Sermons on Runaway Bride:

A Plea For Onesimus (Philemon)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 17, 2024

How should we act in a politically and socially corrupt world? Should we honor our obligations, to our own hurt? Let's find out in Paul's letter to Philemon.

How do we act as Christians in the midst of political and social corruption? How should Philemon handle the delicate matter of a runaway slave, now converted and a brother in Christ, yet who was still under some kind of legal obligation to serve out his term as a slave? Was Philemon the host of a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Get Up And Get Dressed

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Nov 27, 2006

When people see us “make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends {us}” (Colossians 3:13) then and only then will they conclude we are followers of Jesus.

Wakeup call at our house – a ritual! First call – “Time to get up and get ready.” Fifteen minutes later – “Come on get out of bed! We have to go soon!” Then in frustration and desperation Glenys pulls the blankets back and hollers, “DALE, it’s time to get up! We leave in an hour!” You thought it ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Old Time Religion Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jul 18, 2010

The old time religion is real--and not what you think

The Old Time Religion James 1:26-27 * (The Song – Old Time Religion) Singing this song evokes emotional memories of days past. Candidly, most of us affectionately remember ‘The Old Time Religion’ but we have difficulty authentically remembering ‘The Old Time Religion.’ The things we remember are ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, James 1:23-27

Denomination: Baptist

Trying Out Another Sin Project

Contributed by Scott Bradford on Jan 15, 2012

This sermon is about the affects of our sinfulness and disobediance to God!

Trying Out Another Sin-Project 29-30"What do you have against me, running off to assert your 'independence'?" God's Decree. "I've wasted my time trying to train your children. They've paid no attention to me, ignored my discipline. And you've gotten rid of your God-messengers, ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:29-37

Denomination: United Methodist

Paul's Postcard To Philemon

Contributed by Jason Smith on Sep 25, 2013

Philemon is a very short epistle (a postcard). But as short as it is, there are many great lessons we can learn from it.

Introduction Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae (cf. Col 4.9). He seems from our text to be somewhat wealthy; he was a slave-owner; it also seems that the church met in his house if those mentioned in verse 2 are members of his household as most assume. Philemon was a faithful servant ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Real Independence

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Jul 29, 2006

Message regarding how to have spiritual independence. Given on the Sunday before Independence Day 2006.

Real Independence John 8:31-36 July 2, 2006 Introduction Well, in case you’re not aware of it, the 4th of July, Independence Day is on Tuesday. My guess is that all of you are aware of it, and if you have kids, they’ve made you aware of it, if for no other reason than the fact that they feel ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Wesleyan

God Invites You To Become Involved Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 7, 2004

The story of Philemon and Onesimus, presented as an imaginative story, shows how God called Paul to become involved as a mediator, Philemon to become involved in real church work, and Onesimus to become involved in overcoming his background to become usef

The new day greeted his eyes early. He stretched and shook off the sleep, but then, remembering why he had wanted to get up at the crack of dawn, Philemon jumped out of bed and began his day’s duties. His first task was to open his window and turn his gaze toward the rising sun, offering his ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Found Useful

Contributed by Daniel Wheat on Jan 9, 2005

We have been purchased by the blood of Christ. We have been found to be useful by the King. Running away from God is not fullfiling the purpose that we have been called. Remember the slave tag, "If I should escape seize me and send me back to my master."

“FOUND USEFUL” Return Me To The Master Reference: Philemon 1:1-25 Reverend Daniel A. Wheat Introduction: Have any of you ever asked someone to write a letter of recommendation? Have you ever received an evaluation from a supervisor on your work performance? Ever get a love letter that made you ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Philemon Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 15, 2019

This book is a picture of salvation.

A. THE STORY OF PHILEMON Paul had led Philemon to Christ, a rich businessman in Colossae, 100 miles from Ephesus. Paul probably never visited Colossae (Col. 1:7; 2:7). Philemon owned slaves, and one slave, Onesimus, stole valuables and ran away to Rome, thinking he couldn’t be found in that ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Future Restoration Of Israel - Part 7 - Scriptures In Isaiah Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 14, 2022

This study continues with the examination of the Isaiah passages for Israel's restoration after the Second Coming. Israel returns as the Wife of Jehovah; the earth is luxuriant in the Millennium and nations will come to the light of glory in Israel with Messiah there.

THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL - PART 7 - SCRIPTURES IN ISAIAH The series of restoration passages in the Prophet Isaiah continues. We now continue on from Part 6. {{Isaiah 54:4-8 “Fear not, for YOU will not be put to shame, neither feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced, but you ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 54:4-8, 1 John 1:9-10, Isaiah 55:10-13, Isaiah 59:20-21, Zechariah 12:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Charge It To Me

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Mar 13, 2002

Paul’s plea for Onesimus shows his willingness to redeem his friend before his master. A Christ-like example of redemption and justification.

„h Abraham Lincoln, when an attorney, was approached by a wealthy man who passionately insisted on bringing a suit for $2.50 against an impoverished debtor. „h Lincoln tried to discourage him, but the man was bent on restitution. „h When he saw that the man would not change his mind, Lincoln ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Other

Onesimus

Contributed by Matt Hoffmann on Sep 6, 2007

This sermon can be done as a drama with Onesimus as the speaker. You can use a copy of Philemon as prop and use it to read the sections of the letter if you don’t have time to memorize them.

Good Morning! What a beautiful day it is down here on the docks. I hope you are going on an exciting journey. I know I am. I am headed to Colossae with Tychicus over there. We are going to deliver a letter from an incredible guy named Paul to the Colossian church. Then, I have a letter to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Charge It To My Account

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Feb 7, 2011

In our text this morning, we find credit being extended. Paul the Apostle writes a letter and in essence he is saying – Whatever is owed, I don’t have Cash, therefore; I need you to Charge it to my Account. I am signing the slip now, put it on my credi

TITLE: CHARGE IT TO MY ACCOUNT SCRIPTURE: PHILEMON 18-19 The CREDIT CARD has become the SYMBOL OF AMERICAN BUSINESS. Matter of fact, some suggest it is the LOGO and SYMBOL of our Country. It is the FRATERNITY PIN of the average American. It is the PASSPORT to plenty for a great many today. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

Philemon: An Appeal To Forgive Series

Contributed by Tony Thomas on Jul 17, 2017

This message is an overview of the book of Philemon and part of a 2-year study of the Bible.

Philemon: An Appeal to Forgive by, Tony Thomas Sr. Minister, Woodland Heights Christian Church, Crawfordsville, IN No. 57 in a series called, Route 66, a Road Trip Through the Bible Several TV mini-series were popular during the 80s. For example, some of my favorites were The Blue ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:10-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Two Sons..."By Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Jul 6, 2005

A wise old man once said, "A lot of good luck is undeserved but then so is a lot bad luck..." The younger of the "two sons" wished he hadn’t had his run of bad luck. Let’s examine the Portrait Of A Prodigal together!

Introduction No other picture in the Word of God speaks louder than the example Jesus’ gives us about the love and mercy of God as seen in the Portrait of a Prodigal. We all have had our own share of rebellion. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom and love waits for us all to return. Nowhere is this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Baptist