SERMON NOTES
A Beloved Brother
Philemon
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Introduction: Paul’s letter to Philemon is a brief treatise with a big request. Coming in at 335 words in the original language, the letter calls upon Philemon to consider granting Onesimus his freedom in order that he may perhaps return to serve the Apostle Paul while he is in prison. On the surface, there are several reasons for Philemon to comply immediately with Paul’s request: the letter comes from an apostle; the audience includes the church; the loss will be recovered; he owes his life in Christ to Paul; and he can expect a personal visit from Paul. All things considered, none are sufficient in themselves to accomplish what Paul is really asking, namely that Philemon receive Onesimus no longer as a bondservant but as a beloved brother. In order for Philemon to respond to Paul’s request from the heart, he has to accept the new relationships that are created when one comes to faith in Christ. The images that Paul scatters throughout this brief letter offer insight into the relationships that we too have with one another and thus enable us to serve the Lord together from the heart.
01. The family images in Philemon remind us how we came to faith in Christ and how we are united in Christ. We are the sons and daughters of spiritual fathers and mothers, and we are brothers and sisters in the household of God.
02. The worker images in Philemon remind us how we join together to serve the church and the cause of Christ. We are fellow workers, fellow soldiers, and bondservants in the Lord.
03. The fellowship images in Philemon remind us how the Lord uses our lives to bring joy and comfort to one another in the Lord. We are saints, guests, and fellow prisoners of Christ Jesus.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. What is the nature of Paul’s request to Philemon? What problems could occur in Roman society if more people complied with Paul’s request? What problems could occur in the church if one slave is set free on the basis of his faith in Christ? Why was Paul willing to take the risk by asking for Onesimus’s freedom?
2. What reasons are evident in this letter for Philemon to comply with Paul’s request? Why are none of them sufficient in themselves to accomplish what Paul is really asking? What is the difference between obedience to the Lord in principle and obedience to the Lord from the heart?
3. Which of the family images in Philemon stands out most to you? Do you have a spiritual mother or father? Have you led people to the Lord such that they are your children in the Lord?
4. Which of the worker images in Philemon stands out the most to you? How are the roles of workers, soldiers, and bondservants similar? In what ways do these images remind you of how we serve together for the cause of Christ?
5. Which of the fellowship images in Philemon stand out most to you? How can we bring joy and comfort to one another in the Lord at Northpoint? How is your heart refreshed in the Lord through the saints at Northpoint?
For Further Reading: Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop, The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive (Crossway, 2015)