Times of ServicesSunday:

9:30 a.m. Bible class10:30 a.m. worship

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible class

What do you know about Philemon? He is a great example of Christian character. Saints met in Philemon’s home. He was a friend/convert of Paul’s (v. 19). He was a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, fled from him,

possibly stealing money (v. 18-19). Onesimus was converted by Paul and served

Paul while he was imprisoned. Col. 4:7-9: Onesimus departed for Colossae.

The epistle is Paul’s plea that Onesimus is viewed as a “beloved brother” (v. 16-17).

“What is the right thing to do?” revealed Paul and Onesimus’ character.

Are others thankful for you?◦Paul expressed thanks for Philemon (v. 4).◦Would Paul be thankful for you?

Are others confident in you?◦Paul was confident in Philemon (v. 21).◦Are you reliable and trustworthy?

How can we live this way? Love (v. 5)

◦We know what Biblical love is (I Cor. 13:4-7).◦Philemon was this kind of man.

Hold on to faith (v. 5)◦Paul knew of Philemon’s faith and conviction.◦He knew Philemon would have holy conduct.

Work hard (v. 1)◦Paul said Philemon was his “fellow worker.”◦Philemon served brethren (v. 7).

Go the extra mile (v. 21; Matt. 5:40-41)◦Philemon knew what was right and he did it

to the fullest extent (Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:23).◦Doing the minimum and what is only

required is detrimental in any walk of life. Temporal vs. eternal

◦The key word is “forever” (v. 15).◦Paul contrasts the temporary separation of

Onesimus’ running away to the eternal benefit of his salvation.

Hear (Romans 1:16; 10:14,17) Believe (John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Hebrews

11:6) Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30) Confess (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew

10:32-33) Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark

16:16) Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10; Matthew

6:33; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 15:58)