Sermons on Philemon 1:9-17:

Attributes Of A Forgiving 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. Philemon 4-7 (READ) 1. We live in a SOCIETY that KNOWS little about FORGIVENESS. We live in a SOCIETY that CARES little about FORGIVENESS. a. In fact, I would think that one of the major CONTRIBUTORS—if not the major contributor—to the DESTRUCTION of RELATIONSHIPS in our ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Spontaneous Favor

Contributed by Bala Samson on Dec 20, 2023

The BEST way to show our gratitude to God is by pouring ourselves into His work and helping the church ministry activities in whatever way we can.

Spontaneous favor!!!! Philemon 1:14” any favor you do must be spontaneous and not forced.” It was a hectic day of Christmas feast and other Christmas related activities, after coming back home, while I was reading my Bible reading potion for the day, I came across the above scripture which just ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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 31, 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

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

Sermon # 37 - The Father's Love Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jul 18, 2025

The love that God the Father demonstrated when He sent His only begotten Son Jesus into this world is unfathomable. It’s this love of God that saved us, protects us, provides for our needs, trusts and accepts us in spite of all our faults and failings.

For our meditation today let me highlight this verse from 1 John 3:1, “See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are.” (GNB) Can you imagine the amazing love God the Father has lavished on us, that we have the wonderful ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1, Hebrews 11:7, Romans 8:32, 2 Samuel 13:39, 2 Samuel 15:7-9, Philemon 1:10, Philemon 1:15-16, Philemon 1:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Unknown To Us, But Known By God And Part Of His Plan Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 11, 2024

In the Bible, there are many individuals whose lives and actions, though briefly mentioned, play significant roles in God's unfolding plan. Here, we explore a dozen such figures to shed light on their importance.

Unknown to us, but known by God and part of His Plan In the grand narrative of the Bible, there are individuals whose lives and actions, though briefly mentioned, play significant roles in God's unfolding plan. Here, we explore a dozen such figures, drawing upon the insights of renowned ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 4:34, 2 Chronicles 9:29, Romans 16:7, 1 Chronicles 7:24, Genesis 41:45, Exodus 2:1-3, Acts 18:26, Exodus 4:24-26, Acts 18:2-3, Philemon 1:2, Colossians 4:17, Philemon 1:1-2, Philemon 1:10-16, Colossians 4:15, Colossians 4:12-13  (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

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

Resolving Disputes

Contributed by Doug Couch on Dec 15, 2000

All interpersonal conflicts can be resolved if we follow the method Paul used with Philemon and Onesimus

Resolving Disputes Philemon 12-16 Introduction: "I hate you for what you have done to my life." These words have been thought many times in American culture. We know little or care little about forgiveness. We don’t get mad; we get even! THE major cause of destruction in all relationships ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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