Crosstown OKC Sermons

Paul's purpose in writing Philemon is to intercede on behalf of Onesimus, who had recently become a Christian. Paul reminded Philemon of the partnership that he and Paul shared in the gospel. So now, as Onesimus returned to Philemon, Philemon would be compelled by the love he had received in Christ to receive Onesimus as a partner in Christ, just like he considered Paul to be.

Paul opens his letter to Philemon by expressing his gratitude to God for the genuineness of Philemon’s faith. Paul’s prayer for Philemon is that his faith will be put into practice in every situation, so that right there Christ and his kingdom will become visible. Paul has seen this happen before, and he expresses his confidence that he will see it again, especially in the matter that has caused him to write this letter to Philemon.

In Paul's letter to Philemon, the apostle makes an appeal on behalf of Philemon's slave, Onesimus. It is not just what the appeal is but how it is constructed that matters most. Here we see Christian theology in practice as Paul grounds his appeal for Onesimus in light of the reconciliation that Christ has won for his people.

The Christian life is not usually an easy life. We follow the crucified Savior so it should not be a surprise when our lives reflect a similar reality. But resurrection is our hope, keeping us encouraged to press onward in our discipleship.

The Christian community, the church of Jesus, is the place where God intends his glory to be visible today. Christian disciples are formed in this community, through the various ways in which God is made known to them. Everyone has an essential role to play for the benefit of the whole family of faith.

How quickly Christians can lose sight of the gospel! Paul was stunned to see how his converts in Galatia were drawing tighter boundaries around the people of God, limiting the freedom that Christ had won for them. He reminds Christian who they truly are: members of God's one family through whom he intends to manifest his blessings into the world.

Christians are to be disciples of Jesus more than anything else. Although we can learn much about Jesus from other Christians, it is Jesus we follow, and it is his fruit we are to manifest. Our task is to remain with Christ, abiding in his love, and joyfully obeying his commands.