SWHW Bible Reading Plan: June 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Michelle Myers:

Philemon is the Apostle Paul’s shortest letter, but it might be one of my favorites. To set it up, Paul is writing to Philemon, who is a wealthy member of the Colossian church. (In fact, Philemon 1:2 shares with us that the church in Colossae that Paul helped start meets in Philemon’s home.)

One of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus, ran away, and in a turn of events that only God could orchestrate, Onesimus met Paul (who was imprisoned in Rome!), Paul shared the gospel, and Onesimus accepted salvation in Christ. 

So Paul writes this letter to Philemon, asking him to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to rejoice with Paul because Onesimus left Philemon as a slave, but is returning to Philemon as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16).  

This might be one of my favorite pictures we have of a fellow believer living out the gospel in the lives of others. Read this sentence from the letter:

“But if he [Onesimus] has wronged you in any way or owes you [Philemon] anything, charge that to my [Paul] account.” – Philippians 1:18

Let that sink in: Paul offered to cover Onesimus’ debt, even though he wasn’t responsible for it. Remind you of anyone?

Paul pleads on Onesimus’ behalf just as Jesus pleads on our behalf. 

How Paul handled this situation is proof of his understanding of the gospel. Paul’s knowledge of what Christ did for him was so ingrained in him that it affected his behavior.

How we view and treat others is a reflection of where we are in our commitment to the gospel. Paul’s willingness to mimic the personal sacrifice Jesus made for him shows his maturity in faith. 

I want to live like that. Don’t you?

One more quick observation: look how Paul begins his appeal to Philemon:

“Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—“ – Philemon 1:8-9

Paul was in spiritual authority over Philemon, and he recognized that he could order Philemon how to handle this situation. But Paul realized that if he exercised his authority, he was robbing Philemon of the spiritual opportunity to extend Onesimus the same forgiveness that Christ extended to him.

So instead, Paul appealed to Philemon to respond in love. Let’s not miss this: Just because we have authority doesn’t mean it’s always best to use it.

Leadership as the world defines it may look like giving orders and making decisions for others. Spirit-filled leadership means understanding that rather than exercising our earthly authority, the best long-term outcomes typically come out of our willingness to respond to our spiritual authority.

When we’re handling sensitive situations with those we’re leading, let’s always attempt to request in love before we order with authority.

God, thank You for the many examples in Your Word that point us back to the truth of the gospel. Give us a willingness to pursue personal sacrifice to put the gospel on display. Help us to not rush to use any earthly authority, but to consider how we could use tough circumstances as an opportunity to teach and show others Your truth. We love You. Amen.