You Need This! Series

You Need This!

Philemon 1-3

Introduction:

Illust: You may not be familiar with the name of Edward Teach (Thatch), but you are familiar with the name, “Blackbeard.” Edward Teach or Blackbeard was one of the most feared and famous pirates to ever sail the waters off the coasts of Virginia and the Carolinas during the “Golden Age of Piracy” in early colonial America.

Blackbeard’s most notorious vessel was the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” a former French slave ship turned pirate ship. She was outfitted with 40 cannons. Blackbeard was known for his terrifying appearance: he was tall and muscular with a long black beard, which he would often tie with ribbons and light fuses under his hat during battle, giving him a fearsome, almost demonic look. This image was so intimidating that many ships surrendered without a fight when confronted by Blackbeard.

Blackbeard’s notorious pirating career only lasted about two years. His pirating days ended abruptly when he was killed in battle with the British naval forces off the coast of Ocracoke Island, N.C.

During his short career, Blackbeard amassed a vast fortune in gold, silver, and precious jewels. Many historians believe that he buried his treasure somewhere along the coast of North Carolina, but it is so well hidden that has never been found. When the wreckage of the “Queen Anne’s Revenge” was discovered off the coast of N.C., treasure seekers found many artifacts but no treasure.

Blackbeard’s treasure has captivated treasure hunters and historians for centuries. More than one person has spent their lives searching for his elusive treasure only to come away disappointed and empty-handed.

Blackbeard’s treasure, even if you found it, would not bring lasting satisfaction… eventually leave you disappointed and empty-handed. Everything in this life is perishable, it has not lasting value.

Good News: there is a treasure that is lasting! Found in the treasure chest of God’s Word.

Discover two precious jewels right her in the little book of Philemon.

Read Text: Phil. 1-3

“Grace & Peace” = two treasures that only God has that everyone needs!

v.3 – usual greeting you find in Paul’s epistles… yet its different.

Note: “To” = remember this book of the Bible is personal note from a friend to a friend… Paul saying, “Philemon, you need this!”

When it comes to grace and peace… you need this!!!

TS: We need God’s…

1. Grace for the Struggles of Life!

“Grace” = found 159x’s in Scriptures.

1st Time = Gen. 6:8 – “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

Last Time = Rev.22:21 – “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

From start to finish, from beg to end the Bible is a story of God’s amazing grace!

Grace = the sweetest word in the Bible!

“Grace” = 2x’s in this little postcard to Philemon – vv.3, 25

• Bible = Book of Grace

• God = God of Grace

1Pet. 5:10 – “But the God of all grace = (lit) all kinds of grace – the grace of God is as varied as the experiences of life. No matter the situation you find yourself in, God’s grace is sufficient. Grace doesn’t just secures our salvation, it also strengthens and sustains us. There is grace for every mile of the journey from earth to glory!

• Grace is the free, unmerited, and undeserved love of God in Christ, which meets man in his sin and shame and brings salvation.

• Grace is the downward stoop and reach of God’s love for lost mankind.

• Grace is what everyone needs, what no one deserves, and what only God can give.

• It is God’s love lavished on undeserving sinners.

A. The Manifestation of His Grace

Phil. 3a – “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Grace = always comes to us from God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus = bringer of grace!

John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

John 1:16,17 – “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Titus 2:11 – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”

“Hath appeared” = to shine forth, to become visible or known – God manifested or shone forth His grace in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ.

Heb. 2:9 – “that He (Jesus) by the grace of God tasted death for every man.”

“Tasted” = to drink to the fullest… Jesus didn’t sip the cup of death… drank it to the dregs.

Calvary = great transaction – Jesus took our sin upon Himself that He might give us His salvation.