HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE? Philemon 1-7​
There is only one love, biblical love, divine love, the love of God. We distort love and so need to be taught by God how to love, His way.
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COMMITMENT TO JESUS
Our love is measured by how deep our love is for Jesus. Every believer will have their love, their commitment to Jesus tested.
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MOTIVATION FROM JESUS
Our motivation to love, especially when it's hard, difficult, or awkward, is found in the grace of Jesus.
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PRIOR WORK OF JESUS
We are to praise God for what he has already done. God is at work. We are not private Christians with a private faith. We need to be continually taught by God.
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PARTNERSHIP THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
As believers, we are bound by love, a comradery of faith. We are a team.
God, who teaches us what love is, will work through us day by day, in the way we love each other.
A GOOD DEED THAT OUGHT TO BE DONE...
Philemon 8-25​
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​Flowing on from the challenge of how deep we are to love, Paul reminds Philemon that his respond to Onesimus is to be...
Based on love, not command (v8-9; 14). As believers of Jesus we ought to reconcile, forgive and love. Living for Jesus, obedience to Jesus, is done in love.
Is there a Philemon in your life right now?
​​​Understanding a person can be made new (11-12, 15-16). Onesimus is a new man. The gospel has transformed him. Philemon needs a new lens. Paul is not self-absorbed, he has a gospel lens. Do we apply the gospel blessing to others?
​​To reconcile with a sincere and generous welcome (17, 21). For Philemon to welcome Onesimus is to reconcile. Reconciliation is living out the gospel. Actions motivated by the gospel are difficult. We are to live like Jesus.
Is there an Onesimus in your life?
Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
MICAH 7:18