This is what Paul does for Onesimus, a fugitive slave. He paves the way for reconciliation and recovery.

How often do we, like Paul, stand in the gap for others in the midst of their struggle? How often do wear bear others’ burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ? How often do we like, Christ, lay ourselves down, our preferences down, and our will down for the will of the father and in turn, impact lives? Oh, how I wish it were so, and always being said, that we, like Paul, have died to self and live for Christ and his will alone. This side of glory we will struggle to do so until we see him face to face.

[Philemon 1.8-14]

1.8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.

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

+ What does this passage reveal about our standing in the gap?

+ What is the key truth central to our faith in this passage?

+ How is submission displayed in these verses?

[ 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?

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

+ What is my next step?