Sermons on Philemon 1:5:

Philemon

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 16, 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

I'm A Prisoner! I'm Free! I'm Free!

Contributed by Dan Chromy on Oct 21, 2000

When we consider God’s purpose for our lives as a result of God’s grace, we will see the consequences of life as opportunities to serve God and to be effective witnesses for the gospel.

Do you see every circumstance of your life as an opportunity to be a witness for the gospel? Throughout your lifetime, you will have many opportunities to serve Christ as a witness for the gospel. There will be times in your life when it is easy to serve the gospel, especially when everything ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25, Acts 28:21-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jet Tour Through Philemon Series

Contributed by Travis Moore on Oct 31, 2000

Introduction to Philemon

PHILEMON - Equality INTRODUCTION: Philemon was the 10th Epistle written by Paul. It was one of the four Epistles written by Paul from his Roman jail. It is the smallest and most personal of all Paul’s Letters. It has been called “a postcard with a punch”. It deals with the question, “How do you ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

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

"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

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

The Church's Diet: Healthy Choice Series

Contributed by David Kirkner on Aug 13, 2005

If we want a healthy church then we need to choose to be healthy Christians

The Threeattitudes: Philemon, 2 John, Jude A Church’s Diet: Healthy Choice Philemon If we want a healthy church then we need to choose to be healthy Christians Introduction: In the last several years Americans have become gluttons over the various diets guaranteed to take off extra pounds. We ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Character Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Todd Randolph on Oct 12, 2001

Forgiveness in Philemon

Last week we were introduced to the Philemon and the situation he found himself in. His slave, Onesimus had stolen from him and ran away to the city of Rome. While there Onesimus came across the apostle Paul was led to salvation in Christ Jesus. Paul has now returned Onesimus to Philemon. Along ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parts Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Todd Randolph on Oct 12, 2001

Forgiveness in Philemon

You may be familiar with the 1995 movie titled "Dead Man Walking." The movie is based upon the book (same title) by a Catholic Nun, Sister Helen PreJean. In the movie the figure of Matthew Poncelet is on death row for the brutal murders a teenage couple. The character is based upon the life ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

We Are All Slaves Series

Contributed by Peter Schmidt on Sep 20, 2004

Paul reminds Philemon and us that we all are slaves, that is, we all have responsibilities to our masters.

Pentecost 16 Philemon 1,10-21 Let’s say that you were a pastor, and you had this situation come up in your church: there was a problem between two of your most solid members, we’ll call them Philip and Oswald. But the problem between Phil and Ozzie isn’t a personality clash. The problem isn’t ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Found Useful

Contributed by Daniel Wheat on Jan 9, 2005

We have been purchased by the blood of Christ. We have been found to be useful by the King. Running away from God is not fullfiling the purpose that we have been called. Remember the slave tag, "If I should escape seize me and send me back to my master."

“FOUND USEFUL” Return Me To The Master Reference: Philemon 1:1-25 Reverend Daniel A. Wheat Introduction: Have any of you ever asked someone to write a letter of recommendation? Have you ever received an evaluation from a supervisor on your work performance? Ever get a love letter that made you ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Hurts Run Deep Series

Contributed by Steven Platt on Oct 29, 2002

Sermon based upon the book of Philemon. Illustrates the plight of Philemon to forgive Onesimus and how Paul aided in the process.

Read the Book of Philemon I Onesimus A. Name means "Useful" - But wasn’t very useful B. Slave of Philemon 1. Unlike slaves in America 2. Slaves were more like employees 3. Often were paid C. Caused Philemon to lose some money 1. Criminal intent - Money ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ