All In

Philemon

More Than A Slave

Even More Forgiveness

May 26, 2019In Messages, PhilemonBy Greg Harris

The letter of Philemon is unique for several reasons. This letter is addressed to a single person rather than to a church. The content of this letter deals explicitly with the issue of slavery. The purpose of the letter is to provide discipleship rather than to address incorrect theology. Though this letter is about a slave and his master, the applications for today go further than an affirmation that slavery is wrong, and extend to the nature of the church, and the reality that God’s design is for his church to be full of reconciled (and reconciling) relationships since God has first reconciled sinful humanity to himself.

Message Audio

Philemon 17-25

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.
24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.