Podcasts about Onesimus

Forgiveness: A Personal Letter, A Powerful Plea explores the profound message of reconciliation found in the book of Philemon. This one-page biblical letter tells the story of Paul, a prisoner who writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had wronged his master. Paul's powerful plea for forgiveness contains timeless wisdom for anyone struggling with broken relationships.

Dr. Case Thorp | Philemon 1-24The dramatic setting surrounding the book of Philemon, involving Onesimus, Aristarchus, and more, make for a great look at the early church, and the power of the Gospel in relationships.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Host Hunter welcomes us to the 18th of June, guiding us through powerful passages from 1 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 18 and 19, and Colossians 4. We'll hear the dramatic story of King Ahab, the courageous prophet Micaiah who stands for truth amidst a sea of deceit, and the steadfast leadership of Jehoshaphat. Turning to the New Testament, Paul's heartfelt words from prison in Colossians inspire us to let our conversations be gracious, to carry out our unique ministry, and to shine as children of light in a dark world. As we reflect together, Hunter draws a practical connection between the ancient stories and our lives today—reminding us that God calls not just prophets and apostles, but each of us, to be faithful lights wherever we are. The episode includes thoughtful prayers, encouragement to live with integrity and faithfulness, and a gentle reminder that, above all else, you are deeply loved. Join us as we journey through scripture and prayer, growing together in hope, purpose, and God's abundant grace. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Micaiah, the truth-speaking prophet, is a light. In the face of deceit, of dark kingdoms and dark prophets, he stands out. God always has his lights—those who are willing to speak the truth no matter the cost. Micaiah is one of them, refusing to be silenced, refusing to speak anything but what the Lord tells him. Even when the pressure mounted, when the crowds and the king himself wanted him to just go along, Micaiah remained faithful. He shone. God always has his lights because he is the Father of lights. That's what James tells us. In seasons of darkness and confusion, God's people—faithful men and women—shine with his light, reflecting truth, refusing to surrender, even if their voices tremble. Paul was one of those lights, too. Paul deeply desired to shine the truth of the Gospel in the darkness. He understood how difficult it could be—he wrote Colossians while in chains, and it would only get harder. But he kept shining and didn't do it alone; he asked for prayer. “Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.” Paul knew how hard it would be, but he also knew who he was—a child of the light, called to be a light-bearer in a world that desperately needed it. But God, the Father of lights, isn't just the Father of prophets like Micaiah, or apostles like Paul. He is the Father of ordinary people as well. People whose names are often overlooked, whispered among the closing greetings of Paul's letters—faithful people like Aristarchus, Demas, Epaphras, Archippus, Tychicus, Nympha, Onesimus, and countless others through the age. People like you and me—Craig, Rebecca, Tom, Mary Ellen, Luz. All lights, born of the Father. We each have a ministry, a purpose to shine the Father's bright light in this dark world. Paul asked for prayer, for help to proclaim the truth. He exhorted others to carry out the ministry God had given them. You, too, have been given the light of the world—Jesus himself shining in your heart. Reflect that light. Do what God has called you to do, in his strength, bringing glory back to him. Let us all learn—together—what it means to shine our lights. That's my prayer for my soul, for my family, for my wife and daughters and son. And that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Merciful God, you have brought us through the night. Into this new day we offer you our lives again. Our hopes, our fears, our work, our rest. Keep us faithful in the little things. And mindful of your presence in every moment. Let us not be led by anxiety or pride, but by your peace that passes all understanding through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Lord Jesus, you stretched wide your arms on the cross to draw all people to yourself. Draw the hurting, the hungry, the weary. Break down every wall of hostility and build us into one family by your spirit. Amen. And now, Lord, teach me to walk not with fear, but with faith. Where there is noise, let me be still. Where there is boasting, let me be quiet. Where there is suffering, let me kneel. Let me not crave recognition, but righteousness. Not applause, but communion. For in you I have life, and in dying with you I rise. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Appealing for Onesimus - Philemon 8-16

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: (Philemon 1:10) 1/ God's grace . 2/ God's Gospel . 3/ God's glory .

Dr. Randy White of Taos, NM highlights Epaphroditus, Tychicus, and Onesimus—unsung messengers whose faithful, behind-the-scenes service advanced the early Christian mission.

This story epitomizes true love. Paul praises the brethren for their love for him is thankful for how they constantly aided him. But now he is asking them to demonstrate that same love to brother Onesimus who has been born again now, and helping him. This is a story of love and trust, and more importantly, forgiveness. When one has been forgiven they should be restored because of the love God to the person violated, as if it never happened. God be with us all.

In these verses, Paul's final remarks teach us that God is full of mercy and that his saints are chosen from all walks of life and from all levels of society (1 Cor. 1:26–31). We find among Paul's companions a runaway slave (engaged in ministry), a restored backslider (now forgiven and full of zeal), a pastor (concerned for his flock), a doctor-turned-historian, and others who work with Paul in evangelism. The apostle Paul is able to accomplish his ministry only because of the faithfulness of many dear friends who have stuck by him and who've been helpful to him in his ministry. And in order to use them as an encouragement to the Colossians and to all the churches that would read this letter, he tells us a little bit about them. And it adds a very warm, personal touch to what is a very doctrinal letter. It also indicates to me something of the magnetism of his personality, and the deep, rich love of which he was capable, because of the fact that he had so many of these people with him for so many years, and they had such a deep loyalty and love for the man. Those who brought greetings (vv. 7–9) Two envoys Tychicus and Onesimus are two loyal and highly valued friends of the apostle Paul. They are envoys sent with the epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon to inform and encourage the believers in those churches (Eph. 6:21–22). tychicus WAS THE MAN WITH A SERVANTS HEART.  hE came from the province of Asia and was one of Paul's companions. The name “Tychicus” means fortuitous or fortunate; and indeed he was fortunate. We don't know much about him; there isn't much said in the Bible. He's mentioned five times, and every time it's very, very brief. But we know one thing: he lived up to his name, because he was a fortunate man to be able to spend as much time, in fact, as many years as he did in the ministry with the apostle Paul. He was a close friend who later would wait for him at Troas when Paul travelled to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary journey (Acts 20:4) fourteen years later. Paul regards Tychicus as wholly reliable and a witness to his state in prison.  He is a man with a servant's heart. He realizes this is a long journey. He's leaving his home, his job, his friends, the fellowship of his church;    when we see him, as Paul writes Colossians, he's still with Paul; he's still around. He's stuck by him for a long time now. He went to Jerusalem with him. It may be that he returned with him. He for sure is with him now in the imprisonment in Rome. And at the end of Titus chapter 3, verse 12, he says, “When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis; for I have determined to spend the winter there.” Here's a loyal man. And you know what? He says, “I'm going to send him, Titus, to take your place,” either he or Artemas. We don't know which one he sent, but it may well have been Tychicus.   Now what Paul wanted was – Paul loved Titus. Titus was the pastor of the congregations in the island of Crete, and Paul wanted Titus to come and spend the winter with him. Paul knew it wasn't only the winter of the year, but it was the winter of his life; and Paul wanted the fellowship and the love of Titus. And so he said to Titus, “Look, if you'll come and meet me in Nicopolis and spend the winter with me, I will send this man Artemas, or this man Tychicus, to take care of your church.”   Now it's kind of an interesting thing. Here is a man who started out as a messenger, and wound up substituting for a very great man, the man by the name of Titus. The man with a servant's heart made himself available, and God used him in ways, I'm sure, he never dreamed possible.   Now later on, I want you to notice something: Paul wrote the last letter that we believe he wrote, 2 Timothy chapter 4, verse 12, and he says this, writing to Timothy: “And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloak that I left at Troas” – I'm glad he has that same problem that all of us have; he left his coat somewhere. “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, would you please bring it, and my books, and especially the parchments?” Good to know he's human, isn't it? He left almost everything there. So he says, “When you come, will you bring all that stuff I left over there?”   Now you see, what he's saying here is, “Timothy, I want you to come and be with me; I need you. And in order that you can come and be with me, I know you'll have to leave your congregation in Ephesus so I'm going to send somebody to take your place.” And who is it? Tychicus again. He's making a career out of being an interim pastor, and he's filling in for some pretty, pretty high-class men: Titus and Timothy. He would reflect to both of those congregations the character of Paul, the life of Paul, the ministry of Paul; and they would love him because he would bring Paul to them. Now that's the kind of man he was. He was a messenger, and he was a pastor. In fact, he was anything Paul wanted him to be. We never find any bit of argument, we never find any bit of anxiety; we only find Tychicus doing what Paul told him to do.   But this is a faithful servant. He loves Paul. He's loyal. He'll be a messenger; he'll be a pastor; he'll be anything. And Paul here has in mind sending him with the letter to the Colossians. He isn't going to pastor, he's just going to be a delivery boy.   You say, “Well, that's not too tough.” Listen, if you knew what the trip was like from Rome to Laodicea and Colossae you might not say that. It's a long trip, a perilous trip. You had to cross Italy on foot, and then he had to sail the Adriatic, and then he had to cross Greece, and then he had to sail the Aegean. Then he had to walk, after he had landed at Miletus, up the steep Lycus River Valley to Laodicea and Colossae, and it wasn't easy; it was a very difficult journey. But Paul says, “He's going to come and he's going to bring the letter.”   And you know something? He didn't just have the letter of Colossians, he had another letter too. You say, “Well, what other letter did he have?” Well, I believe, if you look at Ephesians 6:21, it says; “But that you also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your heart.” You see, that's almost an exact quote out of Colossians. So, now we know he doesn't have one letter, he's got two letters. Tucked somewhere in his robe is Colossians and Ephesians.   And, incidentally, the book of Ephesians, it was not just written to the Ephesians. In fact, we find many manuscripts; and in the beginning of Ephesians there is a blank where it says, “Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to the saints who are at blank.” You know why? This was a general letter to all the churches; it's just that one of the manuscripts we found happened to have Ephesus written in it. In the whole book of Ephesians there's not one allusion to a person in Ephesus.  And also had; he had another letter: Philemon. He had the letter to Philemon. And look at verse 9 of Colossians 4: “And along with Tychicus I'm sending Onesimus.” See? And Onesimus was the slave that was returning about whom the book of Philemon is written  The second thing he says – and this gets us into the thought that he is a servant's heart, “He is a faithful minister,” verse 7, and the word is diakonos, or servant. He is a faithful servant. He never attained prominence, he just served. He was an invaluable liaison between Paul and the churches; and he was faithful, he stuck with it. He was one of those 1 Corinthian 4 kind of stewards that was found faithful; he just did it, whatever it was. And you know something? There's no other way to get the work done, and Paul knew it. You've got to have people who have a servant's heart. He not only was a faithful servant of Paul but he was a fellow slave in the Lord. The first phrase has to do with Paul: “He is a faithful servant of mine, and a fellow slave in the Lord.” And Paul uses two different words. The first one is diakonos which just means servant. The second is sundoulos, which means bond slave. He is not a bond slave to Paul, don't confuse it. He's a bond slave to Jesus; he's just a willing servant to Paul. The New Testament words are important.     onesimus a man with a sinful past is a runaway slave who is the subject of the Epistle to Philemon.  Philemon was a convert of the apostle Paul. Verse 19 of Philemon he says that, “You owe to me your own self.” So he was a convert of Paul. And he's a very wealthy man; he owns some slaves. One of the slaves Philemon owned was a man named Onesimus, this man. But Onesimus didn't like living in Philemon's house, and he didn't like being a slave, so he ran away. And you know what a slave was to do when he ran away if he was caught? He was to give his life; he was executed. Runaway slaves were executed. But this one was willing to make the gamble, and he ran away, and he ran all the way to Rome. And you know what happened? Amazing thing: he ran right into the apostle Paul. And you know something? Just as the apostle Paul had led Philemon to Christ, the apostle Paul led Philemon's runaway slave to Christ. Isn't that amazing when you think there were two million people in Rome? Not so amazing when you see what God had in mind. Now Paul writes a letter, the letter of Philemon, and sends Onesimus back, and the letter says, “Say, Philemon, I know he ran away; but don't kill him. He may have gone away a slave; he's coming back a brother, and he's willing to serve you as a slave and a brother in Christ. So open your arms of love and take him, will you?” And so here's Tychicus with Philemon, the letter in his pocket, and Onesimus the slave walking beside him. Paul writes the letter to establish in Philemon's heart acceptance for a returning slave who's now a brotherHe has been recently converted and now serves Christ as Paul's ‘beloved brother' (v. 9). Paul is not interested in status or wealth, but in spirituality and faithfulness. Tychicus and Onesimus are both brothers to Paul through grace, men who were happy to help out and use their gifts under Paul's direction, accepting and recognizing that he was the Lord's servant. They are sent to ‘comfort hearts', that is, to encourage the Colossians to keep the faith and to obey the Word of God. And in the letter to Philemon he says, “Onesimus is” my very heart. Onesimus is my very heart. Those who sent greetings (vv. 10–14) Three messianic Jews (vv. 10–11) Aristarchus, Mark and Justus are fellow workers and long-term Jewish friends of Paul. These men worked with Paul for the glory of Christ in the local churches. They were team players who shared the same agenda as Paul for the church's growth and well-being and were not too busy ‘doing their own thing' to help out. Their ministry blessed Paul personally because he was encouraged by their friendship. The word ‘comfort' (v. 11) speaks of consolation and relief. We get the English word ‘paregoric' (‘a medicine that soothes pain') from the Greek used here. aristarchus is the man with a sympathetic heart. Now Aristarchus' name appears elsewhere in the New Testament in association with the town of Thessalonica. It's very likely that he came from that town. And at Ephesus, you remember Paul ministered at Ephesus for three years; and during those three years, Aristarchus was with him. And you remember when finally in Ephesus the riot broke out? When the riot broke out, Aristarchus and Gaius were seized by the mob, and Aristarchus found out what it was to be a prisoner. They recognized him as one of Paul's companions, and so they seized him. Now that's in chapter 19. Now Paul decides to go to Jerusalem. You know what happens? He takes Aristarchus along. So he goes on that trip. Paul gets on the boat. You remember he was captured as a prisoner in Jerusalem, then he was moved to Caesarea on the coast where he stayed as a prisoner. And then finally, in Acts 27, he gets on a boat to go to Rome to be tried in Rome, and he's a prisoner on the ship; and Acts 27:2 says when he got on the boat, Aristarchus was with him. Had Aristarchus been with him through all the imprisonment? Very possible. Very possible since the time he identified with Paul in the city of Ephesus, and escaped from the riot, and went to Jerusalem. From that time until now he has stayed with Paul; as a prisoner in Jerusalem, he hung around. Caesarea, he may have hung around. On the ship – and you remember what a ride that was. Read Acts 27 again. I mean that was something exciting, and he was there. Now here he is back in Rome. And guess who's there? Aristarchus. And Paul calls him “my fellow prisoner.” And the guy hasn't committed a crime, he just hangs around with criminals, so he spends his time in jail. came from Thessalonica (Acts 27:2) and he was with Paul during the riots at Ephesus (Acts 19:29). From Acts 20:4 we see that he also waited for Paul with Tychicus at Troas as Paul made his way back to Jerusalem. It is thought by some that he travelled with Paul as his slave or, alternatively, that he was taking a lift back home; whatever the truth is, he is also a prisoner in Rome at this time (Paul calls him ‘my fellow prisoner'). He was a volunteer willing to suffer for the kingdom of Christ. mark is the man with a second chance the cousin of Barnabas and the writer of the second Gospel. Twelve years prior to this, Mark and Barnabas had left Paul after a disagreement about whether Mark should accompany them on their second missionary journey. In Paul's opinion, Mark had been disloyal and cowardly when he deserted them at the end of their first missionary tour (Acts 15:36–41). Mark's relationship with Paul is now restored and he is fully engaged in the Lord's work and in full fellowship with the Lord's people. In 2 Timothy 4:13 Paul said that Mark was very useful to him for the ministry, thus assuring us that Mark's restoration to faithfulness was a permanent thing (see also 1 Peter 5:13). This is so encouraging as it tells us never to doubt the grace of God and his promise to keep us from falling. Mark is no longer a liability to Paul and is to be welcomed as a fully committed co-worker of Christ. Mark is forgiven both by God and by Paul. We should not withhold our love from those whom Christ has redeemed and restored. Restoration is a wonderful certainty because God promises it in Christ (Eph. 3:20–21; Jude 24). justus, the man with a strong commitment also called Jesus. His was a common name among the Jews. A man called by that name was nominated as a replacement apostle for Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:23), while another of the same name lived in Corinth and was a supporter of Paul (Acts 18:7). If the Justus of Colossians 4:11 is neither of these two (and that is what most commentators think) then he is mentioned only here in the New Testament and represents the ‘unknowns' in the Lord's service: those myriads of believers—ordinary people—with nothing particularly special to note about them, who yet have been chosen and given grace to be ‘fellow workers for the kingdom of God'. No matter how ‘unknown' believers may feel in their own little place, they contribute to the growth of the kingdom when they use their gifts and walk in obedience to Christ.        Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?              John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today.               “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32             Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.              hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F             The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Paul's letter to Philemon, unpacking its rich theological and practical implications. At the heart of the discussion is Paul's appeal for Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. Paul's letter serves as a vivid demonstration of how the gospel transforms relationships, highlighting the themes of forgiveness, restitution, and reconciliation. The hosts reflect on the radical nature of grace, which not only calls for the restoration of broken relationships but also compels believers to go above and beyond in their love and service to one another. Jesse and Tony dive into the profound theological principles embedded in Paul's words, including substitutionary atonement and the unity of believers in Christ. They explore how Paul's appeal models the gospel itself, showcasing Christ's substitution on behalf of sinners. The letter is not just a personal plea but also a public call to let the grace of Christ reshape every aspect of Christian conduct and community. This episode challenges listeners to consider how their own relationships and interactions reflect the gospel's transformative power. The discussion also touches on practical applications of Christian unity, such as church membership and the unique bonds between believers. The hosts examine what it means to live out the radical call to Christian fellowship in everyday life, from supporting fellow believers in times of need to fostering harmony in the church. With humor, depth, and compelling insights, this episode encourages listeners to embrace the scandalously generous grace of God in all their relationships. Key Points: Paul's Letter to Philemon as a Model of Gospel Transformation Paul's appeal for Onesimus reflects key gospel principles such as forgiveness, reconciliation, and substitution, illustrating how the gospel reshapes relationships and communities. The Radical Unity of Believers The episode highlights the unity of Christians as a reflection of the unity found in the Trinity. This unity has profound implications for how believers treat one another in both personal and public spheres. Restitution and Responsibility in Christian Conduct Jesse and Tony discuss Paul's emphasis on restitution, noting that conversion does not erase past wrongs but increases the believer's responsibility to make things right in light of the gospel. Practical Implications of Christian Fellowship The hosts explore how the biblical call to Christian unity should impact relationships in various contexts, including church membership, workplace dynamics, and neighborly interactions. The Scandal of Grace Grace is presented as a radical and scandalous force that calls believers to love, forgive, and restore relationships in ways that mirror Christ's love for His people. Questions for Reflection: How does Paul's appeal for Onesimus challenge your understanding of forgiveness and restitution? In what ways can you reflect the unity of believers in your relationships with fellow Christians? How does the concept of substitutionary atonement impact the way you view your responsibilities toward others? Are there areas in your life where you struggle to extend grace or reconciliation to others? How can your involvement in your local church reflect the radical unity and love described in Paul's letter to Philemon?

Pastor Phil Sparling - Forgive / Forgiven - Weekend Sermon Podcast - www.auburngrace.com

Pastor Phil Sparling - Forgive / Forgiven - Weekend Sermon Podcast - www.auburngrace.com

Onesimus, like Judas, was a depraved sinner. But unlike Judas, Onesimus was reconciled to God and to his master

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal delve into the letter of Philemon, focusing on the transformative power of the gospel in relationships. They examine Paul's heartfelt appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who has become a believer and is now returning as a brother in Christ. The discussion reflects on the profound theological implications of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian unity, as well as the way the gospel subverts societal roles while upholding spiritual kinship. Jesse and Tony explore the delicate yet powerful language Paul employs in his letter, highlighting how he appeals to Philemon's faith and love to guide his actions. Paul's request challenges Philemon to see Onesimus not just as a slave but as a beloved brother, emphasizing the radical equality that the gospel brings to all believers. The hosts unpack the layered dynamics of this relationship, showing how it serves as a practical application of the theology outlined in Colossians. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of living out the gospel in everyday relationships. Through Paul's example, believers are encouraged to prioritize love, forgiveness, and humility, embodying the transformative work of Christ in their interactions with others. This episode offers rich insights into how theology intersects with daily life, challenging listeners to reflect on their own relationships in light of the gospel. Key Points: Paul's appeal to Philemon demonstrates a balance between authority and love, showcasing how Christian leaders can guide others in faith. The gospel transforms relationships, breaking down societal barriers and emphasizing spiritual equality among believers. Forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes, as Paul challenges Philemon to welcome Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. Questions for Reflection: How does the gospel challenge societal roles and transform relationships in your life? What can we learn from Paul's approach to addressing sensitive and difficult situations with love and tact? How does recognizing the spiritual equality of all believers impact your interactions within the church and beyond?

In the final segment In the final segment of our Bible readings we are introduced a picture of ourself – Onesimus, a profligate runaway slave, who in Rome is liberated from his wasteful state to become a brother in Christ. The key words in this letter are related to BOWELS. Paul is demonstrating his love for God, His Son, His Word, His truth, and for Philemon and his family and the ecclesia, as well as for Onesimus. The Apostle is demonstrating to Philemon that, we must not only know and live the truth, we must love it, and God and His Son and His Word, His truth, His ecclesia, His family: we must be emotionally involved and committed. Paul sends Onesimus back to his master, as a fellow believer in Christ carrying this letter and the epistle to the Colossians. Onesimus is formerly described as being “unprofitable”, which is our condition before we believed the gospel and received forgiveness. But now he has learnt to abound in his grateful realisation of his elevated status see Ephesians 2:1-12. The Apostle Paul had taught Philemon the truth of the gospel. He speaks of Philemon's debt to God in the forgiveness which he has been given. Therefore Philemon ought to show the same forgiveness to his fellow believer – even though Onesimus was his slave. The Apostle Paul is confident that Philemon will comply with the Apostle's request. Final greetings are conveyed through Epaphras, who carries the letter to Philemon.

In the final segment In the final segment of our Bible readings we are introduced a picture of ourself – Onesimus, a profligate runaway slave, who in Rome is liberated from his wasteful state to become a brother in Christ. The key words in this letter are related to BOWELS. Paul is demonstrating his love for God, His Son, His Word, His truth, and for Philemon and his family and the ecclesia, as well as for Onesimus. The Apostle is demonstrating to Philemon that, we must not only know and live the truth, we must love it, and God and His Son and His Word, His truth, His ecclesia, His family: we must be emotionally involved and committed. Paul sends Onesimus back to his master, as a fellow believer in Christ carrying this letter and the epistle to the Colossians. Onesimus is formerly described as being “unprofitable”, which is our condition before we believed the gospel and received forgiveness. But now he has learnt to abound in his grateful realisation of his elevated status see Ephesians 2:1-12. The Apostle Paul had taught Philemon the truth of the gospel. He speaks of Philemon's debt to God in the forgiveness which he has been given. Therefore Philemon ought to show the same forgiveness to his fellow believer – even though Onesimus was his slave. The Apostle Paul is confident that Philemon will comply with the Apostle's request. Final greetings are conveyed through Epaphras, who carries the letter to Philemon.

Today's Passage: Colossians 4:7-14Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Today's Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the body of believers that surrounds us, the ways you hold us together, and the gift of comfort and encouragement. We pray that you will continue your work in us that we would stand mature and fully assured in the will of God. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:Information about the Women's Summer StudyInformation about the Men's Summer StudyReach out to the Center for Spiritual Formation

In this episode, Jesse and Tony dive into the letter of Philemon, exploring its rich themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian unity. As a follow-up to their study of Colossians, this episode highlights how the gospel transforms relationships and challenges believers to live out their faith in practical ways. Paul's appeal to Philemon serves as a powerful example of applying theology to real-life situations, emphasizing the importance of love and mutual partnership in faith. The discussion unpacks Paul's unique rhetorical approach in addressing Philemon. Instead of commanding him, Paul appeals to him out of love, trusting in his faith and Christian maturity to guide his response to Onesimus, a former slave. Jesse and Tony also reflect on the deeper implications of Christian fellowship, or "koinonia," as a bond that transcends social and cultural divisions, uniting believers in Christ. The episode challenges listeners to consider how they live out the gospel in their own relationships and communities. By highlighting the practical application of Paul's teachings, Jesse and Tony encourage believers to reflect on their own love, unity, and willingness to forgive and reconcile. Key Points: The Fellowship of Faith: Paul emphasizes the shared bond of faith, or "koinonia," between himself, Philemon, and Onesimus, which serves as the foundation for his appeal. Paul's Rhetorical Approach: Rather than commanding Philemon, Paul appeals to him for love's sake, trusting his Christian character and maturity to guide his response. Living Out the Gospel: The letter challenges believers to reflect on how they demonstrate forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity within their own relationships and communities. Questions for Reflection: How does the concept of "koinonia" challenge your understanding of Christian fellowship and community? In what ways can you practice forgiveness and reconciliation in your relationships, as Paul encourages Philemon to do? What does it mean to live out the gospel in practical ways within your own sphere of influence?

This sermon emphasizes that God created each person on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purposeful design—regardless of their situation or status in life. Using the letter of Philemon, it explores how the Gospel transforms relationships, identity, and how we live. Paul urges Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus, a former servant, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. The message challenges listeners to live by Kingdom values rather than cultural rights, and to let the sharing of their faith become effective through reconciliation, forgiveness, and recognizing their identity as saints in God's Kingdom.

This sermon emphasizes that God created each person on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purposeful design—regardless of their situation or status in life. Using the letter of Philemon, it explores how the Gospel transforms relationships, identity, and how we live. Paul urges Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus, a former servant, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. The message challenges listeners to live by Kingdom values rather than cultural rights, and to let the sharing of their faith become effective through reconciliation, forgiveness, and recognizing their identity as saints in God's Kingdom.

What does it mean to welcome someone who is 'not one of us'? This question is at the heart of Paul's most personal letter to Philemon, his family and the church in Colosse. He writes, '... so if you consider me your partner, welcome him (Onesimus the slave) as you would welcome me'. It is clear what Paul is saying and asking of the church. You should expand your welcome beyond your imagination. Paul aligns Onesimus, the runaway slave who has stolen and wronged Philemon, with himself. You couldn't get two more different people, yet Paul says to Philemon and the whole church, treat us the same. What is going on here? Every church wants to be welcoming until, perhaps, it becomes too uncomfortable. Welcome was never meant to be an easy characteristic of church life. Welcome is costly, it is challenging, it disturbs and for some, it is plain frightening. But welcome is also at the heart of the gospel because welcome says you belong, and to belong is the invitation of Jesus to all. Now that is good news!

n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into the final verses of Colossians 4, reflecting on Paul's closing words and the rich theological and practical insights they offer. The discussion begins by addressing the significance of these often-overlooked sections of scripture, emphasizing their God-breathed purpose and the enduring lessons they provide for the church today. Paul's ministry partners, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke, take center stage as Jesse and Tony explore how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes in His kingdom. The conversation also highlights the theme of reconciliation, particularly through Onesimus' story, as Paul sends him back to Colossae, urging the church to embody the gospel by welcoming him with grace. This practical application of theology reminds listeners that the gospel transforms relationships and calls believers to live out Christlike love in their communities. Jesse and Tony also unpack the broader implications of Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans, underscoring the importance of scripture's universal application across time and culture. As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the unity and encouragement found in Paul's words, reminding listeners of the value of every member of the body of Christ. They also prepare for their upcoming exploration of Philemon, which continues the story of Onesimus and offers further insight into living out faith in real-world situations. This episode is a rich blend of theology, practical wisdom, and encouragement for believers seeking to grow in their understanding of scripture and community. Key Points: The Significance of Paul's Final Words: Paul's closing remarks in Colossians 4, though seemingly mundane, reveal God's interest in the details of ministry and the importance of community within the church. God Uses Ordinary People: The episode highlights Paul's ministry partners, showing how God works through ordinary individuals like Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke to advance His kingdom. Reconciliation in Action: The story of Onesimus demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel, as Paul encourages the Colossian church to welcome him back with grace and forgiveness. Universal Relevance of Scripture: Paul's instruction to share the letter with the Laodiceans emphasizes the broader application of scripture beyond its immediate audience, affirming its value for all believers. Practical Theology and Community: Jesse and Tony discuss the importance of living out theological truths in everyday life, particularly in fostering unity and encouragement within the church. Questions for Reflection: How does Paul's inclusion of specific names and details in his letters inspire you to see God's work in the “ordinary” aspects of ministry? What lessons can we learn from Onesimus' story about reconciliation and living out the gospel in challenging situations? How can we as believers ensure that our churches reflect the unity and diversity seen in Paul's ministry team? Why is it important to view scripture as universally applicable, and how does this perspective affect how we read and apply the Bible today? In what ways can you, like Paul's ministry partners, support and encourage others in your church or community?

Eastertide is the season we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection isn't just a one time event to commemorate, it is instead a world altering reality that invites us into a whole new way of living. We see this on full display for the earliest followers of Jesus who found their lives and world upturned by their surprising king who defeated death, sin, and the powers of evil not through violence but love. Jesus' self-sacrificial, other oriented love was vindicated in the resurrection and served as the way of life for early followers.

SummaryIn this sermon, Chad Smith explores the Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon, delving into the themes of love, faith, humility, and grace. The discussion highlights Philemon's character, the transformative story of Onesimus, and the call for Christians to live out their faith through sacrificial love and forgiveness. Sturgis emphasizes the importance of humility and the obligation to love one another as Christ loves us, ultimately reminding listeners of the grace that binds believers together.TakeawaysPhilemon is a beloved fellow worker and brother in Christ.Paul's letter to Philemon is rich in meaning despite its brevity.The love Philemon shows refreshes the hearts of the saints.Living a Christian life strengthens the faith of others.Humility is essential in Christian relationships.Onesimus represents redemption and transformation through Christ.Forgiveness is a key theme in the letter to Philemon.Paul's appeal to Philemon is rooted in love, not command.We are all called to sacrificially love one another.The gospel compels us to live in a way that reflects Christ's love.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Philemon03:08 Understanding Philemon's Character06:03 The Power of Love and Faith08:53 Paul's Appeal to Philemon12:10 The Story of Onesimus15:04 Forgiveness and Equality in Christ17:44 Living by Grace21:04 Sacrificial Love and Responsibility23:58 Conclusion and ReflectionKeywordsPhilemon, Apostle Paul, Onesimus, Christian love, humility, grace, forgiveness, New Testament, faith, transformation

An biographical sermon about Onesimus from Colossians 4:9 & Philemon 10-19.

Pastor Michael McGowan Philemon 1-25

Philemon reminds us that no one really owes us anything—especially when we consider how much grace God has given us. Just like Paul urged Philemon to forgive Onesimus, we're called to release others from their debts, even when they've wronged us. Forgiveness isn't about forgetting—it's about letting go and letting God handle the rest.

The Bible is FULL of stories where men follow God and at times go against God. Russ starts our series by preaching through the book of Philemon and his interaction with Onesimus and Paul.   STAY CONNECTED // Sanctuary Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearesanctuary/ // Sanctuary Website - https://www.blackrock.org/sanctuary/   HONOR | MERCY | GENEROSITY Sanctuary is the young adult community of Black Rock Church built on living out the honor, mercy, and generosity found in the love and life of Jesus. 

In this story, we learn that God's love frees us to love others. ✧ Check out more resources in The Biggest Story Curriculum ✧ Follow The Biggest Story on Instagram ✧ Watch The Biggest Story Animated Videos! ✧ Sign up to receive weekly emails about the new story each week!

“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me.  He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.  I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.  He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.  They will tell you everything that is happening here.  My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas.  (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)  Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends his greetings.  These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they proved a comfort to me.  Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Jesus Christ, sends greetings.  He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.  I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.  Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.  Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.  After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.  Tell Archippus:  ‘See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.'  I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.  Remember my chains, Grace be with you.”Colossians 4:7-18“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  For we are all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the on Spirit to drink.  Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many…Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27Theme #1 It's ALL about PEOPLETheme #2  It's intensely PERSONAL

We will end this series talking about the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. Two people in the Bible you might not heard about and what we can learn from a Christian slave and Christian Slave master.

Pastor Sean Doughtie | April 6, 2025Paul's letter to Philemon is personal appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation between Philemon, a Christian slaveholder, and Onesimus, his runaway slave who's now a fellow believer. Rather than leaning on authority, Paul speaks as a friend — calling on Philemon to receive Onesimus, not as a slave, but as a brother. This short letter is an example of gospel transformation — showing how love, grace, and shared identity in Christ can break down social barriers. It challenges all believers to embody the gospel through forgiveness, reconciliation and radical unity.

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound depths of Christian love and reconciliation through the lens of Paul's letter to Philemon. This short but impactful book of the Bible teaches us about the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of forgiveness in our relationships. We see how Paul, writing from prison, appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. This narrative beautifully parallels Christ's intercession for us before God the Father. Just as Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself, Jesus presents us to God as His own. The message challenges us to consider: How can we extend this same grace and forgiveness to others in our lives? It reminds us that our transformation in Christ should lead us from being 'unprofitable' to 'profitable' in God's kingdom, impacting the world around us positively. This teaching encourages us to see the potential for good even in difficult circumstances, trusting that God can use challenging situations for His greater purpose.   Find a C3 Church Near You: https://www.c3churchglobal.com   If you want to give to help C3 Church Global plant new churches around the world, head to https://www.c3churchglobal.com/giving   Follow Me On Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@Philpringle?sub_confirmation=1  https://instagram.com/philpringle https://www.facebook.com/psphilpringle https://www.tiktok.com/@philpringl https://twitter.com/philpringle    Purchase a copy of my books today: https://philpringle.com/store 

What does it look like to bear with one another? What message are we proclaiming, and how does the message dwell within us? Brian Delamont returns to the podcast this week to unpack Colossians 3. “Learning is actually so rich and so all-encompassing. It's not just hearing a tidbit of information or being able to do a single skill; it's understanding and applying that skill in context, in community, in relationship to other things that are happening.” “It's our churches, it's the community of Jesus followers that we find ourselves in, that can be greenhouses and accelerators for transformation. They're the places where we can really grow and mature together.” Colossians 1:28 “When they welcome Onesimus back, this group of Jesus followers proclaims something. They proclaim that there is forgiveness. They proclaim that there is repentance. They proclaim that there is acceptance, regardless of what your social status is or what you may have done. You are welcome in this community. That is a proclamation because it's verified by their actions.” Colossians 3:12-17 “Bearing with one another is a continuous process.” “When we worship well, we let the message of Christ dwell among us.” “Worship, by its very nature, means that we submit our thinking, our voices, our bodies to God and align together with His truth. There's a willing submission to participate with the larger group.” “Just as God is omnipresent, in everything and everywhere, there's no space or action in our lives where He should not be, where His Name, His character isn't seen and proclaimed.” March Reflection: As a community, what do we proclaim to those around us? What's changing our lives: Keane: More frequent visits from his brother with the Frontier Airlines annual pass Heather: Rewatching episodes of The Chosen during Lent Brian: Using Pinterest for a home renovation project Weekly Spotlight: HopeSeed School We'd love to hear from you! podcast@teachbeyond.org Podcast Website: https://teachbeyond.org/podcast Learn about TeachBeyond: https://teachbeyond.org/ 

In the first of a two-part series, Pastor Ricky explains the context for the letter Paul wrote to Philemon about relationships, especially with Onesimus.

By David VenHuizen - The book of Philemon presents situations in which Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus needed to make difficult decisions in their lives. What will we do if we are faced with similar situations in our own lives?

Paul was a prisoner in Rome because he spread the gospel and told people about Jesus. He was literally in chains! Onesimus was a rebellious, run-a-way slave who happened to find Paul and, while in chains, Paul shares the gospel with him, and his life is changed forever. Onesimus is a completely different person and Paul tells Philemon to accept him back because he will now be useful to him forever which is a play on his name, “Useful”. He wasn't useful to you in the past but now he will be because Jesus has changed his life. Regardless of your situation and why it happened, you have a choice to make: you can either sit, mope, cry, be depressed etc. or you can use it to grow your faith and trust God even more so He can use it bring Him glory. Your perspective matters!

We are introduced to a slave owner named Philemon and we have this tiny letter because one of his rebellious slaves, Onesimus, ran away and just happened to run into Paul. Paul shares the gospel with the guy while in prison and Jesus changes his life! He helps Paul spread the gospel there in Rome but Paul sends him back to Philemon with this letter. In this letter Paul describes Philemon and his family: strong faith, love Jesus, love people, kind, and very generous. Philemon's name means friendly and his wife's name mean fruitful as in complimentary. Together, they are a great couple who loves Jesus and are faithful servants in the kingdom of God! What do people say about me? How do people describe you when they are talking about you to others? Do you look like, sound like Jesus?

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the New Testament book of Philemon, we see the great effort the Apostle Paul invested in restoring the life of a prisoner named Onesimus. Paul had a deep concern not only for the masses he encountered, but also for the individuals that crossed his path.

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the New Testament book of Philemon, we see the great effort the Apostle Paul invested in restoring the life of a prisoner named Onesimus. Paul had a deep concern not only for the masses he encountered, but also for the individuals that crossed his path.

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the New Testament book of Philemon, we see the great effort the Apostle Paul invested in restoring the life of a prisoner named Onesimus. Paul had a deep concern not only for the masses he encountered, but also for the individuals that crossed his path.

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In the New Testament book of Philemon, we see the great effort the Apostle Paul invested in restoring the life of a prisoner named Onesimus. Paul had a deep concern not only for the masses he encountered, but also for the individuals that crossed his path.

The three actions that are critical to God restoring someone to usefulness again

Welcome to The Village Church. Thank you for joining our live stream. We are beautiful and broken people connected in Jesus, extending His love.

By David Chornomaz - This message is a study of the book of Philemon, which is one of the shortest books in the Bible. Paul's love for the runaway slave Onesimus leads him to write the letter to Philemon. This unique letter provides great insight of what it means to have Godly Love for all of the brethren, no matter

Ken Sandon teaching IronMen Connect | 3/7/251. If you were Philemon and were faced with Onesimus's offenses, What would be your first response toward him seeking forgiveness? Why even forgive?2. How are our individual responses different in the Spirit vs.  our  responses in the flesh?3. What is the proper way to respond  to forgiveness given what Jesus said in Matthew 18:22 to forgive 70 x 7. Where and how do we find the inner spiritual strength to forgive someone who has offended you, your family, and your church?

Come celebrate round numbers with us as we embark on our 100th episode of Data Over Dogma! And what, you might ask, are we doing to mark this grand event? Have we carefully crafted a clips show looking back on the best moments of the last 100 weeks? Have we mindfully chosen topics that relate to the number 100? Well, no. No we haven't. It's just a regular show. Sorry. That said, it's an interesting one! First, we're covering a very interesting letter Paul sent to his buddy Philemon. Aside from revealing (rather casually, really) that he was in prison when he wrote it, Paul seems to speak out for his new helper, runaway enslaved person Onesimus. What does this letter reveal about Paul's view of slavery? What is Paul asking of Philemon? Why is everybody in prison all the time? Next we cover a topic that you hear about on this show a lot, but may not know much about it. What is the Septuagint? Why is it called that? Where did it come from? And why are we using a Greek text as an early witness to Hebrew scripture? ---- HEY! TICKETS FOR THE FIRST LEG OF THE DATA OVER DOGMA TOUR ARE NOW ON SALE! To get yours, go here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-grand-data-over-dogma-book-launch-tour/ For early access to an ad-free version of every episode of Data Over Dogma, exclusive content, and the opportunity to support our work, please consider becoming a monthly patron at: https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma      Follow us on the various social media places: https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod https://www.twitter.com/data_over_dogma Have you pre-ordered Dan McClellan's upcoming book The Bible Says So yet??? https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/bible-says-so-9781250347466/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGLTkpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQY4Ahs0Hi289IcnsQMh_0OAVf3oGefyUsWkLjhfB8OF8nio1fmroJbXxA_aem_v_4sISp8Zt43zsKfDjx1aA This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Village Church. Thank you for joining our live stream. We are beautiful and broken people connected in Jesus, extending His love.

This week, Scott and Josh discuss the story of Onesimus, Philemon, and Paul, and what we can learn from these three men as they deal with conflict, and a new life in Christ. The Words of Grace Podcast seeks to clarify, amplify, and apply the Sunday morning sermon at Grace Community Church. From time to time we will address other topics. We hope these podcasts help impress the Word of God into your everyday life. Episodes are hosted by Josh Hussung and Scott Patty.

2 Cor 2:16b – 3:6 Letters from Christ, Written by the Holy Spirit Please remain standing for the reading of God's Word. Our sermon text this morning is 2 Corinthians 2:16 to chapter 3:6. You can find that on page 1146 in the pew Bible. We are going to start with the second half of verse 16. You may notice that we read the last 2 verses of chapter 2 last week. I decided to include them again because of the question asked. The question is “who is sufficient for these things?” The apostle Paul is asking, who is sufficient to be the aroma of Christ? More specifically, he's asking about his ministry as an apostle. Who is sufficient to be an apostle and to spread the aroma of Christ? As I read, listen for the answer. Reading of 2 Corinthians 2:16b to 3:6 In 1948, a professor from Carnegie Mellon wrote one the most famous reference letter ever. This professor, Richard Duffin, was asked by 19-year-old John Nash Jr, to recommend him to Princeton. You see, Nash was hoping to pursue a PhD in mathematics.  You may or may not recognize or remember the name John Nash Jr, but the movie Beautiful Mind highlighted his life. In fact, over his lifetime, Nash received many accolades for his work, including a Nobel Prize. Well, on February 11, 1948, Duffin wrote a letter to Princeton in support of the young Nash. The reference simply had 5 words. “He is a mathematical genius.” That's quite the reference. Wouldn't we each want something like that said of us. “She's a brilliant lawyer. He is a renowned chef. She's a musical virtuoso. He's a master mechanic.” And what about the apostle Paul? Couldn't it be said of him, “There's none like him.” or “His ministry skills are unparalleled.” Or “he's the greatest of greats.” And it would be true. Even among the apostles, Paul stands out because of his tremendous ministry. Many things could be said of him. But when it comes to the question, who is sufficient? Or who is qualified? Paul actually rejects the need for a reference letter. Rather, there's something better. There's something more important. To be sure, Paul is not saying that letters of recommendation are bad. No. The whole book of Philemon is a reference letter. Paul wrote it to commend Onesimus. But when it comes to ministry qualifications… When it comes to evaluating Paul's sufficiency as a minister, there is something far greater. The greatest testimony of Paul's ministry is the testimony of the Holy Spirit's work in those to whom he ministers. That is what these verses are about. They testify to God's work through his Spirit in Paul's life and in the life of the Corinthians. These verses really center on God. They center on God's work in us, as his Spirit transforms our hearts. And in doing so, they teach us the means through which God ministers. To boil it down, Paul is making two parallel arguments. First, he is defending his ministry by testifying to the work of the Spirit. And second, while Paul is defending his ministry, he is also revealing the way that God fulfills his promises in us. He changes us through his Spirit and not his law. By the way, I don't know if you saw it, but I was able to get a sermon outline in the bulletin this week. You'll see it on page 4. Those two points are the two things that Paul is emphasizing. ·      #1 - His ministry credentials. I'm calling that first point Living Letters from Christ ·      And #2, God's covenant ministry with us and in us. I'm calling that point, Written by the Spirit of the Living Lord. Those ideas are parallel, because if Paul is a true minister, then the focus of his ministry will be God's ministry. And the results of Paul's ministry will prove that God himself is the one at work through the Holy Spirit. So, that is where we are headed. And let me make one more introductory point. These truths are very important. If we think that God transforms people through his law and not his Spirit, then our ministry to others may actually lead them to death. I don't think I'm overstating that. In verse 6, Paul said,  “the letter kills (meaning the letter of the law) but the Spirit gives life.” 1. Living Letters from Christ (Paul and the apostle's ministry credentials) Ok, let's begin with Paul's credentials. #1 - Living Letters from Christ. We've talked about the situation in Corinth a lot. The reason is, it helps us understand why Paul says what he says. Remember, some people were trying to undermine Paul. That has come out a couple times so far. They questioned the legitimacy of Paul's ministry because of his suffering and because of his changing plans. These people, which Paul later calls “super apostles,” were trying to elevate themselves by critiquing Paul. He alludes to them in chapter 2 verse 17.  Look at how he puts it: “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word.” Do you hear his underlying critique of them? Some people were out there treating God's word like a business to make profit. And back in the first century this idea of peddling had very negative connotations. Peddling involved aggressively pushing a product with often deceitful tactics. And Paul's response is that he and the other ministers of the Gospel are not like these peddlers. No, instead, they speak with “sincerity,” he says. They speak with the truth of Christ. God is the one who “commissioned” them in their ministry. Do you see how Paul is elevating God and not himself in his defense? If you jump down to chapter 3 verse 5, Paul makes a similar point. Their own ministry does not come from themselves. Rather, it comes from God. It's God's work and it's the truth of his Word. Really, all of this relates to the opening question. Who is sufficient for these things (for this ministry)? And the answer is, nobody. Nobody is sufficient in and of themselves. Listen for the word sufficient in verses 5 into 6. “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers.” He's saying, it's about God and not about us, unlike the peddlers. Now, you and I, we are not apostles, capital A. But each one of us here ministers in some way to other people. You may be a witness at work. Maybe you are a light of hope and of God's grace in your neighborhood or your school or your family. Maybe you are teaching God's Word or participating in another form of discipleship. In whatever ways you are ministering, your sufficiency should be in God and not yourself. Why? Well, it is not your work, rather it is God's work through you. You and I are merely instruments in God's hands. Let me ask, if someone said to you, “thank you for ministering God's word to me. It really really help”  How should you respond? Well, you should say something like, “Praise the Lord. God is at work.” In doing so, you would be affirming that it's not you, but God who is at work. Paul is essentially responding in that way. He says up in verses 1 and 2, we are not commending ourselves. We don't need, as some do, letters of recommendation. Apparently, some of these “super apostles” had letters that somehow qualified them. “Here's my letter. Corinthians, you must therefore listen to me.” But Paul's response is totally different. It's like he is saying, “Do you know where to find the highest credentials for our ministry? It's not a piece of paper written with ink. No, instead, look in the mirror. Corinthians, you are our letter of recommendation! God has changed your heart through his Spirit. We were merely agents of God's work in Corinth. Look at the amazing thing that God has done in transforming you, a people for himself. It is not our work. No. It is God's work through us and in you by his Spirit.” Suppose you were applying for a job. And you wanted to work for some kind of discipleship ministry organization. Like maybe our denomination's discipleship agency. Of course, that organization is going to ask you for letters of recommendation. Well, there's someone in your church that you have discipled for years. In fact, let's say, God used you in his life to share the hope and forgiveness of Christ. He responded to that by professing faith in Christ. And since then, you've been walking alongside of him in his journey of faith. And so, you ask him to write a letter of reference for you. Of course, he agrees. He would be honored to do so. But instead of writing a letter, he gets in his car; he drives over to the ministry, and he meets with the director. He explains that his own life is a testimony of God's work through you. He didn't want to write a letter. No, instead, he wanted to be a living letter because God through his Spirit had changed his heart. And with tears, he explains how God used you to bring the message of salvation in Christ to him. And how since then, you have walked with him to further disciple him in Christ. Wouldn't that be a powerful living letter of recommendation? Paul is saying that the Corinthians themselves are living letters of recommendation. And the credentials are not in Paul's work. No, the greatest credentials come through the work of God in Christ, through his Spirit, who has transformed them. Look again at what he says in verse 3. “And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God...” You see, Paul and Titus and Timothy… and the others who were ministering to the Corinthians were the true ministers of God. And it was not because of anything that Paul or Titus or Timothy were doing in and of themselves. They were being faithful to ministry God's Word. The true testimony of their ministry was that the Spirit of God was working in them and through them. The Corinthian's hearts had been transformed. The Corinthians were their letters of recommendation from Christ. These living letters were not written with ink but instead, the Spirit wrote God's truth and grace on their hearts. So, to summarize point 1. God is the one who commissioned Paul and the others. God is therefore the one through whom they find their sufficiency. It is God's work. And the proof is found as God ministers through his Spirit. As we minister to one another, it is not our work. Rather it is the Holy Spirit's work. He transforms us and we then become living letters of recommendation 2. Written by the Spirit of the Living Lord (God's new covenant promise with us) Ok, Number 2 – main point number 2. Written by the Spirit of the Living Lord. Let me put 1 and 2 together. We are living letters written by the Spirit of the living Lord. I've essentially already said that. That's because these two points overlap. You see, the reason that Paul can stake his credentials on God's work through his Spirit is simple. It's how God works. In other words, if the way God works is through his Spirit and not the law, then that reality ought to be reflected in Paul's ministry. Before we get into the details, briefly look at verse 6. Paul states that God made them sufficient “to be ministers of a new covenant.” If they are ministers of a new covenant, then of course, their ministry will reflect that new covenant. There are a couple things to unpack here. But the first thing I want you to notice is that Paul takes his analogy of a letter, and he extends it to speak of the law. He had just used the example of a letter of recommendation, which would be written in ink. But then he applies the analogy to the letter of the law. You can see that at the end of verse 3. The Holy Spirit is writing and it says this: “not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts.” What were the tablets of stone? The law. The 10 commandments. God engraved the 10 commandments on two tablets of stone. So, in other words, at the heart of the distinction between letters written with ink and letters written on hearts, is the difference between the law and the Spirit. The law (meaning God's law) does not and cannot change hearts. It can merely reveal someone's heart. In fact, the law often does the opposite. It often hardens hearts. In his own life, before coming to faith in Christ, the apostle Paul exemplified this. You see, before God changed Paul's heart, everything was about the law. Paul was a pharisee. Pharisees even made laws on top of laws to help keep the law. And none of it worked. That is because, the law cannot change hearts. I've used the analogy of a mirror before. But I think it's very helpful, so I want to share it again. God's moral law, in one sense, is like a mirror. Kids, let's say you were outside playing. It had just rained like last night, and so you got pretty dirty. When you came inside, your mom told you to get cleaned up. So, you went in the bathroom. You looked in the mirror. And you noticed that you were pretty dirty. What would happen if you tried to clean your face by rubbing it on the mirror? Well it's not going to work. In fact, it's just going to make a mess. Why? Because the mirror cannot clean you. It can only show you that you are dirty. Rather, what you need is soap and water. In a similar way, God's law cannot cleanse you. Rather, you need the cleansing work of Christ which God applies to you through the Holy Spirit. That is what the end of verse 6 means. Paul mentions they are ministers of a new covenant, and then says, “not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.” The letter kills. He's talking about the letter of the law. If you are trying to justify yourself by keeping the letter of the law, you will fall short. It cannot save you. I want to make something clear. Paul is not saying that the law is evil! He's not saying that the law is bad and the Spirit is good. No. God's law is good. It's perfect. It' right and true. It reveals the very nature of God in his holiness and goodness. It points us to Christ in the sense that is shows us our need for him just like a mirror. And furthermore, once we know Christ and trust in him, God's law directs us how to honor him in our lives. It's not bad versus good. Rather, death is what happens if we are seeking to be justified by the law. The letter of the law kills, but the Spirit brings life. I think Ezekiel's prophecy in chapter 36 is helpful as we consider this. We read it earlier the service. God said through Ezekiel. “I will give you a new heart…. I will take your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statues.” What a powerful image. Your heart and my heart are like stone. We were all spiritually dead. And the only way we can come alive is if God, through his Spirit, bring us to new life by giving us a new heart. Do you see how this ties to Paul's credentials? Paul's ministry was not to tell people that if they kept the law, they would be saved. No, Paul's ministry was quite the opposite. His ministry was to show them that they could not fulfill the law. Instead, they needed a new heart. They needed faith in the one who could keep the law for them. Faith in Christ. In verse 6, Paul calls this ministry the ministry of the “new covenant.” Implied, of course, is that there is also an old covenant. Let me say, the rest of chapter 3 compares these two covenants. Both are connected and they both are about God's promises to his people… and how he fulfills them. Just to give you a brief summary, central to the old covenant was the ministry of the law. The old covenant revealed sin and it pointed forward to Christ in different ways. The new covenant is the fulfillment of what was promised in the old. Jesus Christ perfectly obeyed the law and fulfilled all the promises in the old. The new covenant is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, because he applies the ministry of Christ to us by faith. There's a lot there and we'll work through it next week. But I wanted to at least give you an introduction since Paul mentionmed the new covenant. Well, let's end by going back to the opening question. Who is sufficient for these things?  Paul's sufficiency as a minister comes from God alone. It is God's work, through his Spirit, in the lives of the Corinthians. That is why they are living letters of recommendation. And why is this important? Because if God's purposes are fulfilled through the work of God's Spirit, then Paul's ministry absolutely needs to reflect God's purposes. In a similar way, our ministry to one another should reflect the work of God's Spirit in Christ. We should not be hammers trying to chisel God's moral law onto each other. Rather, we should be conduits of God's grace. We should be ministering the grace of God in Christ to one another. As we see sin in each other, yes, we should go to our brothers and sisters. That is part of our ministry to one another.  We should direct each other to pursue God and his commands because of what Jesus has done for us. We do that knowing that God transforms our hearts through his Spirit. He is the one who applies the work of God in Christ to each of us. Because the letter kills, but Spirit gives life. May we each be living letters of recommendation for one another… as we see the Spirit of the Living God at work in each of us. Amen