Sermons on Philemon 1:8-16:

Characteristics Of A Forgiven Person Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Jan 12, 2023

The apostle Paul wrote a personal letter to a man named Philemon who had been wronged by his servant named Onesimus whom had, it is widely believed, stolen money from him and then ran away to Rome.

A. Psalm 32:1-2 (READ and COMMENT) ILLUSTRATION: Some years ago, two TEENAGERS with a long history of CRIME and DELINQUENCY robbed a DRUG STORE on the lowest East Side of New York City and then ran into a YMCA to HIDE OUT while all the POLICE activity was going on. On the way out, they saw ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"a Love Letter From Jesus."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Feb 13, 2023

The book of Philemon portrays the love of God through the relationship between Paul and a runaway slave named Onesimus. Similarly, Christ's love for his church is evident in his prayer in the garden where he asked God to receive his church the way he would receive him.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Philemon 1:10-16) (10) "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:" (11) "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:" (12) ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:10-21, John 17:5-11, John 17:1-5, John 17:12-23, John 17:24-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

I'm Sending Him Back! Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jan 23, 2026

To discuss Onesimus, who was a ”runaway servant,” whom Paul converted in Rome, and returned to his master, as a Christian and now “a faithful and beloved brother” in the Lord.

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 ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-9, Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

13th Sunday After Pentecost. September 7th, 2025. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 29, 2022

Year C, Proper 18.

Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, Psalm 139:13-18, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 1, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 A). A VIEW FROM THE POTTER'S HOUSE. Jeremiah 18:1-11. On one occasion I was taken to a pottery museum, where one could purchase wares and also see them being made. I had made one ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139:1-6, Psalm 139:13-18, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Wisdom Of God Vs The Wisdom Of This World

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 3, 2022

When Jesus is telling us that following Him means hating everything and everyone else, He uses strong language.

Twenty-third Sunday in Course Today’s Gospel is so unnerving, even shocking, that we might in our meditation forget about the other readings. The lessons we can learn from the wisdom books of Scripture are good foundations for our appreciation of the teachings of Jesus. I like to think of our ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:17, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:9-17

Denomination: Catholic

Refresh My Heart

Contributed by Larry Grant on Oct 30, 2022

Here is the history of a saint who has been greatly wronged and is called upon to put it all behind him and forgive. Here is also the history of a sinner running from his past who found grace with God and was told to go back to what he ran from.

Philemon 1:8-20 Refresh My Heart October 30, 2022 The Plea for Onesimus. This short letter is one of the greatest of Paul’s writings. Even unbelievers have seen the power of this small excerpt of history. It speaks of a request for redemption and reconciliation. ILLS: The Setting. Here is ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Plan Of Salvation - A Letter To Philemon Series

Contributed by Heman Sapogu on Oct 30, 2022

The Letter To Philemon: The Book of Philemon has only one chapter with 25 Verses. It’s a simple letter written by Apostle Paul when he was in prison to a man called Philemon who lived in COLOSSE, today we are going to meditate/learn what was the need of this letter to Philemon.

The Letter To Philemon: The Book of Philemon has only one chapter with 25 Verses. It’s a simple letter written by Apostle Paul when he was in prison to a man called Philemon who lived in COLOSSE, today we are going to meditate/learn what was the need of this letter to Philemon. Paul is not writing ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Transformed By The Gospel Mark 13:10 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 3, 2024

In the words of Jesus recorded in Mark 13:10, we find a compelling mandate that resonates through the ages - the proclamation of the Good News to all nations. Let's delve into the transformative truth encapsulated in this verse and understand the urgency and significance of our mission.

Transformed by the Gospel Mark 13:10 Mark 13:10 (NLT) "For the Good News must first be preached to all nations." Introduction: In the prophetic words of Jesus recorded in Mark 13:10, we find a compelling mandate that resonates through the ages—the proclamation of the Good News to all ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:10, Matthew 24:14, Romans 1:16, Acts 1:8, 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 28:19-20, Philemon 1:16, Ephesians 2:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

So Why Is Jesus Stopping In The Middle Of The Road And Facing Me?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 2, 2025

Here's another opportunity to put yourself in another’s position, and it is critical. You have been following Jesus, for several days or months or years. He is going to Jerusalem with this vast mob following Him, including you. He stops. He turns around.

Twenty-third Sunday in Course 2025 Let’s suppose you have what you think is a good idea, but you wonder whether other people will agree with you. If your primary concern is to avoid public scorn or controversy or losing a valuable part of your business, you are in need of prudence. You are asking ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:3-6, Psalm 90:12-14, Psalm 90:17, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:12-17, Philemon 1:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

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