabeth Barrett Browning is. If you’ve been to any of the weddings I’ve conducted you have heard me use some of her poetry. Elizabeth was raised by a tyrannical ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Charge That To My Account Series

Contributed by Christian Zorio on Aug 5, 2002

In Philemon 17-19, we will see how we are like Onesimus in 3 ways so that we will supremely value our salvation in Christ. We have 1.) An Undeserved Substitute (v. 17) 2.) An Unpayable Debt (v.18) 3.) An Unbelievable Payment (v.19)

CHARGE THAT TO MY ACCOUNT (Philemon 17-19) INTRODUCITON: Many of you have asked why I left my last church. I thought I would take some time this morning to briefly explain those circumstances… I was not getting along with our worship leader. And our issues with one another were beginning to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:17-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Road To Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Feb 20, 2011

Paul is directing Philemon, Onesimus and you and me down the Road to forgivenes. We find that unforgivness impacts your physical, and mental health. God is not a fuddy dud but a compassionate father wanting only whats best for us. Forgivenes is the roa

Intro: In the past two weeks we have studied the personal yet powerful letter from Paul to Philemon. It is very interesting to note the word forgiveness is never mentioned in this little letter. However much is said about forgiveness by the apostle Paul. Don’t forget the call to put flesh on ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-18

Denomination: Baptist

Paul Preaches In Rome Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 8, 2025

The Book of Acts ends, not with a period, but with a comma. We don’t get a tidy conclusion to Paul’s story, but we do get a powerful reminder that the mission of the Church is far from over.

PAUL PREACHES IN ROME Text: Acts 28:17-31 Introduction 1. The Book of Acts ends, not with a period, but with a comma. We don’t get a tidy conclusion to Paul’s story, but we do get a powerful reminder that the mission of the Church is far from over. 2. In Acts 28:17–31, we see Paul in Rome, under ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:17-31

Denomination: Methodist

"What A Difference Christ Makes"

Contributed by Danny Moss on Jan 30, 2002

This message reveals some of the tremendous changes that occur when we give our lives to Christ.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE CHRIST MAKES! Text: the N.T. book of Philemon Introduction- The Bible says in 2nd Corinthians 5:17- "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." We can see ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Paul And Timothy - Victims Of Age Discrimination

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 4, 2008

Whose criteria are you using to evaluate God’s men?

Years ago, sigh, ages ago back in college a professor handed out a humorous letter from a mission board rejecting the Apostle Paul for sundry reasons. I was able to find it and have placed the letter at the end of this message. The author is unknown else I would give appropriate ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Rocks, Paper, Jesus Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Sep 27, 2010

Exposition of Heb 3:1-6 regarding the superior excellencies of Jesus over Moses

Text: Heb 3:1-6a, Title: Rocks, Paper, Jesus, Date/Place: NRBC, 9/26/10, AM A. Opening illustration: B. Background to passage: After proclaiming the superiority of Christ over the angels, and speaking of the benefits of Christ’s death toward us, the preacher makes an abrupt shift, getting ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist