Sermons on Philemon 8-21:

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

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

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

"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

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 Plea For Onesimus

Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on Feb 24, 2020

A short letter from a man in prison to a man betrayed.

A PLEA FOR ONESIMUS "8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-16, John 8:34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Good Friday Is Good For Us

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jun 4, 2015

Jesus sees all our sins, but because he had made the ultimate sacrifice with his blood, we can have forgiveness. Christ is the sin eater who has taken care of all our sins, and that is another reason why Good Friday is good for us.

What is so good about Good Friday? That is the question many of us probably ask when Good Friday comes around every year. After all, what is good about a day that commemorates Jesus' horrible torture and execution on a Roman cross? Good Friday is a dark day in some respects because it ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 10:16-25, Hebrews 10:16-25

Denomination: Anglican

Arrows Of Truth # 7 - What Is The 1st Step Of The Hunters Strategy? (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Louis Posthauer on Mar 19, 2022

A weekly series to help believers engage with loved ones, friends and neighbors who are dropout believers to restore them to the church - the Body of Christ.

Arrows of Truth # 7 - What is the 1st step of the Hunters strategy? (Part 2) The 1st step of the Hunters strategy is to strengthen yourself in the Lord. What do we mean by strengthen ourselves in the Lord? Unless we are strengthened for our engagement with the dropout, we will end up spiritually ...read more

Scripture: James 5:16, Philemon 1:6

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

Letter To My Father

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Oct 12, 2020

God is our father. He desires that we communicate wit him. Let's pour the problems bothering our hearts to him like David did. He will answer us, for we are his children.

TEXT: Philemon 1:21(NLT) "I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!" Oct 6, My dear father, "I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 6:6-7, Psalm 13:3-4, Philemon 1:21

Denomination: Pentecostal