CHRISTIAN DEDICATION

January 12, 2021

 

  1. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6

 

  1. Praying from: Philemon

 

“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

2     And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

3     Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4     I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

philemon’s christian

5     Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

6     That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7     For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8     Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

9     Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10     I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

PAUL’S APPEAL FOR ONESIMUS, THE SLAVE

      11     Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

12     Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13     Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14     But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15     For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16     Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17     If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18     If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

 

 

SPIRITUAL DEBTORS

      19     I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

20     Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21     Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

POWER OF PAYERS

      22     But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

23     There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

24     Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

25     The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”

 

 

  1. THE SALUTATION—vv. 1–3
  2. Prisoner—v. 1. Though Paul was a prisoner, it did not discourage him from living for God.
  3. Persons—v. 2. Apphia was the wife of Philemon and Archippus was their son.
  4. Peace—v. 3. From God and Christ. Note the emphasis Paul places on Christ being equal with God.
  5. THE SAINTS—vv. 4–7
  6. Prayer—v. 4. Paul is thankful for Philemon’s prayers. Your prayers mean much to God’s servants.

philemon’s christian

  1. Personality—v. 5. Philemon had faith and love in God. Faith and love always go together.
  2. Power—v. 6. Faith always results in power! All things become possible through faith and prayer.
  3. Peace—v. 7. Through faith, the Christian has great joy and peace in Christ.

III.   THE SUPPLICATIONS—vv. 8–19

  1. Prisoner—vv. 8–9. Paul in jail longs to be with Philemon. Paul in prison for preaching about Christ.
  2. Plea—v. 10. Paul asks Philemon to be kind to Onesimus, a runaway slave, who was converted by Paul.

PAUL’S APPEAL FOR ONESIMUS, THE SLAVE

  1. Profitable—vv. 11–12. He was unprofitable, but now is profitable.
  2. Person—vv. 13–16. Receive Onesimus as a brother.

SPIRITUAL DEBTORS

  1. Partner—vv. 17–19. Paul will make up for anything stolen from Philemon. All in God’s family!
  2. THE SECURITY—vv. 20–22
  3. Personal—v. 20. Joy by knowing Philemon.
  4. Positive—v. 21. Paul had faith in people.

POWER OF PAYERS

  1. Preparation—v. 22. Paul asks for a lodging place.
  2. THE SUMMARY—vv. 23–25
  3. Persons—vv. 23–24. The people who were helpful.
  4. Prayer—v. 25. A closing prayer or benediction.
  5. THE A-MEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27

16:20         “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A-men.”

16:24         “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. A-men.”

16:27         “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. A-men.”