Home | 3rd Quarter 2007

Life Lessons from Philemon

The book of Philemon is a personal letter written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, a dear brother in Christ. The occasion of writing was the salvation and subsequent return to Philemon of Onesimus--a runaway slave--coupled with a reasoned plea from the apostle for Philemon to receive Onesimus with a full knowledge of what had transpired in his life. There are several salient points for our observation, which constitute life lessons for all believers.

First is the matter of providence in God's economy (v.15-16). Paul reminds Philemon that the hand of God in the orchestration of human events could very well be responsible for the former slave Onesimus both hearing and believing the life-changing gospel, transforming the servant into a beloved brother. At first blush, it may appear that Philemon made little or no effort to win Onesimus to Christ. However, it may be that Philemon did indeed seek to win Onesimus to faith in Christ, which perhaps instigated his departure. If that was the case (and I am inclined to lean toward that scenario more than the former), then we find that Onesimus, having fled the gospel influence of his benevolent owner, found himself running head long into the same gospel claims in a jail cell he shared with the apostle.

When the grace of God sets its affection upon a sinner, there is no place to hide. While God's grace as demonstrated in his providential dealings with man often escapes detection in our present, it almost always manifests itself in life's rear-view mirror as we move into our future. Paul's appeal to Philemon is to look into that mirror and embrace the fruits of providence!

Second is the reciprocal and effectual nature of prayer. Philemon was a recurring theme in Paul's prayer life (v.4). The well-traveled and over-tasked apostle was never too busy to pray regularly for his friends. Paul expressed confidence that he likewise was a focal point in Philemon's prayer life (v. 22). Paul was convinced that the prayers of Philemon on his behalf would turn desire into reality! Is there any spiritual brother or sister of your acquaintance toward whom you have the same degree of confidence? Effectual prayer on the part of its members is to the church what oxygen is to the human body!

Third is the proper use of spiritual authority. While his authority as an apostle would have given him the right to "enjoin" (make a demand upon) Philemon to receive the returning slave, Paul opts to "beseech" him for love's sake. The word "convenient" (v.8) suggests that receiving the now-converted Onesimus with loving open arms is the right thing to do. But Paul refuses to abuse his authority in Christ, but rather appeals gently to Philemon on equal footing as a fellow brother. Those in spiritual authority (especially pastors) would do well to follow this model when seeking to motivate others regarding a right course of spiritual conduct. The desired result of our appeals to brethren in Christ is that they perform the will of God "willingly" as opposed to a sense of "necessity" (v.14).

Fourth is the power and intensely personal nature of the Gospel of Christ. In addition to making "sons of God" out of those who believe it (John 1:12-13), the gospel begets spiritual sons out of the "bowels" of those who deliver it (v.10). Paul to Philemon: "He who is a physical servant to you has become a spiritual son to me." How would this concept, if embraced, change our view of the ongoing spiritual nurture (as found in tender-hearted loving parents) of those that we lead to Christ?

Moreover, a life changed by the gospel becomes a source of "refreshing" to those with whom it comes in contact (v.7, 20). Philemon was a source of spiritual refreshment to his fellow saints as well as to the apostle himself. Paul linked the refreshment of his soul to the anticipated obedience of Philemon to his request. There is nothing more refreshing to the heart of a pastor or teacher than the internalization of and obedience to the word of God by those who sit under their tutelage.

Furthermore, the gospel can transform the "unprofitable" man or woman into one that is "profitable" for both spiritual and worldly enterprises (v.11). As applied to Onesimus, I believe the word "unprofitable" signified not only the spiritual dearth of his soul but also his virtual uselessness as servant. A workaholic Onesimus was not. But now though the gospel Onesimus had found both a spiritual thirst and a work ethic (v.16). The gospel had rendered Onesimus fit to serve the apostle in its bonds. Paul to Philemon: "If you refuse to receive this brother back into your graces, be assured that I will be the benefactor--both spiritually and physically--and you, my friend, will be the loser!"

The fifth takes the form of a subtle caution. The mention of Demas (v.24), who subsequently forsook Paul and the ministry due to a love for this present world (2 Timothy 4:10), is a sober reminder that the fellow-laborer of today can become the deserter of tomorrow without daily maintenance of the heart with regard to things both spiritual and carnal. A compromised and deteriorating love for Christ over a prolonged period of time can result in devastating consequences if that trend is not reversed.

What the book of Philemon lacks in length it more than makes up for in the practical lessons it provides for our spiritual welfare as we interact with fellow believers. The student of scripture would be wise to ingest and implement these important lessons.