There are people – maybe even you – who’ve been written off. Labelled as unworthy, a failure, or a burden. But the book of Philemon in the Bible’s New Testament introduces us to a man named Onesimus, a runaway slave who was once seen as useless, yet God wasn’t done with him. Through Jesus, his life was transformed, and he became valuable and vital to the very people who once gave up on him.
Many in our society today feel a sense of loneliness and worthlessness. Maybe you too have felt that you are not good enough and struggle to see where your life is going. Well, you are not useless. The apostle Paul writes a letter - a one-chapter book with just 25 verses - to Philemon who was a wealthy merchant in the city of Collosae, modern western Turkey, regarding a man they both knew well, Philemon’s slave, Onesimus. And in just a few verses here we can see how God can completely turn lives around. And that includes you. You are not useless, you are not insignificant, and even with a sketchy past, just like Onesimus, your life can change when you encounter Jesus Christ.
1. Your past does not have to define your future (Philemon 1:11,18; Acts 9:3-4)
2. Your identity can be changed through Jesus (Philemon 1:10,16; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
3. Your life can be a blessing to others (Philemon 1:13,21)
Apply
1. Your past does not have to define your future. In the Roman Empire, up to a third of the population were enslaved in some areas. Slavery was not the same as the slavery of the Deep South in America, for example, slavery wasn’t based on race and slaves might be well-treated as part of the extended household. But slaves had no rights or freedom under Roman law and if they ran away, they faced death. Runaways were often crucified as a deterrent to other slaves. Even with this, Onesimus decided to run away risking everything, almost certainly stealing a substantial amount of money from Philemon to fund his new life (Philemon 1:18). In human eyes, Onesimus was someone to be punished and discarded for what he had done. But when Paul met Onesimus somehow in AD60 or 61 when he was a prisoner, Paul shared the gospel with him. Out of all the people he could have met, he encounters Paul, a close friend of the master he had run away from. His cover was blown! But in being found in this moment, God found him. So, Paul writes a message of mercy to Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf (Philemon 1:11). The apostle Paul, formerly Saul, knew all about how encountering Jesus could change direction of your life. He was not expecting what happened to him when he was involved in violently persecuting Christians. He was on his way to Damascus when his whole life changed (Acts 9:3-4). At that moment he realised that Jesus was real and alive. From then on instead of being the greatest opponent of Christianity, he became the apostle Paul, one of its greatest promoters. Many couldn’t believe such a transformation could happen and were in fear of Paul because of his reputation, but they soon saw that he was a completely different person. No matter the failures you may have had, God sees potential in you. What people call wasted, God can call chosen. You are not useless, your past is not your prison. You can turn around.
2. Your identity can be changed through Jesus. Onesimus didn’t just change roles, he changed status. No longer deemed a servant but now a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:10,16). Onesimus may have been a slave but now he realised he was a son, a son with a spiritual father, and a son of God. His identity had changed. This was one of the big characteristics of the life of the apostle Paul, he was a spiritual father to many and it was one of the big emphases of his teaching. Christ doesn’t just give you a new job, He gives you a new identity and value in the family of God (2 Corinthians 5:17 and see testimony of Alice Cooper). You are not your job, your past title, or your mistakes. In Christ, you are a son, a daughter, a co-heir. You are not useless, you are reborn with worth.
3. Your life can be a blessing to others (Philemon 1:13). Onesimus had formerly worked as a slave because he had to; now he served from his heart and he became a very useful person to have around. Actually, Paul came to rely on him. Paul saw Onesimus as useful for ministry, even while in chains. The man once seen as a burden was now a blessing. God was at work in the life of Onesimus to do far greater things than he could ever imagine. Paul sent him back and he was sure that Philemon would receive him back (Philemon 1:21). The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened to the former slave Onesimus, but Christian tradition states that he became the overseer of the church in Ephesus. Ignatius described him as a ‘bishop whose love is beyond words. My prayer is that you should love him in the spirit of Jesus Christ and all be like him’. When God transforms you, He doesn’t just restore you He repositions you to be a source of hope, help, and healing. God doesn’t just save you for heaven. He empowers you to impact lives on earth. You are not useless, you are a vessel of purpose. It begins when you receive the good news of Jesus Christ. That God sent his one and only son into the world not to condemn the world but to save the world. Just like Onesimus, maybe you have been in such a mess and whatever you have tried to bring order to your life has brought more problems. No matter what your past, how others have labelled you, or even how you’ve viewed yourself, God sees usefulness in you. Like Onesimus, your story can be redeemed, your identity can be restored, and your life can carry great purpose.
