Sermons on Runaway Bride:

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

Enduring Afflicition

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jan 20, 2012

Wait - don't be so quick to run a way. Do not allow your soul, which is where your emotions, will, and intellect are housed, to wander about without the supervision of your enduring faith. As you persevere in the faith, endure affliction, don’t give up, k

“Enduring Affliction” By Pastor M.L. Maughmer, Jr. Subtopic :- Wait - don’t be so quick to run-a-way 2nd Timothy 4:5 “But watch thou in all things, ENDURE AFFLICTIONS, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry”. Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:5

Denomination: Apostolic

Driving Through The Desert

Contributed by Robert Nixon on Jan 25, 2006

The Hebrew nation, Elijah, Jesus and others were driven into the desert. What is God doing when we "are driven into the desert"?

DRIVING THROUGH THE DESERT INTRODUCTION: Describe living in Arizona and camping Out in the desert as a Boy Scout. Describe how easy it was to get lost and separated. (Superstition Mountains). The desert has been used by God many times throughout the Bible. The Israelites in the Wilderness, the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

A Picture Of Gospel Partnership Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 3, 2025

When we’re gripped by the grace of the gospel, our hearts overflow with love for God’s people.

A Picture of Gospel Partnership Philemon 1-7 Rev. Brian Bill November 1-2, 2025 Perhaps you’ve wondered about the process I go through to choose what to preach on. After an extended time of prayer, I think through our four G’s (Gather, Grow, Give, and Go) to see if there’s a value that we need to ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

My Son, The Thief

Contributed by James Groce on Nov 14, 2001

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

------------- Philemon 1:18-19 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. --------------- This is a story which teaches ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:18-19

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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