Sermon on Philemon 1-21, for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, "Charge it to me!"
Sermon
Outline:
·
Context
of the letter, Paul’s relation to Philemon, Philemon’s reputation, implied
backstory about Onesimus. Context of slavery—not directly addressed, because
not the main point, but a valuable separate discussion.
·
Paul’s
circumstances, how he meets Onesimus. Rises above his
circumstances/confinement; in another letter, Philippians, says it even
advanced the Gospel. Onesimus’s personal transformation. Dramatic; “useless” to
“useful”; “my very heart.” Runaway, loss, damage to his master’s
property/finances; reckless? Redeemed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Willing to
admit the wrong he had done, and return to his duty to his master. Turned back
from the opportunity to run away—Paul aided him in making right what he had
done wrong—beyond his own ability to do so. Paul’s affection for Onesimus—saw
him now in a totally different light, and desired that Philemon view him no
longer as the useless runaway who had caused him harm, nor even as just a
slave, but as a beloved brother. In Philemon’s shoes—wronged, angry, maybe
social pressure to apply the severest punishment to the runaway—set a
precedent, don’t give other slaves ideas, etc.
·
Paul’s
appeal:
- Bold enough to command, but for love’s sake prefers appeal
- My child, useful to me, my very heart, as though you served me
through him
- Not without your consent—for you goodness not to be compelled,
but voluntary
- Eternal purposes hidden in this separation, events
- Remember my friendship—treat him as you would treat me
- Charge it to me! (any wrongdoing or loss)
- I will repay you (don’t forget you owe me yourself!) (positive
vs. negative debt?)
- I want some benefit from you in the Lord: Refresh my heart in
Christ
·
Paul
assumes Onesimus’ place, accepts responsibility for his wrongdoing (as far as
he is able), promises repayment, and in writing the letter builds a bridge back
to Philemon
·
Philemon’s
opportunity: exercise faith, love, forgiveness. See a new person in Onesimus,
elevate his status—regard him as beloved brother. Who is seeking our
forgiveness? Our reconciliation? Onesimus’ shoes? Take forgiveness and run? Or
go and admit our wrong and seek reconciliation? Or in Paul’s shoes, to whom can
we be mediator or advocate? Can we appeal to one another with the boldness of
Paul, and be confident of a goodness that will flow willingly, and not from
compulsion? We can, in Christ Jesus. In Christ Jesus, you and I can and will be
forgivers, reconcilers, ambassadors of Christ. We can appeal for those who have
no voice, we can and should rely on one another with bonds of love and
friendship that are not shy to help one another or ask for help. Paul said,
“Yes brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in
Christ.” Paul and Philemon were held together in friendship by positive debts
of love. The love that can never be fully repaid or returned, but should flow
continuously between Christians. Redeemed for a purpose—to live out Christ’s
love. Our life parallels that of Onesimus—once useless, in the damage he
caused, abandonment of duty—we are recalled to faithful and useful service.
·
Runaways
from God, lost sons and daughters. Useless; who can measure the harm or loss
we’ve done through disobedience, recklessness, hurt toward others (known and
unknown). And yet how does God receive us back? How does Jesus send us back to
the Father? “Charge it all to me.” Count all their wrongs, their offenses, the
damage they have done, to me. Christ steps into our shoes more fully than Paul
ever could for Onesimus—Jesus takes our sin and guilt to His credit, applies His
good name and His own goodness and innocence itself to our credit, by faith.
·
We come
as “letter carriers” to the Father, runaways coming home, carrying the letter,
the good news, of the Gospel—the mediating work of Jesus applied on our behalf.
The loving appeal of God’s Son to the Heavenly Father, that He receive us back
as though receiving Jesus Himself. Paved the way, paid the price, appealed to
the Father’s loving and merciful reputation. Very Father who sent Jesus out to
bring the lost home; can be no doubt of His willingness to receive back the
repentant, the homeward bound. No fear or trepidation that He might not receive
us—it is in fact promised to us in Christ Jesus. God has indeed received us
back, and He has found in us useful, dear children, so that He can in turn send
us out as having “His very heart” and send us out confident of our obedience in
Christ, and confident of the goodness that we will willingly do for love’s
sake, serving others, and bringing Christ’s love to them as well.
Sermon Talking Points
Read past sermons at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.blogspot.com
Listen to audio at: http://thejoshuavictortheory.podbean.com
- Note: While slavery is
part of the context of Paul’s letter to Philemon, it is not the central
point of the letter—which focuses on forgiveness and reconciliation. This
isn’t to say that Scripture is indifferent on the matter, or that it’s not
an issue which Christians felt a deep motivation to change. If you have
The Lutheran Study Bible, read the articles on p. 101 and 2095 about the
similarities and differences between slavery in the ancient world, and our
more recent American history.
- Both Paul, and
Onesimus, the runaway slave, faced circumstances of confinement or lack of
total freedom. Paul was imprisoned, and Onesimus was a slave to his
master. How did their faith enable them to thrive and to be of great use
in the kingdom of God, despite their circumstances? Philippians 1:12-18;
Philemon 10-13, 15-16.
- What qualities
of Philemon’s Christian character, did Paul appeal to, in his entreaty for
Philemon to receive back Onesimus? Philemon 4-7
- Reread the
letter carefully. Do you think that Paul is applying pressure to Philemon,
to get him to do what is right? How does he wish that Philemon would
respond (v. 14)? In light of our sinful nature, do you think that we
sometimes need a little extra prodding to do what is right?
- In verses
20-21, we see that Paul had a high expectation of Philemon, based on his
character, his Christian love, and his friendship to Paul. Onesimus’ own
life may have been at stake in the matter, as masters had the legal right
to exercise capital punishment against runaway slaves. Are we sometimes
too reluctant to call on one another for help, or to challenge each other
to big things, and doing what is right in a hard circumstance, for the
fear of being in debt to someone (not in the financial sense, but in owing
a favor)? Is this a Christian attitude or not?
- How is the
story of Paul and Onesimus a picture of Christ standing in our place,
becoming in all respects like us (except without sin) and making an appeal
on our behalf? What is particularly Christ-like about Paul’s words,
“charge it to my account” (v. 18)? 1 Peter 1:18-19; Luke 7:41ff
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