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Text: Philemon
This little letter called Philemon is one of the finest pieces of early private Christian correspondence in existence. In the early days of Christianity, churches are meeting in houses and wherever else they can. One of the men who hold services and houses a congregation has a man who had stolen a significant amount from Philemon, the one who owned the house. The thief was Onesimus. He was arrested and wound up coming in contact with Paul or Paul’s writings, which turned to his conversion. Onesimus then wanted to restore what he’d stolen and seek forgiveness from Philemon.
Hospitality (vss 1-3)
- Paul greets several folks. He mentions some of these folks have a church in their house.
- 1 Peter 4:8-10 describes perfectly the attitude with which hospitality is to be administered. Not only that, but why hospitality is a part of faith.
- The idea is to live out the welcome of Christianity. And live out the invitation God makes to mankind through Jesus Christ.
- There is an entire industry built around hospitality. Denny Meyers wrote a book called Setting the Table that’s all about hospitality. It’s not a Christian book, but Christianity might learn something from him. There is a school of hospitality at Boston College run by Denny Meyers.
Consolation (vss 4-7)
- Philemon is remembered gratefully because of his good work toward others. Philemon provided tangible relief for fellow Christians.
- I noticed that he’s not remembered gratefully by Paul because he identifies himself as a Christian, but because he’s successfully consoled the saints and helped them.
- His faith was worked out by what the Lord worked in him, not only in spiritual matters but in physical matters.
- James 2:14-20 is this idea that talk is cheap and if its in your power to do something and you choose not to then that is sin.
- Philemon is a generous Christian man and Paul appeals to that generosity. This is the effective communication of faith through the acknowledgment of every good thing.
Reconciliation (vss 8-16)
- Paul begs Philemon on behalf of Onesimus to allow him to return and restore what Onesimus had messed up. He was unprofitable before, but now profitable in the family of God (vss 11-13)
- Paul adds that this decision is completely up to Philemon. I’m pleading with you, not instructing you.
- Paul says please do this old man a favor. You won’t regret it. Onesimus is a changed man. And he’ll be helpful to you spiritually and physically.
- Reconciliation is the ministry. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Taking the wrong (vss 17-20)
- Paul offers to pay whatever debt is owed by Onesimus. But this is an important note. Paul isn’t vouching for someone who is still crooked. Paul isn’t vouching for every single soul he comes in contact with. Paul is vouching for a changed man.
- The debt didn’t go away, it was transferred. It’s like forgiveness in this sense. If Tony owes Randy $10K. And Randy decides to forgive that debt. Randy’s forgiveness cost him $10K. That’s the price he pays to forgive Tony.
- In the case of a Christian, his debt as a sinner doesn’t go away, it is transferred to the LORD Jesus Christ!
Second-mile Christianity (vss 20-22)
- Paul is confident that Philemon will go above and beyond what’s required.
- And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain (Matthew 5:41)
- Paul does remind Philemon how he owes him his life as well. Though he won’t use that to demand anything of Philemon. Just to remind him. Paul didn’t pretend to be humble in these matters. Oh, it wasn’t me, it was the LORD. That’s true, but Paul participated with the LORD and Paul’s not going to pretend to be humble, he’s going to use his good works to cause others to glorify the Father in their lives.
