Paul's letter to Philemon is one of the shortest letters Paul wrote and also, I think, one of the most interesting. He isn't writing to a community, like in Colossians, or a church leader, like in Titus, but to an individual that he knows and is asking something of. This letter is a letter where Paul is acting out the redemptive aspect of Christ.

In today's passage, Paul is imploring Philemon to accept back Onesimus (who we heard about in Colossians) who was Philemon's bondservant (slave) and has run away. Back in Philemon's time and location that was something that incurred severe punishments. But Paul is asking Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to accept him back as a brother. Not only is he asking Philemon to accept him back as a brother, but Paul says he is willing to pay Onesimus's debts. This is something that strikes at the very heart of what it means to be a Christ-follower. We are forgiven because someone else was willing to pay our debt for us.

Zach Sarver

[Philemon 1.15-21]

1.15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want 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 say.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What is Paul asking Philemon to do?

+ What is Paul willing to do for Onesimus?

+ Why is the relationship and conflict between Philemon and Onesimus important to us today?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there someone who has wronged me that I need to accept back as a brother/ sister?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?