Presented, June 12, 2005 am
THE BOOK OF PHILEMON
From time to time we are all faced with challenging situations that have to be dealt with in a cautious way. The book of Philemon is an example of such a situation. Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary describes it as, “a lesson in the art of Christian relationships. No finer example of ‘speaking the truth in love” exists than this beautiful letter’” Since this letter was read in its entirety this morning, let us look at some lessons we can glean from it, primarily dealing with one another in less than ideal situations.
I. Background of the Book
a. It is generally agreed that this letter was written by Paul. We are told he was in prison (9). It was probably written while in prison in Rome along with the letters of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians & possibly others.
b. Addressed to Philemon, a slave owner. Believed to be in Colosse (see Colossians 4:9, 17). From this letter we know that a church met in his house along with two other mentioned (Apphia – probably his wife) and Archippus, referred to as a fellow soldier.
c.
Paul is writing on behalf of Onesimus. He was a slave belonging to
Philemon who had escaped and possibly stolen things in the process (17-18).
Whatever the case, being a runaway slave put him in serious trouble and Philemon
in a precarious position (what does he do with a returned slave – considering
the impact on other slave owners, etc). The Empire did NOT take lightly to
runaway slaves hiring professional slave-catchers, branding or putting collars
on captured slaves as well as severe punishments and even death in some cases.
(Some details from a BBC article, Resisting Slavery In Ancient Rome,
Prof. Keith Bradley, September 2003, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/slavery_04.shtml
)
Onesimus somehow came in contact with Paul in Rome – Paul being a prisoner, it
was probably not an accident. One possibility that I consider is having escaped
and knowing of Paul through his master Onesimus looks him up for advice. He is
converted in his conversations with Paul and voluntarily returns to Philemon to
face whatever happens, but with hope because of this letter.
II. Handling situations between brethren
a. As already mentioned, the book of Philemon deals with a delicate situation. What do we do when faced with having to tell someone something that is unpleasant or deal with a problem involving our brethren? This letters gives us some insights to consider.
b. Using wise judgment in dealing with situations.
i.
Many problems are made worse because we act impulsively or rashly.
Jephthah lost his daughter because of rash vow (Judges 11:30-40)
John the Baptist lost his head because of a rash promise by Herod (Mark 6:23)
Peter impulsively said he would never deny his Lord (Matt. 16:22-23)
ii.
It is wise to contemplate your actions before you act hastily
“The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps”
(Prov. 14:15)
Matthew 10:16 – as Jesus sent out His disciples, He told them to “be wise as
serpents and harmless as doves”
James 1:19-20 – be swift to hear, slow to speak…
iii.
Remember tact –
On this occasion Paul chose his words carefully
We are told to let our speech be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:5-6)
c. Paul’s confident approach.
i. In most situations there are at least two ways to approach a problem - You can be pessimistic and expect the worst or you can be optimistic.
ii.
When possible it is best to be positive and present something in a good
light. That is what Paul does on this occasion. He writes with a confidence
that what he asks WILL be done (21-22). He also emphasizes the good of the
situation (16) – You’ve gained a brother in Christ.
NOTE: this is not saying to ignore or avoid that which is wrong. But if you
don’t have confidence that something can be accomplished – aren’t you wasting
your time?
iii. FOR EXAMPLE: Why do we not convert more today? Because we don’t think it can be done or no one will listen, etc. We are defeated before we start.
iv. The same is true in dealing with problems and concerns. We have a tendency to focus on the negative and blurt out orders, rather than approaching a problem with optimism and confidence in the one you are approaching and the solution you are presenting.
v. You can accomplish so much more if you will use the “sandwich” technique in addressing problems (compliment – issue - compliment). Paul begins with praise – 7 verses. He concludes with confidence that what he asks will be done (21-22). The problem is sandwiched in-between.
d. Don’t take advantage of each other
i. In vs. 8-9 – Paul notes that he could give a command but rather he appeals “for love’s sake” to Philemon. The difference is not the result but the approach.
ii.
If we have a need, we are better off making an appeal or request as
opposed to making a demand. I have heard brethren say, “You have to do this for
me because you are my brother in Christ”. There are times where that might be
true, but it is NOT always the case.
Galatians 5:13 – tells us to not abuse our liberties.
e. Realize your relationship with one another (16)
i.
How many problems among us could be avoided or resolved quickly and with
the least amount of discomfort if we would continually realize that we are
brethren? Instead of looking to build each other up, many brethren look for
faults and opportunities to criticize. Still others have such sour
dispositions, that they DARE anyone to say anything to them.
When we are hesitant to address problems with our brethren there is something
wrong on one side or the other, and maybe both sides.
ii. As Paul writes Philemon he appeals to this new relationship with Onesimus. He knows that brethren have to treat each other differently than the rest of the world (not that you can mistreat anyone in the world). All that we do must be done in love and with an understanding of the bonds that we now enjoy.
iii.
John 13:35 says that our love for one another is a testimony to the world
of our relationship with Christ.
1 John 5:1, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and
everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.”
Galatians 5:14-15 – your brethren are your neighbors (as are others) and if we
bite and devour one another we WILL be consumed.
iv. In dealing with ANY problem or concern that arises we need to ALWAYS remind ourselves that WE ARE BRETHREN! And proceed from there.
f. Forgiving one another
i. Make no mistake about it, Onesimus had done wrong. Based on the text he had probably stolen from Philemon, as well as rebellion, running away and other things. Paul does NOT deny this or excuse it – he simply pleads on Onesimus’ behalf for forgiveness – and he EXPECTS it. (17-21)
ii.
If problems are to be resolved between one another we have to be willing
to forgive each other!
Jesus taught on the importance of forgiveness often – Matthew 6:12, 14-15;
18:21-22, Luke 17:3-4;
Also the epistles – Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
g. Be willing to stand up for each other.
i. Paul writes this letter knowing of Onesimus’ wrongs but he still stand beside him. NOT defending what he did wrong but interceding for him. Note vs. 12, 17-18. Paul is even willing to help pay the debt that is owed for him.
ii. Sometimes as brethren we do dumb things, maybe even really stupid things. When one has been overtaken in a fault, the last he needs is to be kicked around a little more and lectured. He needs help. He needs Jesus to intercede for him. He needs God to forgive him. And he needs us to stand by him and pick him back up. Galatians 6:1 tells us to restore those overtaken in a trespass.
iii. Where would we be if Jesus did not stand up for us? Hebrews 4:15-16
iv. In 2 Timothy 4:16 Paul is by himself. He responds saying, “May it not be charged against them”
These are a few lessons we can learn from this short letter about dealing with difficult and unpleasant situations. But before we close there are a couple of other lessons I want to briefly notice from this letter.
III. The need to meet obligations
a. Even though Onesimus had obeyed the gospel, he still had to make restitution for the wrongs he had committed before becoming a Christian. Baptism didn’t wash away his slavery OR the fact that he was a fugitive and/or thief. Therefore Paul wrote this letter.
b.
While baptism washes away sins, it does not was away the physical
consequences.
If you stole something before you became a Christian, it is still stolen; You
have to return it (see Zacchaeus – Luke 19:8)
If you are in an unscriptural relationship before baptism is still unscriptural
after baptism. “Living together” has to stop. If God did not recognize your
divorce (because it was not for fornication – Matthew 19:9) before you became a
Christian, just because you have obeyed the gospel does not mean that
relationship is now acceptable.
c. The idea of repentance leads to a change in your course of life. You need to make right whatever wrongs you have committed (to the best of your ability).
Thus we find the book of Philemon and some lessons we can learn from this short, personal letter from Paul. There are many other lessons such as the providence of God. There is an interesting statement made in Philemon 15. Paul says, “Perhaps he departed for this purpose, that you might receive him forever.” God does NOT have to perform miracles to accomplish His will or to answer your prayers – He can accomplish what needs to be done WITHIN the boundaries of natural law. That is what providence is. Perhaps at a later time we can study that in more detail.
But for now, let us consider the impact this book can have in our lives and how it encourages us to treat each other as brethren. Are we doing what we ought to do? If not, make the necessary changes. If you are not a Christian, become one today. If you are an unfaithful Christian – come back to God. Think about it.