AM Scripture Reading: Philemon 10-16

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

PHILEMON & ONESIMUS

(What Brotherly Love Does)

Introduction:

1. While Paul’s letter to Philemon is rarely viewed as a “doctrinal” treatise, it astutely addresses significant instruction regarding human relationships.
2. Background: Paul’s first imprisonment – (Acts 28; Col. 4.7-9)
3. In Paul’s appeal for Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother, his epistle shows What Brotherly Love Does…

ACKNOWLEDGES THE GOOD IN OTHERS!

1. Read verses 4-7
2. Paul assured his gratitude for Philemon’s love and faith.

MAKES REQUESTS – NOT DEMANDS!

1. Read verses 8-9
2. Paul did not exercise (demand) his apostolic right.

REACHES OUT TO THE HELPLESS!

1. Read verses 10-11
2. Onesimus was a runaway slave – without social status!

HAS A SENSE OF RIGHT!

1. Read verses 12-14
2. Paul did the right thing; he sent Onesimus back to Philemon.

LOOKS FOR POSITIVE CHANGES!

1. Read verses 15-16
2. Philemon is encouraged to change his view of Onesimus.

IS WILLING TO SPEND & BE SPENT!

1. Read verses 17-19
2. “Put that on my account” (v. 18; cf., 2 Cor. 12.15).

LOOKS FOR THE BEST IN OTHERS!

1. Read verses 20-21
2. Paul had confidence that Philemon would “do even more.”

Conclusion: More than merely being a book about masters and slaves, this is a book about brotherly love and how to practice it!