The Big Read – Philemon

Powerpoint Pictures: Egg; Christmas Cracker; Red Nose; Pole Vault Pole; Bone

Can you think of a time when something breaking in two can be good? [Egg; Christmas Cracker]

Can you think of a time when something breaking in two is not so good? [Red Nose; Pole Vault; Bone]

Even worse is when there is a break in a friendship or relationship.

When Paul wrote a short letter to a man called Philemon, he was writing because there was a broken relationship.

Philemon had a slave called Onesimus.  Onesimus had run away from Philemon and possibly he had stolen something that belonged to Philemon as well.  Onesimus ran to Rome where he met Paul, heard the good news about Jesus and put his trust in Him.

Paul was concerned that although Onesimus had peace with God, he did not have peace with Philemon – there was still a break in that relationship.  So Paul writes to help bring about reconciliation.

Paul writes to Philemon, “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.” (Philemon 17)

He asks Philemon to forgive him and receive him back.

But Philemon is about more than bring two people who were separated back together.  It also teaches us about what God has done for us.

Like Onesimus we are runaways.  We have run away from God.  However, because Jesus die on the cross to take the punishment our sins deserve, God can forgive us and welcome us back into His family if we trust in Him.