Monthly Archive for January, 2002

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Philemon 1:16

Published on January 21, 2002 in Philemon. 2 Comments
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Philemon 1:16 …no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”
 
no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother,
Slavery was universally practiced in the Roman Empire.  This slavery was abusive, harsh and immoral.  Christianity’s approach to social injustice was personal regeneration and not social reform.  If a maximum number of people turn to Christ, this will turn society around. 
1 Co 7: 20 “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.”
Paul did not request that Philemon to free Onesimus but that he treat him as “a beloved brother.”  Master and slave were to take pleasure in one another as beloved brothers in Christ.  There is no spiritual hierarchy when it comes to being in Christ.  Paul called Onesimus a “beloved brother” in Colossians 4:9.  Paul, Philemon and Onesimus were all on the same spiritual plane.  A slave socially stands on the same spiritual plane as the master. 
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord
Onesimus was a “beloved brother” to Paul and to Philemon as well.  Onesimus was “especially” beloved to Paul but now “much more” to Philemon.  He was a slave in the “flesh” and a brother “in the Lord” to Philemon.  Philemon had much more vested in Onesimus than Paul. 
PRINCIPLE:  Spiritual status transcends social distinctions. 
APPLICATION:  When a person becomes a Christian, our relationship to them changes. They now belong to our spiritual family.  We cannot be indifferent toward fellow members of the body of Christ because we belong to God and each other.  People relate to us in who spheres: 1) physically, mentally, emotionally and 2) spiritually.  The latter is the higher sphere.  It transcends social distinctions. 
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Philemon 1:15

Published on January 20, 2002 in Philemon. 0 Comments
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Philemon1:15 “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever…”
 
For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose,
Paul suggests to Philemon that God used the bad situation of Onesimus’ temporary departure as a renegade slave for His own purpose.  God turned evil into good.  The evil of this slave’s thievery and flight to Rome lead to his salvation and a better employee for Philemon. God turned evil into good in Paul’s own imprisonment.
Ph 1: 12 “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
The word “perhaps” shows that the providential work of God is veiled to men so Paul could only speak of that work with provisional deliberation.  He had no exclusive admission to the eternal counsels of God.  God has a purpose in everything but only He can announce what it is.  However, in this case, the outcome in Onesimus’ life made it apparent what God intended for Philemon’s loss. 
that you might receive him forever
The transformation that occurred in Onesimus changed his whole value system.  If necessary, he will be a faithful slave to Philemon without any hitches.  The thief turned Christian will be honest, “You can trust Onesimus now, Philemon. A temporary loss of Onesimus’ services now results in a new brother in Christ and a lasting fellowship with him.”  Onesimus’ conversion led to an eternal relationship between him and Philemon.  It was a fellowship that transcended the social structure of master and slave. 
The words “while” and “forever” stand in stark contrast.  Philemon’s temporary loss of Onesimus’ services and money resulted in something that will last forever.  There was a big gain for a relatively small loss.  Onesimus departed lost but he returned saved forever.  They will have a fellowship on very high elevation. 
PRINCIPLE:  God overrules evil for good. 
APPLICATION:  God has a purpose for everything that happens to us.  God even has a purpose in evil for He overturns evil for good in our lives.  God’s providential grace takes finite circumstances and uses them for His infinite purposes.  We can see God’s hand in our situation if we take notice. 
Ge. 45: 5 “But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Ge 50: 20 “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Ps 76: 10 “Surely the wrath of man shall praise You;
With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.”
Ro. 8: 28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
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Philemon 1:14

Published on January 19, 2002 in Philemon. 1 Comment
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Philemon1:14 “But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.”
 
But without your consent I wanted to do nothing,
Paul had no thought of keeping the renegade slave Onesimus without Philemon’s consent.  Paul did not presume on the fact that he led Philemon to Christ. 
that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary
Paul did not want to provide extrinsic motivation to Philemon to release Onesimus.  He wanted Philemon to make the decision of his own will.  This is the only use of the Greek word for “voluntary” in the New Testament.  The idea is willingness to do something without being forced or pressured to do it but to do it of one’s own free will. 
PRINCIPLE:  Compulsion is not good leadership but consideration for others is good leadership. 
APPLICATION:  Good leadership appeals to volition rather than imposing commands on others against their will.  We do not want others to do what we want simply because we said so.  We want them to do what they do because they want to do it. 
1 Co 9: 17 “For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.”
1 Pe 5: 2 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly…”
Pontifical leadership is not effective leadership.  Issuing decrees, encyclicals and fiats suppresses the volition of our followers.  Coercion always boomerangs back to the leader.  Nagging and pressuring people to serve the Lord will not produce people who genuinely serve the Lord and desire to do it of their own free will. 
2 Co 9: 7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
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Philemon 1:13

Published on January 18, 2002 in Philemon. 0 Comments
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Philemon1:13 “whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.”
 
whom I wished to keep with me,
It was Paul’s desire to keep Onesimus in Rome so that he could minister to Paul in prison.  Prisoners in the Roman Empire depended on outsiders to meet their physical needs. 
that on your behalf he might minister to me
Paul would use Onesimus for logistical and ministry reasons while in prison.  The phrase “on your behalf” indicates that Onesimus served in the place of Philemon in ministering to Paul in jail.  This is an indirect appeal to Philemon to send Onesimus back to Paul in Rome. 
in my chains for the gospel
Paul reminded Philemon that he was in jail because of the gospel.  The gospel message is worth the risk of imprisonment.  The word “gospel” means good news.  It is good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again to win victory over sin and death. 
Ph 1: 7 “…just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.”
Ph 1: 12 “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me (imprisonment) have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel…”
PRINCIPLE:  Clarity of moral principles enables us to make quick and true moral choices. 
APPLICATION:  It is important to have a clear view of what belongs to whom.  If we understand what belongs to others, we can make crisp and clear moral decisions.  Otherwise, it is very easy to rationalize things in our favor. 
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Philemon 1:12

Published on January 17, 2002 in Philemon. 0 Comments
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Philemon 1:12“I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart…”
 
I am sending him back.
 
Paul sent the fugitive slave Onesimus back to his master Philemon with a letter of reference, the epistle to Philemon.  Onesimus is standing in the presence of Philemon as Philemon reads this letter from Paul.  Onesimus’ credibility in coming to Philemon with this letter is apparent. 
 
In Colossians 4:7-9 we learn that another person by the name of Tychicus came with Onesimus to Colosse. 
 
Co 4: 7 “Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.”
Note that Paul calls Onesimus a “faithful and beloved brother.”  Onesimus was more than a casual Christian.  Paul could count on him, “I have complete confidence in Onesimus so you can count on him too, Philemon.  I stand behind him.  It makes little difference what he was; I want to tell you what he is.” 
You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart
 
Paul’s spiritual son, Onesimus, was Paul’s “own heart.”  The word “heart” means seat of emotions.  Paul had deep feelings for Onesimus.  Paul led Philemon to Christ so how could he punish Onesimus if Onesimus was so close to Paul?  This is cordial persuasion! 
 
PRINCIPLE:  Regeneration is the cause of conversion. 
 
APPLICATION:  Regeneration is the cause of conversion.  The person who comes face-to-face with Jesus Christ cannot help but have his life turned around.  Instead of lying and cheating, he or she now cares about integrity and being honest with other people.  Only Jesus Christ can make that change.  Jesus can do what psychology and sociology cannot do. 
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Philemon 1:11

Published on January 16, 2002 in Philemon. 0 Comments
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Philemon1:11 “…who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.”
 
who once was unprofitable to you,
Paul speaking to Philemon, the slave owner of his slave Onesimus, says that he was “unprofitable” to him.  He frankly admits how Onesimus stole from Philemon and fled as a fugitive from Colosse to
Rome.  Onesimus was not a good business deal to Philemon.  Now Paul is sending Onesimus back to him. 
but now is profitable to you and to me
The meaning of the name Onesimus is useful.  Paul uses a pun and clever play on words to indicate that the “unprofitable” slave has become profitable to both Paul and Philemon.  He ministered to Paul in prison and he will make a difference in Philemon’s business.  Onesimus now lives up to his name. 
PRINCIPLE:  God’s grace radically transforms those who yield to it so that they become profitable to those around them. 
APPLICATION:  Personal transformation in Christ changes one’s perspective on a broad range of values.  It changes spirituality and morals but it also changes how people view their work. 
There are two time periods for every Christian: 1) before Christ and 2) after Christ.  Before Christ we had one set of values and after Christ another set.
Ep 2: 1 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Those transformed by Christ make a significant contribution to society.  The chief way to change society is to change the heart of individuals.  We change a nation by transforming one individual at a time.  No government can reach its potential without a maximum number of individuals committed to the highest of values. 
Without a set of values we do not truly live but simply exist.  We work, eat, drink, and sleep.  Horses do that as well!  This explains why there is so much barnyard morality out there.  People live like animals.  Jesus Christ can take the raw sewage of human nature and give that person a new nature. 
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Philemon 1:10

Published on January 15, 2002 in Philemon. 0 Comments
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Philemon1:10 “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains…”
 
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,
Paul repeats the word “appeal” from verse 9 giving emphasis to this word.  This word denotes encouragement and not a command.  Paul pleads to Philemon to forgive his slave for stealing from him and running away. 
Paul calls Onesimus his “son.”  Paul fathered Onesimus in the faith.  This is a term of affection.  Philemon’s runaway slave, someone not dear to him, was dear to Paul. 
1 Ti 1: 2 “To Timothy, a true son in the faith…”
2 Ti 1: 2 “To Timothy, a beloved son…”
Ti 1: 4 “To Titus, a true son in our common faith…”
whom I have begotten while in my chains
Paul led Onesimus to the Lord in prison.  Paul was not only a prisoner but he was a prisoner in chains.  He did not need comfort or the right situation to lead someone to Christ. 
Philemon came from the upper crust of society and Onesimus came from the scum of society.  Jesus touched both of them equally. 
1 Co 4: 15 “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”
PRINCIPLE:  God uses individuals to lead others to Christ. 
APPLICATION:  God saves people from all levels of society equally.  He saves the down and out and the up and out.  It makes no difference to Him.  We come to Him just as we are without privilege or status.  The grace of God reaches into any strata of society. 
God uses Christians to reach those without Christ.  When we lead someone to Christ, they are our spiritual children.  They are our “sons” in the gospel (Ti 1:4).  We do not have the personal power to regenerate people.  We are simply the conveyors of truth. 
Ro 1: 16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
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Philemon 1:9b

Published on January 14, 2002 in Philemon. 0 Comments
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Philemon 1:9 “…yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ…”
 
being such a one as Paul, the aged,
Paul appeals to Philemon’s love on the basis of his age and situation as a prisoner – “such a one.”  Older men could appeal to others with authority based on their age as a veteran in the cause of Christ.  Older men were considered wise and authority came from wisdom in the first century. 
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ
Paul’s mention of his imprisonment is an appeal to Philemon to release Onesimus so that he could help Paul in prison.  
PRINCIPLE:  Respect for those mature in Christ is to the benefit of all who draw on their wisdom. 
APPLICATION:  We do not respect troubadours for the cause of Christ like we should in our day.  This is to our own loss. 
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Philemon 1:9

Published on January 13, 2002 in Philemon. 1 Comment
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Philemon1:9 “…yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ…”
 
yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—
Paul sent the runaway slave Onesimus back to Philemon from Rome with a letter to Philemon.  Paul makes his appeal to Philemon to forgive Onesimus on the basis of Paul’s love for Onesimus and Philemon’s love for Paul. Paul does not pull rank but makes an appeal based on his status as a troubadour for the cause of Christ. 
PRINCIPLE:  Love is a much greater motivator than coercion. 
APPLICATION:  Love goes much further in negotiations than acid.  We have the carnal option to scream and hostilely set forth our case but it will most likely boomerang on us. 
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Philemon 1:8

Published on January 12, 2002 in Philemon. 1 Comment
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Philemon1:8 “Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting…”
 
Paul now turns to the primary purpose of the epistle – the forgiveness of Onesimus by Philemon.  This petition to Philemon for Onesimus runs from verse eight to twenty-two.  The slave owner in the days of the Roman Empire was judge, jury and executioner. The slave had no rights whatsoever.  It must have been a great risk for Paul to send Onesimus back to Philemon.   
 
Therefore,
Paul now appeals to Philemon based on what he has said about him to this point in the epistle (vv. 4-7).  Paul says in effect, “Seeing that I know and trust your character, I am going to ask something special from you.” 
though I might be very bold in Christ
Paul now sets the context for his appeal to Philemon.  He first states his personal attitude toward the situation.  “Bold” here conveys the idea of right or authority.  Paul has the right or authority to command Philemon to free Onesimus but he does not choose that course of action. 
to command you what is fitting
Paul had the right to “command” Philemon to release Onesimus but he chose to appeal to his character.  Paul could have said, “I could pull rank on you Philemon but I do not choose to do so.”  The word “command” signifies to charge, to enjoin, to order. 
“Fitting” is that which pertains to what is due, duty, convenient.  It is right and proper for Paul to exercise his authority as an apostle to command Philemon to release Onesimus. 
PRINCIPLE:  Discernment in dealing with follows is a great characteristic of an outstanding leader. 
APPLICATION: At times, it is not wise to use our authority or prerogative.  Judgment is something that eludes many of us.  Knowledge is the accumulation of facts whereas judgment is the correct use of the facts.  May God give the church many wise leaders who use discernment in their dealings with people.  Discernment is the ability to distinguish between the good and the best.  It is the ability to separate the facts to form the best judgment.  This is an acceptable discrimination. 
Ph 1: 9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
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