Today we're reading the Book of Philemon...don't worry, it's only one chapter!
Good things come in small packages. Have you ever heard that? Well it's true--especially when it comes to the Book of Philemon. This "small" letter really has some great stuff in it. I absolutely love the example Paul sets for me in dealing with other people and particularly Christians. Listen to this, "though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you. . . ." That verse tells me that I should at least consider a soft tactic before I take action. Doesn't always mean that's the way I will go, but I should at least contemplate it. Makes a lot of sense.
Any verse or passage of Philemon jump off the page as you read? Did Paul's letter speak to you? Tami W.
I have always liked this book and found it useful. No matter what place we find ourselves in life, if we are truly seeking God and His will for us, He is gracious and merciful. We aren't really told of what happened in Onesimus' life that landed him at Paul's cell. I have often wondered about that. What transpired between Philemon and his slave? Paul stated that Onesimus had become rather useless, so was he a lazy slave, or had Philemon became cruel and overbearing? It really doesn't matter. What does matter is the change in Onesimus' heart. He became useful and understood that his place in life was a calling from God, that his service before God was to be the best slave ever and in so doing, he would literally become a brother to Philemon.
There have been many times my attitude has become an odious stench. Dead things stink, the more they rot the stronger they stink. I desire to be a pleasant fragrance before the Lord; I therefore must change my attitude so I will have the mind of Christ and that He may live in and through me. Odesimus had a change of attitude and I trust that Philemon did too and took him back in order that Paul's joy might be made complete.
Paul must have known that Philemon was a humble man in Christ. He pleaded to a humble heart, one that had respect and honor for God's servant. Knowing someone guides us in how to approach them, but we must make ourselves available in order to know someone that well. It appears that Paul and Philemon had that kind of relationship. Would that we all had that kind of relationship with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Time is a coveted commodity, we must use it wisely where it will gain the best investment for the kingdom of God.
I agree Tami. As the father of three boys that are growing up way too fast, I find myself having to slow down and consider my reactions. I can force them to do what is required, but they are reaching an age in which being slow to speak, or become angry will teach them more about obedience and submission to Christ than simply "commanding" them to do something.
Very simply put, the first thing that jumps out at me is the fact that Paul first mentions how grateful and thankful he is for Philemon. That would get me on almost anybody's side. Paul was also practicing what he taught us, to be grateful is all things.
All of Philemon stood out to me. As other have mentioned Paul's attitude and character was one which allowed and put desire into one heart to listen. Much like Christ!
I did not always have the right attitude or character, but, through our Lord's grace and mercy, everyday I am learning to have a Christ like character/attitude.
If our hearts desire is to glorify the Lord and reach others with His saving grace, we must apply ourselves everyday to be more like our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul is a beautiful example, next to Christ. May our hearts surrender every morning to our Lord.
Hello Tami,
This following part jumped out at me.
7For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
And this one…22At the same time prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.…
Thanks for being here. Your providing comfort and are refreshing the saints that follow P4.
Jerry
To follow up on Carol's statement about Paul's thankfulness. In v.9 Paul states that he is a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Despite the fact that Paul is in chains in a Roman prison, there is no complaint in his writings in either this book or the other books that he wrote while in prison. Paul is thankful that any suffering or persecution that he facing is all for the glory of Jesus.
Paul is not concerned with the trails that he is facing. All Paul cares about in this letter is to encourage Philemon to do what Christian love would require of him and that is an attitude that I want move forward with in the midst of any trials I may face.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
In addition, this book is another example of redeeming love that is seen throughout the Bible as Paul is encouraging Philemon to accept Odesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.
Robert