Sermons on Philemon 4:12:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sends You Their Greetings

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 25, 2013

To prove that we need to choose good company rather than evil companions.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you have good company? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To prove that we need to choose good company rather than evil companions. IV. TEXT: Philemon 1:23-24 (Amplified Bible) 1:23 Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner here in [the cause of] ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:23-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Onesimus

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 20, 2013

To show that we are useful now to the Master. To compare our lives with Onesimus.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you useful to the MASTER? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we are useful now to the Master. To compare our lives with Onesimus. IV. TEXT: Philemon 1:10-11 (Amplified Bible) 1:10 I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child, Onesimus [meaning ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:10-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Partner In The Gospel

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 20, 2013

To enumerate our partnership in the Gospel.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you a partner in the Gospel? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To enumerate our partnership in the Gospel. IV. TEXT: Philemon 1:17 (Amplified Bible) If then you consider me a partner and a comrade in fellowship, welcome and receive him as you would [welcome ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Favor For A Brother

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 20, 2013

To enumerate the attitudes behind giving a favor.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you constantly do favors for another? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To enumerate the attitudes behind giving a favor. IV. TEXT: Philemon 1:14 (Amplified Bible) But it has been my wish to do nothing about it without first consulting you and getting your ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

"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

Restoring Relationships

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Sep 4, 2016

Paul's letter to Philemon gives us solid timeless principles in restoring broken relationships. As Paul paid for Onesimus' sin, so Christ pays for ours, thus restoring us to God. Because we have been forgiven much, we need to forgive others.

Philemon Restoring Relationships I’d like to take a little survey this morning: Who here has never had a relationship challenge? Ah ha, I thought so. Today’s subject “Restoring Relationships,” is for all of us. As we seek to live a Christian life, does our faith have any ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Preparing For The Coming Of Christ Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Nov 5, 2016

An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world

Thursday of the 31st Week in Course 2016 Joy of the Gospel We stand now very close to the conclusion of our liturgical year, our holy year of grace and mercy that concludes on the Feast of Christ the King. I’m doubly blessed because I get to celebrate Christ the King Sunday twice. In the ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:7-20

Denomination: Catholic

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