Sermons on Philemon 1:5:

The God Of "Good Ole Slavery”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 7, 2025

Paul sends Onesimus back. Back to Philemon. Back to the house he ran from. Back to the chains he escaped.

Sermon: The God of “Good Ole Slavery” Scripture: Philemon 1:15–16 – “Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother…” Introduction: Wrestling with Paul and Our Present Beloved, ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: United Methodist

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

Philemon

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Nov 22, 2024

Paul's letter to Philemon is short but it has some wonderful lessons for us, especially about how we address something that's wrong.

I’d like you to imagine a scene. It’s about 60 A.D. We’re in the home of a wealthy man named Philemon. Philemon lives in the city of Colossae, in the south-east of what is now Turkey. Some time back, he met the apostle Paul and became a Christian, and he’s now one of the leaders of a church. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Joy

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Dec 28, 2024

Have you enjoyed the holiday season? Joy and gladness are what Jesus brought to earth. Therefore, we sing songs of gladness. Many sang Joy To The World! Will that joy remain as intense in a few weeks?

Have you enjoyed the holiday season? It is the dedicated season to have harmony with family and friends. It is a time to slow down and enjoy the emotions joy brings. One can feel peace and tranquility. A sense of calmness comes over you. The emotions of love and gladness appear. To the Christian, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17, Philemon 1:4-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Grace To Live By

Contributed by Larry Jones on Apr 18, 2001

We must reflect the Grace of God in our lives.

Grace To Live By Philemon 1:1-25 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Greetings From Rome!: Finding Freedom In Grace Series

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Jul 7, 2001

A plea to experience, extend, and expect the refreshment that grace brings

Postcards from the Past: Finding Freedom in Grace Scripture Reading: Philemon 1-25 The aging rabbi stood, his loose-fitting Jewish garb flapping lightly in the breeze that blew through his spacious, Roman-style living quarters. His back was turned toward the dark-haired man who sat ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Transforming Gospel

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Mar 10, 2001

Paul makes a special plea to his friend Philemon concerning his run-away slave but now a Christian, showing how the gospel transforms all relationships.

THE TRANSFORMING GOSPEL Letter writing is almost a lost art. We’d rather pick up the phone or dash off an e-mail but I’m glad that Paul used pen and ink. Doubtless Paul, being a man of letters and bubbling over with ideas for the spread of the gospel, must have written many ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Philemon

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 17, 2001

Are you a profitable servant?

Philemon A lot of people neglect this little book between Titus and Hebrews. My guess is because it deals with a subject that is a political hot potato. No one wants to discuss slavery. Many folks wonder why Paul did not just tell Philemon to sell all his slaves now that he is a Christian. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Charge It To Me

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Mar 13, 2002

Paul’s plea for Onesimus shows his willingness to redeem his friend before his master. A Christ-like example of redemption and justification.

„h Abraham Lincoln, when an attorney, was approached by a wealthy man who passionately insisted on bringing a suit for $2.50 against an impoverished debtor. „h Lincoln tried to discourage him, but the man was bent on restitution. „h When he saw that the man would not change his mind, Lincoln ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Other

Let's Be A Philemon Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 3, 2024

In the brief yet impactful letter of Philemon 1-7, Paul writes from prison, transforming his personal trials into a powerful act of grace and encouragement for others. Just like Paul, we are called to embody God’s lasting treasures of grace and peace in our own lives and relationships.

PHILEMON: A STORY OF GRACE SUN AM AUGUST 11, 2024 CBCKING Let’s Be a Philemon! Philemon 3-7 Introduction: Philemon = 25 verses, 430 words and takes up about a page in our NT – more of a postcard than it is a letter. Philemon = name – affectionate or beloved… lived up to his name. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

For Love's Sake Pt. 1 And 2 Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

In today's world, so many are left feeling empty and unfulfilled by the shallow versions of love society offers. In contrast, the book of Philemon introduces us to a different kind of love—agape love, a divine and selfless love that transforms hearts and relationships, offering true fulfillment.

For Love’s Sake! Philemon 4-9 Introduction: v.9 – Underline 3 words: “For Love’s Sake!” Illust: Psychologists claim that the three greatest needs of a human being are… 1) The need to be wanted. 2) The need to be needed. 3) The need to be loved. ? Live in a world that is obsessed with this ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Go! And Understand God's Heart Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 22, 2025

Some Old Testament verses are often misunderstood, or used to mock Scripture, or paint God as outdated or cruel. But when rightly understood, these verses don’t repel us—they reveal something glorious: the holiness, justice, and mercy of our God.

Go! And Understand God's Heart Introduction: It’s always an honour to open the Word of God with you. We are continuing in our Go! And... series today with a vital and timely message: Go! And Understand God’s Heart. Now, we’re going to deal with some Old Testament verses that are often ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 11:7, Exodus 21:7, Exodus 35:2, Matthew 5:17, Mark 7:18-19, Hebrews 4:9-10, Galatians 3:28, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Acts 3:19, John 14:6, Philemon 1:1-25, Romans 1:26-27, Leviticus 18:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Picture Of Gospel Partnership Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 3, 2025

When we’re gripped by the grace of the gospel, our hearts overflow with love for God’s people.

A Picture of Gospel Partnership Philemon 1-7 Rev. Brian Bill November 1-2, 2025 Perhaps you’ve wondered about the process I go through to choose what to preach on. After an extended time of prayer, I think through our four G’s (Gather, Grow, Give, and Go) to see if there’s a value that we need to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Welcomig Others In Christ

Contributed by Cesar Delgado on Dec 6, 2005

No matter how low or base, useless and unprofitable, sinful and derelict, crippled and diseased, ugly and unattractive, unapproachable and distasteful- a person needs to be received and brought into fellowship of Christ and believers

WELCOMING OTHERS IN CHRIST Philemon 4-21 by Cesar Delgado April 30, 2005 OBS, Tupas donsol INTRODUCTION A. People like us It is generally true we like people who are most like ourselves. In contrast, we tend not to build friendships as quickly with people who are not like us. Sometimes, if we ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Heart With A Big Margin

Contributed by W F on Jun 25, 2006

Discover how to accept people who are hard to live with in a way that is pleasing God.

INTRODUCTION At some time in our lives we all need to deal with difficult people or people who have done the wrong thing by us. In this letter that Paul has written to Philemon, we discover how we can accept people who are hard to live with, in a way that is pleasing God. Quite simply some people ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-8

Denomination: *other