A Challenge, Blessings and a Message of Deliverance

1. A Challenge to be a Servant like Jesus Was

Accept the challenge to be like Jesus as a Faithful humble Servant.

Become as Paul, a servant to servants

In verse one, we see Paul call himself "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." His desire was to do the will of God no matter what happened to him, and at this time, we see him under house arrest because of his obedience to the Lord.

Onesimus was a slave that had run away from Philemon. Paul met Onesimus in Rome and likely was influential in his conversion to Christianity. Paul was now sending Onesimus back to his master.

We are not quite sure what offenses Paul is referring to in verse 18, but whatever Onesimus had done to Philemon, he was willing to make restitution. Paul was a peacemaker (1: 8-11)! This attribute is to be developed in all of God's servants (Hebrews 12:14, 15; James 3:17-18; Matt. 5:9). We need to be active in helping differences be resolved. If you are aware of those who are at odds, do whatever you can to help them be united again. Make peace and then keep peace.

Philemon 1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

A. Become as Onesimus, a brother of servants

Philemon 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Onesimus returned to his master, obedient, profitable, desirous to make restitution, and eager to serve (1:16). Onesiumus wanted to do God's will regardless of the time. We see from his obedience that he wanted the will of God. Sensitivity to God's will is mandatory (Matt. 5:4; Acts 19:18-20; 1 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:13; Psalm 24:3-6).

B. Become as Philemon, a fellow servant

Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

Philemon was a Christian and being a wealthy citizen and conducted himself so as to provide a great example of Christianity to others. Christianity well-ordered his house (1:2), christianity dictated his friends (1:2, 5), and Christianity directed his energies (1:1).

Accept this challenge and more (Gal. 6:14; Matt. 5:13-16; I Pet. 4:15).

2. Four wonderful blessings of practical Christianity

There are four wonderful blessings of practical Christianity in your daily life.

A. "Great joy and consolation in thy love"

Philemon 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

B. Great affections for friends

Philemon 1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

C. Great inner-peace results when one trusts in God's Providential care to bring men together.

Philemon 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

D. There is constant benefits from Christian friendship

Philemon 1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

3. The Message of End-time Deliverance

Redemption through Jesus Christ

Philemon 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1:19 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 Paul's example that God uses to reveal the divine truth of redemption. Every man is God's property, and grace gives us right to appeal through Christ. All the debt is put to Christ's account. Ultimately we must be received of the Father.