APPEAL FOR ONESIMUS WITH CONFIDENCE (PHM 1: 8-10)

APPEAL FOR ONESIMUS WITH CONFIDENCE (PHM 1: 8-10):

Paul writes that he thanks his God always when he remembers Philemon and those who are with them in his prayers because he hears of their love and of the faith that they have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. He prays that the sharing of their faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in them for the sake of Christ. The fellowship in Philemon’s house was good with the genuine love towards the Lord Jesus as well as with one another, and it was also trustworthy towards one another because of the faith in the Lord Jesus. Paul praises God continuously for them whenever he remembers them, because of their genuineness and kindness, as well as their faith in Christ. Paul also prays for them that when they acknowledge and proclaim the gospel of Christ and their testimony of faith, it shall be productive, bearing fruit, for they have the required complete knowledge for everyone to know and follow what is good, through which Christ is glorified.

Paul then moves on to write something specific to Philemon by calling him a brother, for he had derived much joy and comfort from his love because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through him. Paul, being a close associate of Paul and having laboured together for the Gospel, would have shared their brotherly love, and Paul remembers and acknowledges how he rejoiced with him and how good it felt. Philemon had also been very hospitable and approachable to the believers who are set apart by their faith in Lord Jesus and His grace, through which they are encouraged to pursue their works, and Paul rejoices because of that too.   

Stimulations for Self-Reflection

1.     For what is Paul bold enough in Christ?

2.     What Paul should have commanded Philemon?

3.     What does Paul do for love’s sake?

4.     What does Paul mention about himself?

5.     What does Paul appeal for?

6.     What does Paul mention about Onesimus? Why?

7.     Why was Onesimus formerly useless to Philemon?

8.     To whom does Onesimus become useful? How?

9.     How does Onesimus become useful to Philemon?

10. What could we learn from the approach of Paul?

11. What could we learn from the transformation of Onesimus? 

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