Philippians 1:10-25
In running away, Onesimus had deprived Philemon of the value of his investment and it’s resulting benefit. Philemon has been done wrong, and Paul recognizes that, yet he is asking that Onesimus be forgiven. Both repentance, and forgiveness require recognition of responsibility. One cannot repent of what he isn’t guilty of, and if he is not responsible, it is wrong to hold him guilty.
“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.” (Philemon 1:10-14)
An apology is not the same as repentance. Real repentance requires accepting the responsibility, and a sincere desire to correct the wrong insofar as possible. Onesimus had become a Christian. To do so he had to repent of his sin. This included depriving Philemon of his rightful benefits. He needs to correct that sin, and Paul has encouraged him to return to his master, despite hating to see him go.
Knowing Philemon’s love, Paul believed that had he asked, Philemon would have gladly lent Onesimus to assist Paul, but to make that assumption would have been to deprive Philemon of the right to choose. God rewards those who voluntarily serve him. Those who are forced to have not earned a reward.
Paul points out that the running away, was allowed by God, perhaps for the purpose of making his relationship to Onesimus more than just that of master and servant. As a fellow Christian, the rebellion that caused him to run away should disappear, producing a much better relationship, as a servant and a Christian brother.
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?” (Philemon 1:15-16)
Paul then asks that Philemon give Onesimus the chance as a personal favor to Paul. He has that right because of the relationship he has previously established with Philemon. He offers to make good on any previous debt on Onesimus’ part. The offer demonstrates his confidence in Onesimus.
“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.” (Philemon 1:17-21)
While Paul anticipates that Philemon will do as he asks, Paul makes it clear that the relationship between them is not dependent on his doing so. Paul is not trying to use their relationship to manipulate Philemon’s decision. Paul will visit regardless of his decision.
“But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Philemon 1:22-25)
Showing posts with label Philemon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philemon. Show all posts
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Paul’s Demonstration Of Love
Philemon 1:1-9
Philemon is possibly the most detailed demonstration in the New Testament of applying Christian love. Other passages teach us about love, but here Paul shows us how to love each other. To understand love, we need to understand that the feelings are a consequence of, not the essence of love. Unfortunately, our society focuses on the feelings, leading to vast confusion.
We wonder how a mother can reject or even kill a child, when mother love seems so instinctive, yet we see it occur almost daily. Titus 2:4 describes part of the older woman’s responsibilities. “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,” That love needs to be taught shows that it does not occur automatically. Mothers who abuse or kill their children have never been taught to love.
The majority of people who win or inherit large amounts of money lose it within a short time. They have no idea what it takes to earn such an amount, and just set out to enjoy it while they have it. Proverbs 23:5 warns “for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” A person who has worked for his money has an appreciation of what it takes to get it, and tends to work harder at keeping it. People who think it comes as purely as a result of luck assume more will come and don’t take care of it. People have to choose what they want to do.
Love is much the same, in that we can choose whether to keep and increase it or to throw it away. When Jesus stated “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another,” in John 13:34, he emphasized our choice in love. We can choose to obey or to disobey.
One of the most effective ways of teaching is by example, and often people who have grown up without seeing the effort required to develop and maintain love. This is perhaps the biggest reason for our divorce rate, and the number of abuse cases in modern society.
Onesimus was a runaway slave. His flight cost his master, Philemon, a great deal of money. After his escape, Onesimus had met Paul and become a Christian. Desiring to please God, Onesimus decided to make things right with Philemon, who was also a Christian, and consulted Paul. Because Paul knew Philemon well, he elected to act as an intermediary between them.
Paul starts by a personal greeting. Love is a personal thing. It is not abstract or impersonal. You cannot love a group and hate the individuals. You have to love the individual people. To do so requires getting down to where they are, to understand their concerns, and their efforts. We see Paul doing so in his greeting to Philemon.
“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1:1-3)
That Paul’s love for Philemon is real is obvious from the fact that he has followed his spiritual development. He is aware of his love for other Christians and his efforts to help them. He is aware that the church is holding services in Philemon’s home, and that he has done what he could to encourage and assist others. Genuine love is interested in the person loved, and Paul is clearly interested. It takes considerable effort to become this involved with people.
“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” (Philemon 1:4-7)
Acting in love, Paul is careful not to demand obedience, although he could have done so. Rather than telling Philemon what to do, he requests his indulgence, based on his love. “Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” according to I Corinthians 13:4. It sets it’s pride and desires aside for the sake of others. Love respects the feelings and opinions of others rather than demanding it’s own way. I Corinthians 13: 5 says love “seeketh not her own.” Notice Paul’s approach.
“Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1:8-9)
Love must be willing to risk the pain of refusal. It is often easier to avoid taking the risk, but the results are less satisfactory.
Philemon is possibly the most detailed demonstration in the New Testament of applying Christian love. Other passages teach us about love, but here Paul shows us how to love each other. To understand love, we need to understand that the feelings are a consequence of, not the essence of love. Unfortunately, our society focuses on the feelings, leading to vast confusion.
We wonder how a mother can reject or even kill a child, when mother love seems so instinctive, yet we see it occur almost daily. Titus 2:4 describes part of the older woman’s responsibilities. “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,” That love needs to be taught shows that it does not occur automatically. Mothers who abuse or kill their children have never been taught to love.
The majority of people who win or inherit large amounts of money lose it within a short time. They have no idea what it takes to earn such an amount, and just set out to enjoy it while they have it. Proverbs 23:5 warns “for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” A person who has worked for his money has an appreciation of what it takes to get it, and tends to work harder at keeping it. People who think it comes as purely as a result of luck assume more will come and don’t take care of it. People have to choose what they want to do.
Love is much the same, in that we can choose whether to keep and increase it or to throw it away. When Jesus stated “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another,” in John 13:34, he emphasized our choice in love. We can choose to obey or to disobey.
One of the most effective ways of teaching is by example, and often people who have grown up without seeing the effort required to develop and maintain love. This is perhaps the biggest reason for our divorce rate, and the number of abuse cases in modern society.
Onesimus was a runaway slave. His flight cost his master, Philemon, a great deal of money. After his escape, Onesimus had met Paul and become a Christian. Desiring to please God, Onesimus decided to make things right with Philemon, who was also a Christian, and consulted Paul. Because Paul knew Philemon well, he elected to act as an intermediary between them.
Paul starts by a personal greeting. Love is a personal thing. It is not abstract or impersonal. You cannot love a group and hate the individuals. You have to love the individual people. To do so requires getting down to where they are, to understand their concerns, and their efforts. We see Paul doing so in his greeting to Philemon.
“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1:1-3)
That Paul’s love for Philemon is real is obvious from the fact that he has followed his spiritual development. He is aware of his love for other Christians and his efforts to help them. He is aware that the church is holding services in Philemon’s home, and that he has done what he could to encourage and assist others. Genuine love is interested in the person loved, and Paul is clearly interested. It takes considerable effort to become this involved with people.
“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” (Philemon 1:4-7)
Acting in love, Paul is careful not to demand obedience, although he could have done so. Rather than telling Philemon what to do, he requests his indulgence, based on his love. “Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” according to I Corinthians 13:4. It sets it’s pride and desires aside for the sake of others. Love respects the feelings and opinions of others rather than demanding it’s own way. I Corinthians 13: 5 says love “seeketh not her own.” Notice Paul’s approach.
“Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1:8-9)
Love must be willing to risk the pain of refusal. It is often easier to avoid taking the risk, but the results are less satisfactory.
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