Sermons on Philemon 8-21:

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

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

No Longer A Slave PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 16, 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

"We All Need Some Encouragement"

Contributed by Bobby Touchton on May 5, 2004

Originally a Mother’s Day sermon directed to men who are incarcerated, this message focuses upon the Christian act of encouragement as seen in the lives of Philemon and Barnabas.

Submitted By Dr. Bobby J. Touchton Ashland, Kentucky INTRODUCTION. Let me begin by reading an email, entitled, "What My Mother Taught Me," My other taught me RELIGION: When I spilled grape juice on the carpet, she instructed, "You better pray the stain will come out of the carpet." My mother ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25, Acts 15:36-41

Denomination: Baptist

Epaparas Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 2, 2022

Epaphras is mentioned three times in the New Testament, twice in Colossians and once in Philemon. He was a believer in Christ who served with the apostle Paul, who referred to him as a "fellow servant."

Epaphras (a fellow prisoner of Paul, fellow worker) Epaphras is mentioned three times in the New Testament, twice in Colossians and once in Philemon. He was a believer in Christ who served with the apostle Paul, who referred to him as a "fellow servant," "faithful minister," ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

I Am The Light Of The World Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 17, 2016

1) The Area in which the conflict took place (John 8:20), 2) The Lord’s Assertion (John 8:12), 3) The Leaders’ Accusation (John 8:13), 4) The Lord’s Answer to that accusation (John 8:14–19), and 5) His Announcement of their impending judgment (John 8:21).

Just in time for winter, Hydro One said it is working to reconnect power for hundreds of customers who are in the dark, because they had their electricity cut off due to unpaid bills. The power provider says it is reaching out to roughly 1,400 residential customers who failed to pay their bills in ...read more

Scripture: John 8:12-21

Denomination: Other

Joy

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Dec 28, 2024

Have you enjoyed the holiday season? Joy and gladness are what Jesus brought to earth. Therefore, we sing songs of gladness. Many sang Joy To The World! Will that joy remain as intense in a few weeks?

Have you enjoyed the holiday season? It is the dedicated season to have harmony with family and friends. It is a time to slow down and enjoy the emotions joy brings. One can feel peace and tranquility. A sense of calmness comes over you. The emotions of love and gladness appear. To the Christian, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17, Philemon 1:4-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

"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

Times Of Refreshing 2 Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Dec 19, 2023

If you can look back and see where God has brought you from and what he has done, you cannot keep quiet but thank God. And even more

What happens when refreshing comes from the Lord? We have come to the final moments of 2015. If you can look back and see where God has brought you from and what he has done, you cannot keep quiet but thank God. And even more, If we are seeing this moment it is because God was in control this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:21, Acts 2:47, Acts 2:41, Philemon 1:4-7, Acts 3:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

What In Hell Do You Want?

Contributed by Jonathan Lucas on Jun 5, 2001

This sermon challenges the seeker to consider the reality of eternity in Hell, and presents a better place, Heaven. It also encourages the believer to stand strong within the Faith.

What In Hell Do You Want? (Making a Deal with the Devil) Text: Philemon 1:24, Matthew 16:24-26, 2 Timothy 4:10 Philemon 1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:24, Matthew 16:24-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

God’s Reset Button

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 17, 2010

Paul always looked for the hidden blessing in every trial. Have you been complaining about your situation? Grumbling short-circuits faith, but joy revives it.

Are you trapped in a prison of despair, doubt or anxiety? Learn to release the power of praise. The apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians is one of the Bible’s most unique books. Some scholars call it "the epistle of joy" because the word "joy" or "rejoice" appear in it 16 times. Yet what is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4, Philemon 4:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A True Love

Contributed by Norman Bernad on Sep 23, 2020

On Valentine's Day everybody may be talking about love but do most people really understand how important real love is-to a marriage-to a relationship-to the home-to the Christian life-even to the church!

A True Love (A True Valentina) 1. Exodus 32:30-33 2. Philemon: 1.8-20 3. Psalm : 136 On Valentine's Day everybody may be talking about love but do most people really understand how important real love is-to a marriage-to a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:30-33, Philemon 1:8-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God