Philemon 1:8-21 – INTERVENTION FOR A FRIEND
#2 of 2 on Philemon
Onesimus was a runaway slave belonging to a friend of Paul’s named Philemon. Evidently their paths crossed in a Roman jail. He was gloriously saved, but needed to make things right with his master. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon, but intervened in Onesimus’ behalf.
THE PRINCIPLE – Vss. 8-9 – FOR LOVE’S SAKE
Paul could have ordered Philemon to do what was right, but instead made a request based on love.
THE PERSON- Vss. 10-12 – ONESIMUS
His name means “profitable”, but he was unprofitable.
He became Paul’s son in the faith. Paul led him to Christ.
He was now profitable.
He was now to be received back by Philemon
THE PREFERENCE – Vss. 13-14 – TO KEEP ONESIMUS
Paul would have like to have kept Onesimus with him.
However he would do nothing like that without Philemon’s approval.
THE POSSIBILITY – Vss. 15-16 – A PERMANENT SERVANT AND BROTHER
THE PETITION – Vs. 17 – RECEIVE ONESIMUS AS HE WOULD PAUL
THE PRICE – Vss. 18-21 – PAUL WOULD PAY WHATEVER WAS OWED BY ONESIMUS
However Paul reminded Philemon how much Philemon owed Paul.
Note – Because of all the points, this would probably be a better Sunday School lesson than a sermon. By the way, when you teach Sunday School, it might be helpful to hand out a simple outline so your folks can follow along easier.
