Guest teacher Joe Step walks us through Paul’s intimate letter to Philemon—written from prison—about Onesimus, a runaway slave transformed into a “beloved brother” in Christ. Centered on Paul’s appeal “for love’s sake” and “charge it to my account,” Joe highlights gospel reconciliation, forgiveness, and God’s sovereignty in our conflicts (“perhaps… separated for a while that you might have him forever”). Drawing from Colossians 4 and Romans 14, he challenges us to drop preference battles, stop making final calls on temporary issues, and practice disciplined obedience over circumstance. Be encouraged to welcome repentant believers, forgive as God in Christ forgave you, encourage one another’s diverse gifts, and trust Jesus to complete His work as we walk by faith, not by sight.
Key Scripture References:
- Philemon 1:1–25 — Full letter read; key focuses: vv.4–7 (love, faith, fellowship), vv.8–11 (“for love’s sake” appeal; useless/useful), vv.12–14 (consent, not compulsion), v.15 (“separated for a while… that you might have him forever”), vv.17–19 (“charge it to my account”), vv.21–22.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 — “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
- Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ…”
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 — Outer man wasting away; inner man renewed day by day.
- Hebrews 12:2 — “Fixing our eyes on Jesus…”
- Colossians 4:7–9 — Tychicus and Onesimus sent; Onesimus called a faithful and beloved brother.
- Colossians 2:3 — “In [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
- Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission: as you are going, make disciples.
- Matthew 5:13–16 — Salt and light; let your light shine.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 — Do not pronounce judgment before the time; the Lord will reveal.
- Romans 14:5–8 — Days, eating/drinking; “we live… and die… to the Lord.”
- Romans 15:14 — “Able to admonish one another.”
- Ephesians 4:32 — “Forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
- Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:26 — In communion, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
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