SUNDAY LESSON, 5/17/26
PHILEMON: FREEDOM THROUGH FORGIVENESS
MARKS OF A FORGIVEN PERSON
Philemon 10, 15-16
This Sunday we will conclude our study of Paul’s personal letter to Philemon, titled: FREEDOM THROUGH FORGIVENESS.
Last week we focused on the ATTRIBUTES OF A FORGIVING PERSON that Paul saw in Philemon as a Christian slave owner, and is found in every follower of Christ. This week our focus will be on the slave Onesimus as Paul emphasizes the MARKS OF A FOGIVEN PERSON that are seen not only in Onesimus, but in every person forgiven of their sins by the blood of Jesus.
Onesimus apparently had stolen money from his Master Philemon and ran away to Rome where, it just so happens, he comes in contact with Paul who brings him to Christ (a God thing). Paul knows that Onesimus needs to return to his Master and reconcile with him and seek his forgiveness, as difficult as that might be.
PHILEMON 10-16
that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
