OVERVIEW BY CHARLENE BROWN
Scripture Lesson Text : Philemon 1: 4-21
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> Philemon 1:4-21 was written by the Apostle Paul to his dear friend Philemon, a Christian who used his home as a gathering place for the saints in Colosse. Paul expressed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for Philemon’s faith and love for Jesus and fellow believers. Paul makes a request on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon. He had the pleasure of meeting Paul and became a Christian under Paul’s ministry. His request was one of great transformation on behalf of Onesimus.
> Paul wanted Philemon to no longer see Onesimus as a slave but as a brother in Christ, and if any debts were to be paid they should be paid by Paul. Paul embodied so much of God’s love towards fellow believers that he desired for Philemon to embrace that same love towards Onesimus. Colossians 3:11 tells us “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all”. All believers are equal in Christ regardless of social status, ethnicity and gender.
RELATED SCRIPTURES BY JANICE HALL
Matthew 6:9-15; I Corinthians 16:13-14; III John 1:2-4
Matthew 6: 9-15
We see in these verses, the structure of what is commonly referred to as the “ Lord’s Prayer “ or the “ Model Prayer”. Jesus has taught His disciples how to pray. They are to pray to their Father with seeking to accomplish His will. The disciples are to acknowledge their dependency on Jesus for their spiritual and physical needs. The prayer is addressed to God the Father, declaring His holiness, asking for His will to be accomplished on earth.
I Corinthians 16: 13-14…..
Paul tells the Corinthian Christians to be watchful, stand on guard, along with the command to stand firm in their faith. Paul also says to them to be men of courage and to be strong. While standing firm does not prevent opposition from the culture around them.( possible false teachers). They were called to do all things in a humble, meek, with a spirit of love. Paul wrote to help them grow deeper in spiritual maturity.
III John 1:2-4
John prays that in addition to spiritual vitality, that the believers, and Gaius, would experience favorable circumstances, good health, and prosperity. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other ( missionaries/ evangelists).
The life of Gaius appears to be that of a mature man of God, who reflected the character of God. Gaius walked in spirit, truth, and love and was faithful in whatsoever good works, that he understood it was for the sake of the saints, as well as strangers.
PRACTICAL POINTS BY DOUD SMITH
2) When love marks our lives, we will be a great encouragement to our fellow Christians.
We should reflect the kindness, love, and comfort to our fellow brothers and sisters. We want to be willing to open our heart as well as our homes. We are to open ourselves to others and offer Christian fellowship to refresh people’s spirit. We are mindful always to display the fruit of the spirit and the love of Jesus Christ.
4) The transforming power of the Christian faith produces profitable service from those who once were useless.
Once a person receives the gospel of Jesus Christ and His teachings, there will be evidence of this new life. Scripture tells us in, 2 Corinthians 5:17 , “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We no longer allow the unprofitable works of iniquity shape our lives, but press into the profitable works of our faith in Jesus Christ.
