Philemon

Onesimus, a newly converted Christian and runaway slave, had two options. He could keep on running, or return back to his master as Paul calls him to do what is right in God’s eyes. Philemon, a Christian, has the legal right to immediately execute him or brand him a fugitive for life if he returns. Paul writes this letter on behalf of both parties to call them to do what is right in God’s eyes.

1. Do you feel the weight Paul is putting on Onesimus by writing this letter to his master(Now he pretty much has to return, right)?

2. Do you feel the weight Paul is putting on Philemon by writing this letter to do the right thing?

3. Do you feel that Paul, by stating, “I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,” undercuts the sincerity with which he requests Philemon to welcome back Onesimus? Is this letter really a request at all?

4. What do you think about Paul using this kind of diplomacy/pressure?

5. How does this compare with how you deal with co-workers or friends when requesting a favor that they ought to carry out as a Christian?

6. What do you think Paul is hinting at in verse 22: “And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” ?

7. How would you feel if a Christian brother approached you in this manner with a request to welcome back into your home, someone who once wronged you(stole from you, vandalized your house, etc.), but has since come to Christ? Would you be skeptical? Would you be obedient?

8. Would you trust that God would bless you for being obedient to how the word calls you to forgive, even though you have the legal right to press charges?

9. From Onesimus’ perspective, would you be able to trust God enough to return to your master and except the consequences of your actions, knowing legally you could be put to death for what you have done?

10. Read verse 15. Think about Onesimus and ask yourself, “Have you ever found yourself running from something, or even away from God, and found He actually used that to bring you closer to Him?”

11. Think about Philemon. How has God taken a problem in your life and solved it in a way that was better than what you could have or would have done, but in a way you did not expect?

12. How has God used a trial or failure in your life to bring you closer to Him?