THE RUNAWAY SLAVE!
Paul’s letter written from a prison in Rome to Philemon is a personal one to him as a friend. Philemon as a wealthy slave owner who lived in Colosse.
Onesimus was a runaway slave who had become a Christian.
(His name means prosperous.)
BACKGROUND.
It appeared that Onesimus, the slave of Philemon, had stolen some wealth and fled to Rome for his life. Little did he know that in Rome he would meet Paul and become a Christian.
Paul sent this slave back to Colosse with Tychiceus, a travelling companion of Paul and Timothy, to make things right with Philemon, his master.
Normally a runaway slave would surely be punished or even killed.
Paul sent this letter as a true testimony of justice, mercy, forgiveness and grace.
Suppose you caught someone stealing your car. After the police have arrived you have these alternatives…
You press charges – that would be “JUSTICE” served because your having the right to have the robber charged as he is guilty of a crime.
You could forgive him for his crime—that would be called extending “MERCY” toward the guilty.
Or you could give him the car! That would be “GRACE” giving him something he did not deserve.
WHAT IS GRACE?
It is God’s unmerited favour toward undeserving people.
Ephesians 2:8,9.
“FOR WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS THE FREE GIFT OF GOD, NOT BY WORKS THAT ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.”
This is what Paul was asking of Philemon was to extend Grace to Onisemus.
What accompanies Grace? Peace accompanies Grace.
Doing this, the war would be over and the conflict between the two men would cease.
Who gives this kind of Grace? Only God the Father gives Grace to those who believe.
GRATITUDE.
( See verses 4-6.)
Paul gave thanks to God for Onisemus. He was grateful for his changed life.
He also gave thanks for Philemon’s testimony, expressing his love for Jesus Christ, his faith in Christ, and his affection for the saints, and urged him to show the same love to Onesimus, a new Christian.
Paul encouraged him to continue to be a witness and an example to others. This was Paul’s heart’s desire that he would forgive Onisemus. He could have commanded it, yet he urged him to do it out of love.
DISCIPLINE SAYS, “I HAVE TO”
DUTY SAYS, “I OUGHT TO.”
DESIRE SAYS, “I WANT TO”.
Paul saw Onisemus as a new born Child of God, a new creature in Christ Jesus, a Christian brother, no longer a Slave. He calls him his own child, a son.
What a beautiful character of Paul. He may have been the one who led him to the Lord in person.
Onisemus was now profitable to Paul as well as Philemon.
In case Philemon wouldn’t accept Paul’s plea, Paul reminded him that he also was once a sinner whom Paul himself brought him to the Lord.
GRACE IS A LOVE THAT WILL PAY THE PRICE.
That’s exactly what Christ did when He paid the price for our sin on the cross of Calvary.
We don’t know for a fact that Philemon forgave and restored Onisemus, I think that Paul’s letter persuaded him.
Look at these persuading words that Paul used to speak to Onisemus.
“MAY I PROFIT FROM YOU… Bringing joy.”
“MAY I FIND MY HEART REFRESHED.”
“I BELIEVE IN YOU.” “I am confident that you will do the right thing and follow my instructions.” Paul continues… “I hope to see you in person- so I can find a place to stay when I come.”
Finally, Paul asked Philemon to pray for him.
Yes, Paul assumed that Philemon would forgive Onisemus without hesitation.
I believe he forgave him and saw him as a brother in Christ.
We can learn much from this passage, especially when we have been forgiven by God for our past failures and mistakes. We pray… “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us.”
Sin does not define you. God defines you.
Forgiveness is an act of the will, you may not feel like forgiving but you can ask Christ to forgive through you.
FORGIVENESS HEALS YOUR HURT.
FORGIVENESS SETS YOU FREE…FREE INDEED.
“BE YOU KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, TENDER-HEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN GOD FOR CHRIST’S SAKE HAS FORGIVEN YOU.”
Amen.
Prayer of Salvation.
“Lord, l know that I am a sinner and deserve punishment for my sin. I am so sorry for my sin. I want to change but only you can forgive me.”
“Thankyou for dying for me so that I can receive full pardon from my sin.”
“I believe that you rose again so l could be free.”
“Come into my life and change me. Forgive my sin, and I will follow you for the rest of my life.”
Amen.
If you prayed this prayer please contact me so I can encourage you in your new found faith.
SMS HEATHER DALZELL PHONE 0417545814.
If God lays it upon your heart to support this ministry financially email me . heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com.
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