Book of Philemon (2)

So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Atonement

God has provided a way for humankind to come back into harmonious relation with him.

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for out peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed…. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When you make His soul an offering for sin” (53:4-6,10).

Galatians 4:4–5 ESV

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Philemon 18 ESV

If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.

Luke 10:34–35 ESV

He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

QUESTIONS

1. What is the most important thing Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon have in common?

All 3 obeyed the Gospel and are Brothers in Christ

2. What are the 2 primary themes featured in this letter?

Forgiveness and Redemption

3. Paul commanded Philemon to take Onesimus back. False

Philemon 8–9 ESV

Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—

Forgiveness restores the same relationship. False

Granting forgiveness does not give a person power over the person being forgiven. True

Forgiveness can never improve relationships. False

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Forgiving someone can literally improve your health. True

An unforgiving heart will keep us out of heaven. True

Matthew 6:15 ESV

but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

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