News and Events

July 14, 2024 – lesson 46

Philemon

Focal Verses:  Philemon 1:8-18
At Home in the Community
Paul wrote a letter to facilitate a new relationship between Philemon, a slave master and Onesimus, his runaway slave. Where are all the places one can turn to for help? Paul reminded Philemon that because of their relationship in Christ, he was standing up for Onesimus.  

Keep in Mind
“Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say” (Philemon 1:21, KJV)

Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will:  EXPLAIN why Paul pleaded for Onesimus; EXPLORE our feelings about standing up for someone needing advocacy; and IDENTIFY  ways we can stand up for someone being bullied or discriminated against.

 
Focal Verses: Philemon 1:8-18
⁸ That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. 
⁹ But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.
¹⁰ I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. 
¹¹ Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. 
¹² I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
¹³ I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. 
¹⁴ But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. 
¹⁵ It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. 
¹⁶ He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
¹⁷ So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 
¹⁸ If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Daily Bible Readings:
MONDAY: John 19-21
TUESDAY:  Acts 1-3
WEDNESDAY: Acts 4-6
THURSDAY:  Acts 7-8
FRIDAY: Acts 9-10
SATURDAY: Acts 11-13
SUNDAY:  Acts 14-15