God’s Perfect, Unknown, Plan

Turn with me to the Book of Philemon. Philemon is right before Hebrews.

This 1 chapter book, Philemon, was written by Paul in the early A.D. time period, maybe as early as A.D. 60. Paul was in prison in Rome while he wrote this letter to Philemon.

Just to give you a quick overview, Paul wrote this letter to a fellow Christian named Philemon. Philemon was a leader in the local church, possibly the pastor, and was also a slave owner. This use of the word slave is translated as ‘servant’ in other verses of the New Testament.

One of Philemon’s servants, or slaves, named Onesimus had apparently stolen from him and then run away, which was punishable by death under Roman law at the time.

He ran all the way to Rome, where he just happened buy God’s perfect plan, to meet a man named Paul. We all know that part of Paul’s ministry was to the lost people in his time.

Onesimus was a servant of Philemon, a thief who was now in debt to Philemon, a criminal, but more importantly, a new convert when he got to Rome.

Onesimus the slave of Philemon is converted to Christianity by Paul while one the run in Rome.

Onesimus now sees clearly his sin and is willing to go back to Philemon and face the charges against him.

Paul writes this letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus in the hope that Philemon will have mercy on him, but not just mercy, Paul has a bigger idea in mind.

Let’s begin reading in verse 1.

Philemon 1:1-3 – Paul starts his letter in a very traditional way. He says who he is, and then who he is writing to.

Apphia is most likely Philemon’s wife and business partner, and member of the local church. Archippus is most likely a leader in the church that meets in Philemon’s home.

In Philemon 1:4 Paul begins his letter, by building rapport with Philemon. Paul remembers back when he was with Philemon and the times that they shared together.

Paul has heard reports about what Philemon is doing, and is happy that he is continuing in the faith.

Maybe Philemon is wondering who told Paul all of these good things, and he thinks about the people his church has sent to help Paul in his work.

Then Paul says something in verse 6 that really stands out.

Paul prays that Philemon will be active in sharing his faith “so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.�?

Wow, what is Paul saying here? Read Philemon 1:6 again.

This verse is really shocking to me because if we turn it around it says that if we are not sharing our faith, we will not have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

This leads us to our first point.

1. Share your faith and you will understand the good of God.

Verse 6 gives us insight into an area we know very little about. What happens to us when we witness? What happens in your mind and your heart when you go out and tell someone about Jesus Christ?

We know what happens to the other person, they have an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ’s free gift of eternal life, but what happens to the person sharing the love of Christ?

For me, I am always overjoyed when I do what I know God is calling me to do. God is calling each one of us to share our faith.

When we do, not only does another person have a chance to accept Christ and go to heaven, but we also gain a little understand into the good things that God has specifically set apart for those who share the faith they have in Christ.

Dale Losch asked the question this morning, “Who would share Christ with someone if you earned $1,000 every time you did it?�?

It’s a funny question and made me smile thinking about God paying us to do his will, but think about it…

Would you share your faith more often? Would you quit your job and do it full time? I would venture to guess that 99% of people would quit their jobs immediately and start sharing Christ with everyone they could get to listen.

What a sad time we live in that instead of being motivated because God sent His Son to die for us, we have to be motivated by money…what do we get in return is more important than what someone else gets out of what we share.

Verse 7-9 Paul probably led Philemon to Christ at one time in the past. Paul plays his trump card and tells Philemon that he could “order�? or “command�? him to do what is right, he doesn’t want to.

Paul holds enough power that if he were to tell Philemon something, Philemon would do it…but Paul doesn’t want it to be like that. Paul wants Philemon to make the decision.

Verse 10 is where Philemon finds out what this is all about.

However, first imagine this. Philemon is sitting at home when someone comes and knocks at his door. It is Onesimus. I bet the first thing he wanted to do was call the police and have his arrested.

Immediately Onesimus pleads with him to let him speak for one second. Onesimus explains that one his travel he met a man named Paul and Paul sent him back home with a letter for none other than Philemon.

Philemon takes this letter and begins reading just like we did, then he comes to verse 10.

Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus is now a Christian!

Verse 11 says that Onesimus was once “useless�? which is funny since Onesimus means “useful�?.

Paul says that this kid who was named “useful�? was actually “useless�?, but now, the kid named “useful�? is living up to his name, and is now “useful�?.

In verse 12-13 Paul tells Philemon how important Onesimus is to him, which leads us to our second point.

2. Words matter

You can think a person is great at something, and you can think a person does a good job, but they don’t know what you are thinking.

Ephesians 4:29 tells us to build each other up according to their needs. Most people need words of encouragement.

When we realize that our words matter, and that our thoughts don’t help others, we can truly make a difference in someone’s life.

Onesimus now knows that Paul wanted him to stay in Rome because he was such a great help to Paul. In fact, he was such a great help, he could pick up where Philemon left off.

Paul then lays a big guilt trip on Philemon in verse 14. Paul tells Philemon that he wanted to keep Onesimus, but didn’t want to step on Philemon’s toes so he sent him back. However, Paul tells him he sent him back so that if Philemon wanted to send him back, it would be spontaneous and not forced.

Paul didn’t want to dictate what Philemon did, but he sure wasn’t shy when he told him what he wanted him to do.

In verse 15-16 Paul now is fighting for Onesimus’ freedom from slavery. He tells Philemon that Onesimus is very dear to him as a brother.

And in verse 17 Paul wants Onesimus to be welcomed just as Paul would be welcomed.

Imagine again that Philemon and Onesimus are still standing in the doorway while Philemon is reading this letter.

Philemon is still mad at Onesimus, but is holding back his anger. Now he is not only an employer who has to set a good example, but also a more mature Christian who has to set a good example.

These next few moments will be remembered by Onesimus forever.

Verse 18-19 Paul is willing to pay whatever debt that Onesimus owes. Paul knows that Philemon wouldn’t hold Paul to a debt since Paul is in jail for the cause of Christ, but he wants to let Philemon know that Onesimus did something wrong while not saved, but now he is saved and should be forgiven.

That leads us to our third point.

3. Forgive since you have been forgiven

It is pretty obvious how we have been forgiven. Christ died on the cross once, and for everyone so that we would not have to spend eternity in hell.

The least we can do is to forgive someone who sins against us.

Philemon knows this as well.

At the end of verse 19 is where Paul is really starting to lay it on thick. He reminds Philemon that he led him to Christ…just incase he forgot some time during the letter.

Verse 21 is very profound as well. Paul says “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.�?

Paul is asking Philemon to not send Onesimus to his death, but to welcome his as a brother. What more could Paul be asking when he says “knowing that you will do even more than I ask�??

I think that Paul was suggesting that Philemon should set Onesimus free. Let the burden of slavery no longer be upon Onesimus. Onesimus is a new man with a new lease on life…let him out of his slavery.

Verse 22 – I’ll be coming soon, get a room ready for me!

Paul wants Philemon to know how serious about this he is. In fact, when he gets out of prison, he will be coming to see how everything is doing with the Colossians.

1. Share your faith and you will understand the good of God. (Philemon 1:6)

2. Words matter. (Philemon 1:12-13)

3. Forgive since you have been forgiven. (Philemon 1:18-19)

As we close, think about these things.

Are you sharing your faith?

Are you giving other people words of encouragement? Building others up?

Are you quick to forgive?