PHILEMON Case History of GOD'S GRACE & FORGIVENESS
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PHILEMON Case Study of GOD’S GRACE & FORGIVENESS
Philemon is a wonderful masterpiece and an often overlooked Book of the New Testament. It showcases the Grace of God and Forgiveness. The key verse here is “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you…” Philemon was a Christian who was a prominent member of the Church in Colosse. Philemon had come to know the Lord under the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus, his legal slave had stole from him and fled to Rome. It was in Rome that Onesimus met and encountered Paul. After hearing Paul’s powerful ministry he too confessed Jesus Christ and became converted. Paul grew to dearly love Onesimus!
Onesimus had become very dear and helpful to Paul. This is interesting because Onesimus name means “useful.” Paul convinced him that he needed to return back to Philemon. Under Roman law Philemon could have him beaten and possibly killed if he desired. Paul addresses this letter which we have come to know as the Book of Philemon; and makes a heartfelt personal plea to his friend challenging him to forgive his now radically transformed “beloved brother” Onesimus, and accept and welcome him back not as a slave but as a brother. Onesimus had repented! Paul was prepared to pay Philemon if necessary any restitution for the time of his lost service as well as for the cost of the theft.
What a difference! How interesting; Now they were brothers in Christ and both were “members of God’s family!” This is why it is so important to know God’s Word and know who we are in Christ! “…Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents. Forgive him…” Luke 3. Although each of us as individuals are quite different, in Christ we really should not be separated by racial, sex, political, cultural, personality differences, education, or economic barriers. “This righteousness from God comes though FAITH in JESUS CHRIST to ALL that believe. There is no difference, for All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His GRACE through the redemption that came through JESUS CHRIST…” ROMAN 3. To be justified means to be declared not guilty! When God forgives us the record is wiped clean! Jesus Christ became our atonement! He purchased our freedom with His life! It is now to Him we owe our lives...
The Book of Philemon demonstrates true Christian fellowship and forgiveness. Paul gives a wonderful example of how to possibly deal with conflict within the church or between friends. Since we have been forgiven then we too must learn to forgive. Is there someone you need to forgive? Is God making a difference in your life? How do we break down the walls of division? God is powerful! Accepting Jesus Christ makes a difference! The key here is that Onesimus had repented! He was a new creation! He had now embraced God’s Way! God’s principles have not changed. The relationship between Philemon and Onesimus were so important that this short powerful letter or should I say epistle has been included in the Bible as a Book! Philemon is one of the prison epistles that was written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.
Although, we now come together to fellowship and congregate in a plethora of different types of small, large, grand and magnificent massive brick, and mortar buildings throughout the world, we must each personally embrace and hold dear the Word of God! "In Him you are being built together to become a dwelling in which GOD lives by HIS SPIRIT ." Ephesians 2 "Our body is the Temple of the living GOD!" It is so very important to develop an ongoing personal relationship with Jesus Christ! The early Church met in homes and Christianity was a daily lifestyle. It is important to remember that “we the believers” are the Church! We must seek to embrace godly principles and implement them in our daily lives in this 21st century and embrace it as a daily lifestyle as well. Is Christ really making a difference in your life? We must begin to live our lives in a way that pleases God; JESUS CHRIST really is coming back for His Church !
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DeBorrah, This hub is certainly timely as it not only directs us to an often time overlooked book of the Bible, but it also presents an emphasis on forgiveness, one of the primary tenets of the Christian faith. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we appreciate being reminded of His many lessons on forgiveness and the spiritual freedom that comes with it.
Thank you!
TimesHealsAll, It is truly a Blessing when you know without doubt you are GOD'S child! There is power in the precious Blood of JESUS! "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of JESUS! Who can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of JESUS!"
Yes! you are so right! We can celebrate life knowing we have VICTORY through CHRIST JESUS and HIS precious gift of ETERNAL LIFE! PRAISE GOD!!!
Forgiveness is powerful! Yes let's get excited for what He has done in our lives! PRAISE GOD!!! Thank you sister for sharing, Blessings!
RevLady, There is so much precious Treasure we can share & proclaim; what a wealth of wisdom and knowledge that is available in the WORD! We must remember that God has forgiven us all! As His children we have been "washed in the Blood" and forgiven! PRAISE GOD! It is my prayer that we encourage others to get excited about who we are in Jesus Christ!
You are quite welcome! Thank you for sharing, In HIS love & Blessings!
Wonderful!! "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Was Jesus' last Words on the cross. I believe it was of course by no accident that these were His last utterances, just ten words, but most powerful as "Forgiveness" was the reason for His Being. He came in order to save us from sin, and to teach us how to forgive by example. Not seven times seven, as Peter suggested, but seventy times seven, meaning as many times as it takes, always be ready and willing to forgive your brother. Thank you DeBorrah for another great Hub!
Thanks sister for this wonderful and timely message. The message of forgiveness more than anything is what we need to hear, embrace and apply as God's children for the world has a lot to give that requires a forgiving heart each and every day. Thanks DeBorrah! May God richly bless your heart.
PeacenHim, "Forgive them for they know not what they do" This is still so often true today! This is why it is important for us to cling to the Lord and be sure of who we are in HIM! Mistreatment and persecution comes along with being a child of God!
Just imagine how it must have been for Jesus to know that they sought to undermine His integrity, catch him doing something wrong, they slandered Him, mistreated Him and even killed Him! He is the ultimate case of ABUSE! Yet He arose with ALL POWER!!! He remained FAITHFUL and conquered sin in the flesh! Therefore He redeemed us from the power of sin reigning in our lives... He has given us the gift of His Holy Spirit to guide us to ALL TRUTH through this maze of life... What a wonderful example He is for ALL of us!
This is why we NEED HIM as SAVIOR! PRAISE GOD! We have so much to be thankful for!
Thank you for sharing, Blessings!
We all know that Gods good grace goes a long ways, but without forgiveness, we will just fade away and die; forgiveness is the healing of soul, mind and body and we cannot grow without it. Thank you Lady D, for a wonderful hub. Godspeed to you. creativeone59
Donnaisabella, You are quite welcome! Thank you sister for adding your wonderful wise comments. Thank you for visiting as well and please do come again, Blessings!
Creativeone, Thank you! As always your visits and comments are welcomed! It is by His Grace we are Saved! I agree! "Forgiveness is healing of the soul" Yes it helps you to get "better not bitter." You are quite welcome! Love & Blessings!
Very well written. Thanks! Forgiveness, I believe comes from love of God and love of Man. If you have love, you can forgive.
God bless.
Einron, Thank You! Yes, I Agree as you say; "If you love, you can forgive." Thank You for visiting and sharing your wise! Blessings!
Amen! You are so right that this little book is overlooked. The only time I hear it mentioned is by pro-abortionists or pro-homosexual groups, who try to use to say: you can't follow the Bible, it justifies slavery! Obviously, the true point of the story escapes them. Ah, God's wisdom is but foolishness to them. Thank you for a great article. A hidden gem.
James A. Watkins, The Bible was never meant to be used to justify the personal desires of anyone. It is to point us all to Jesus Christ and the Will and Way of the LORD! To be our "Life Manual" for daily living...
You are so right about "God's wisdom being foolishness to them." There is no spiritual value when one tries to use it to justify something that is not right! No doubt that it shines the LIGHT on whatever is not of Him! Thank you for visiting, Your comments are always enjoyed and welcomed! Love & Blessings!
Hi DeBorrah,
lovely hub and the thing about forgiveness is it makes world a beautiful place to live in. We Hindus are supposed to forgive everyone including our enemies on all our festivals and mind u we got atleast one festival every month.
Sweetie1, This truly is a wonderful story of Forgiveness. When and if carried out sincerely the world really would be a much better place...Thank you for visiting and sharing your comments! Blessings!
Truly Forgiveness can bring peace ,love and unity among family and the public
Mamai Geoffrey, Amen! In HIS Love, Peace & Blessings!
I so enjoyed this message. Thank you and Praise God for you.
Kristine Manley, You are so welcome and Thank You! I am so glad that you enjoyed this! Thank you for stopping by to share and please do come again. In HIS Love, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
DeBorrah, as you know some of my personal testimony, my family has disowned me because of my choice to become a Christian. The reason I cherish my relationships with my Christian brothers and sisters is that they are what God has given me to replace that which the Gospel "took". God promises to give back anything we lose because of the cause of Christ Jesus. He says that forgiveness is a blessing that we will see. He forgives us so much and then gives so much, how can I not forgive and accept back a dear brother in Christ after he has wronged me. Look how much I wrong my God.
Nobody, Philemon is a great book that illustrates forgiveness. Onesimus was converted after his encounter with Paul... How beautiful to see how powerful the Light of the Lord was shining through Paul! We can learn much here... God Bless you and may He continue to restore and replace all that has been lost and more for the sake of Christ Jesus... All His promises are true!
In HIS Love, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
This is such a wonderful hub, and so dearly enjoyed. God Bless You Mr.s Deborrah, and your work is always beautiful. And God Bless Your Precious Family.
Stars, This really is a great overlooked book! I am glad that you enjoyed this! Thank you for stopping by to share, In HIS Love, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
The forgiveness from the book of philemon
WE need to imitate the life of Philemon.The true
thang te, Philemon really teaches us great life lessons! Thank you for stopping by to share and Please do come again!
Peace & Blessings!
this is wonderful sis.
Jesusmyjoy, Great! Thank You! In HIS Love, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings! God Bless You!
TimeHealsAll 2 years ago
By faith we ARE justified, forgiven by the Grace of our loving God through his Son Jesus Christ! Wiped clean. Sin has NO power and no part in our lives anymore. We are family, members of one body, the body of Christ! We will enter the Kingdom of our lord and unite for eternity in his abiding love! Death is washed away and life is eternal! Praise God!!! I love Hugs on forgiveness and this one is wonderful DeBorrah!!! I get so fired up! Blessings sister!!!