Sermons on Philemon 13:15-16:

An Open Letter

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 20, 2019

No longer a slave.

AN OPEN LETTER. PHILEMON 1:1-21. Onesimus was a slave who had escaped from his Christian master, Philemon. Yet in a beautiful irony, having not ‘made it’ alone in the big city, he found himself at last brought under the direct personal influence of “Paul the prisoner” (Philemon 1:1). Many a ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"more Deeply"

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Sep 14, 2019

Paul shares in this letter to Philemon we can Share more deeply, contribute more deeply, fellowship more deeply, communion more deeply.

More Deeply Share more deeply, contribute more deeply, fellowship more deeply, communion more deeply 1. Paul’s letter to Philemon • The letter is a very personal message to a man who is a slave-owner. • In the letter, Paul encourages Philemon to forgive a runaway slave and welcome him back — not ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1

Denomination: Methodist

Working Your Faith Series

Contributed by Caleb Onwuka on Nov 25, 2014

How to make your faith effective; so that you won't be caught in the trap of unbelief. Your life can be full of the living experiences of God's Word. The scriptures will no longer become a story but a living testimony when you master the act of faith.

"That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." (Philemon 1:6). The Greek word for EFFECTUAL is ENERGEO: It means to be in active operation, to produce effects, or to be powerfully productive. That means your ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:6

Denomination: *other

What Does It Mean To Appeal For The Useful?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jul 7, 2024

An example of grace in how it demonstrates the action of true Christian fellowship.

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 1:8-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon 2 - Counting The Costs And Benefits Series

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 3, 2025

As we become mission minded disciples who seek to share our faith, it helps to understand the costs and benefits of sharing our faith. It will help us remain motivated as we experience the costs and challenges of seeking the lost.

Introduction: A. Life is full of choices, isn’t it? 1. I read a story about a family who was moving cross-country many years ago before cellphones and they decided to drive both of their cars in the move. 2. Their 8 year-old son became very worried about this. 3. He asked his father, “How will we ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Burden And Blessing Of Forgiving Others

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

The gospel has made us all brothers and sisters, one in Christ Jesus. It has torn down whatever dividing walls used to stand between us, and it’s given us a reason to love and to forgive.

There are two sisters who aren’t speaking to one another because of things that happened, years ago: What does the gospel say to them? There’s a brother in the church who’s made a serious mistake: What does the gospel say to him, and those around him? There’s a whole congregation that needs ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:12-14, Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Story Of Grace Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 3, 2024

If we're not careful, we might overlook the missing the treasures the book of Philemon holds: the beautiful story of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting both the heart of Paul and the heart of God.

A Story of Grace Philemon 1-3 Introduction: 1) An Intimate Letter Philemon = most personal of Paul’s letters – a note from a friend to a friend… “Philemon” (v.1) If not, careful we will read through the little book of Philemon, check it off our daily Bible reading log, and quickly pass on to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

You Need This! Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 3, 2024

This message will uncover two priceless jewels in the book of Philemon: grace and peace—treasures that only God can give, and every soul desperately needs.

You Need This! Philemon 1-3 Introduction: Illust: You may not be familiar with the name of Edward Teach (Thatch), but you are familiar with the name, “Blackbeard.” Edward Teach or Blackbeard was one of the most feared and famous pirates to ever sail the waters off the coasts of Virginia and the ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

You Need This! Part 2 Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 3, 2024

The book of Philemon is the most personal of Paul's letters, a heartfelt note from one friend to another. Let's look deeper into this beautiful story of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting both the heart of the Apostle Paul and the heart of God.

PHILEMON: A STORY OF GRACE SUN AM AUGUST 25, 2024 CBCKING You Need This! [2] Philemon 1-3 Introduction: Look: v.3 – circle 2 words: “Grace and peace” - two treasures that only God has that everyone needs! v.3 – usual greeting you find in Paul’s epistles… yet it’s different. Note: “To” ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-3

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

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

You’re A Person Of Potential

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 3, 2020

Onesimus was a slave who became a criminal and fugitive. His name means "useful," but he wasn't. He met Paul in Rome and received Christ. He became useful; His master freed him and he became a minister. We too are to become useful for God.

YOU’RE A PERSON OF POTENTIAL Philemon 1:9-18 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A church service occurred during Covid-19 and only two people showed up: the preacher and a rancher. The preacher led songs, took up the offering, and then he preached for an hour and a half. 2. When they were going out the ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:9-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

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

No Longer A Slave PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 17, 2024

This sermon explores the lessons from the book of Philemon, emphasizing the relevance of Scripture in addressing contemporary issues and guiding Christian attitudes and actions.

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It's always a joy to gather with you, to share in the fellowship of believers, to learn from the Word of God, and to grow together in faith. Today, we have a powerful portion of Scripture to ponder. The book of Philemon, though brief, holds ...read more

Topics: Paul's Plea, Onesimus