The Faith of Philemon (Part 1)

Philemon 1:1-7

Throughout this three day study we are going to see three sides of Paul. This morning we see Paul as a beloved friend. Paul is a prisoner in Rome. I have to point out how hilarious God can be sometimes. If you can remember in Romans, Paul was formerly known as Saul. A man who was killing, persecuting, and placing Christians in prison. After his conversion on Damascus road we see Paul begin a marvelous ministry journey that lead to him becoming one of the greatest evangelical preachers the world has ever seen. However, after all that Paul is now the one who is in prison. I think this proves that God does have a sense of humor.

This story is about Paul’s friend Philemon and Philemon’s slave Onesimus. Philemon was Paul’s good friend who resided in Colosse. Onesimus was Philemon’s slave who had fled to guess where, that’s right, Rome. The important thing about this story is that Onesimus was heading to Rome in hopes to get lost in the crowd, yet guess who he found. Paul. Paul shared the Gospel with Onesimus and he is converted! So while Onesimus was trying to get lost with the rest of the world, he found God instead. Romans 12:2 is clear about coming to a life with Christ, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Onesimus was trying to conform to fit in with the world, but when he found God he was called to stand out.

The big dilemma that is being brought forth in this passage is that the law at Colosse stated that a master had the ability to execute a rebellious slave. Philemon was Onesimus’ master and he had a choice to make, which is probably why Onesimus wanted to stay in Rome with Paul. What we are going to look at is a testimony of all three of these men and how Paul helped Philemon make a decision on what to do with newly converted Onesimus.

Now we know that the book of Colossians was written by Paul, however he is not the one who founded the church at Colosse. In fact He hadn’t even visited it! Colossians 2:1 lets us know that he was not there as they have not even seen his face. However the church at Colosse was more than likely started because of Paul’s missionary journey in Ephesus. I love that he called Philemon a “fellowlabourer” and Philemon’s son Archippus as a “fellowsoilder.” These men were hardworking in what they did, but in this context I have to believe that they were great soldiers and laborers for Christ as they are both Christians. Apphia is Philemon’s wife and it is believed that they were holding church in their home.

What is the significance of this and why and I telling you these things? Well remember our friend Onesimus? This let’s us know that since he was a slave, he was always around the church that was meeting in Philemon’s home. He knew Philemon and Apphia were both Christians. Most importantly, he knew the love they had for God. Just plant that in the back of your mind for the next few sessions of this study.

When we think about that New Testament Churches what do we think about? I always assumed that they had built churches that were very nice and had steeples and the whole nine yards. However that was not the case as most of these churches were meeting in homes. I think we put too much emphasis on the size and structures of our church building. I personally would love to pastor a church that has great facilities, nice offices, and an amazing sanctuary one day. However that is extremely materialistic! We have to realize that the church is not a building, but it is a body. Wherever the body is, that is where the church is. In the case of the old testament churches it was in homes that these church services were taking place. Jesus said it best in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Paul is writing this letter to Philemon. I believe this is because of the new conversion of Onesimus. Paul also wanted to reconnect with one of the men he shared the Gospel with and who because he planted a seed in his life, Philemon gave his life to Christ. Timothy is mentioned in the greeting, but this letter is from the burdened heart of Paul. This is such a beautiful greeting to Philemon and in verse four a powerful statement is made by Paul when he tells Philemon that he is praying for him always. Paul loved Philemon. Paul makes a declaration in verse five that he has heard of Philemon’s work and the love that he has for not only God and Jesus, but also for the saints or the followers of Christ. Paul describes Philemon’s work as refreshing and up lifting. I wonder if people could say the same thing about us. Is our walk with Christ not only evident, but uplifting? Do you fit in or stand out?

Philemon was working for Christ upon his conversion. He was bettering his walk with Christ every single day by taking no days off in his walk but by constantly investing in people and devoting his life to serving God and not man. Philemon was a man of faith and Paul was used to help him find Jesus. Now we can see that Paul knows the work that Philemon has done and is proud of his friend because of the radical change that God has made in his life.

Verse six of this passage is important because of one phrase and I don't want us to miss this. “Communication of thy faith may become effectual.” This verse motivates me! Is the way you communicate your faith making an impact? Is it effecting the lives of people? In other words can people see the change that God has made in your life? There are so many ways that we communicate our relationship with Christ. Wether it is the way we walk or talk if you want to be impactful in your ministry then we have walk the walk and talk the talk. Philemon had effectual communication because he realized the opportunity that he had to impact people’s lives. In fact, there is no doubt that Philemon had an impactful ministry because he not only talked about God, but was clearly walking with God. Everything he was doing was having a life changing impact on people. This pleased Paul to see the faith of Philemon, more importantly it please God. I pray that my walk with Christ is making an impact on people as well.

Paul closes out his greeting to Philemon with prayer that Philemon would have a greater understanding of who God is. After all, the better we know God, the bigger impact we have have a chance to make on the lives of other people. Paul was proud of his friend and disciple Philemon. However tomorrow we will study that Paul is going to make intercession for Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus, who because of his rebellion deserved death, but found life in Rome.