WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.680 God. 00:00:06.940 --> 00:00:09.179 Well, now we turn to the preaching of God's Word. 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:12.439 If you've been with us the last few weeks, we know that we've been going through a series 00:00:12.439 --> 00:00:13.500 on the book of Philemon. 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:19.660 And today we complete that series looking at the final few verses in Philemon. 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:25.100 If you haven't been with us, or maybe you just haven't been paying attention, we'll 00:00:25.100 --> 00:00:27.879 do a little recap of what we've been learning these last couple weeks. 00:00:27.879 --> 00:00:32.399 We recognize that Philemon is the smallest book in the New Testament that was written 00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:35.839 by Paul as a letter to a man named Philemon. 00:00:36.299 --> 00:00:41.060 And what we've learned these past couple weeks is that Philemon was a leader within the church 00:00:41.060 --> 00:00:41.700 in Colossae. 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:48.640 He was a wealthy Roman citizen, someone who was likely ministered to directly by Paul, and 00:00:48.640 --> 00:00:51.019 it was Paul that was responsible for his conversion. 00:00:51.679 --> 00:00:56.280 And so we see this close tie that Paul has with Philemon and the church in Colossae. 00:00:56.280 --> 00:01:02.200 And we see here, though, that there's an issue that was going on within the church, particularly 00:01:02.200 --> 00:01:03.420 in the life of Philemon. 00:01:03.539 --> 00:01:09.200 Philemon, like many in the Roman world at that time, would have owned slaves. 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:11.659 And he had a slave named Onesimus. 00:01:12.140 --> 00:01:16.400 And while we're not given all the details in this letter, we recognize that there was some 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:20.620 level of controversy between Philemon and Onesimus. 00:01:20.740 --> 00:01:24.500 Onesimus had wronged Philemon in some way and that he had run away. 00:01:24.500 --> 00:01:27.980 And so Onesimus, he then came to Paul. 00:01:28.099 --> 00:01:29.480 Paul writes this letter from prison. 00:01:29.980 --> 00:01:35.359 It was in prison that Onesimus likely came to him, possibly to ask to resolve this situation 00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:36.620 that he had with Philemon. 00:01:37.260 --> 00:01:41.539 And when he came to Paul, it was actually then that he heard the gospel and was converted 00:01:41.539 --> 00:01:47.620 and became a follower of Jesus, a very faithful servant to Paul, someone who Paul developed 00:01:47.620 --> 00:01:53.379 this deep affection for but recognized that Onesimus needed to go and return to Philemon. 00:01:53.379 --> 00:01:58.280 And so we see in this passage, as we've looked in this letter these last few weeks, these 00:01:58.280 --> 00:02:02.019 themes of love and forgiveness and reconciliation. 00:02:03.599 --> 00:02:08.719 And as we explore today, especially in these last few verses, this appeal that Paul makes 00:02:08.719 --> 00:02:14.019 to Philemon is based on a partnership that they share in the gospel. 00:02:14.819 --> 00:02:18.159 And so that's going to be our focus today, thinking about what does gospel partnership 00:02:18.159 --> 00:02:18.800 entail? 00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:20.199 What does it look like? 00:02:20.199 --> 00:02:22.179 What does it mean to be connected with one another? 00:02:22.419 --> 00:02:24.259 What does it mean to be connected with Christ? 00:02:24.379 --> 00:02:26.619 And what does it mean when we partner with one another? 00:02:26.699 --> 00:02:29.560 What effect is that going to have on the outside world? 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:33.459 And so let's turn then to our passage. 00:02:33.619 --> 00:02:38.639 Philemon will be reading the whole of chapter one again, starting in verse one. 00:02:38.639 --> 00:02:46.099 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and 00:02:46.099 --> 00:02:46.739 fellow worker. 00:02:47.519 --> 00:02:53.279 Also to Alphea, our sister, and Acropas, our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets 00:02:53.279 --> 00:02:53.859 in your home. 00:02:54.639 --> 00:02:57.979 Grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:02:58.619 --> 00:03:04.239 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for 00:03:04.240 --> 00:03:07.379 all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 00:03:08.379 --> 00:03:13.219 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding 00:03:13.219 --> 00:03:16.159 of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 00:03:17.159 --> 00:03:21.900 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:22.780 of the Lord's people. 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:30.040 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet 00:03:30.039 --> 00:03:32.519 I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. 00:03:33.879 --> 00:03:41.579 It is as none other than Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, that 00:03:41.579 --> 00:03:47.459 I appeal to you for my son, Anisimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 00:03:48.139 --> 00:03:52.259 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and me. 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:56.139 I am sending him, who is my very heart, back to you. 00:03:56.139 --> 00:04:00.699 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me 00:04:00.699 --> 00:04:02.239 while I am in chains for the gospel. 00:04:02.799 --> 00:04:07.599 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:09.919 not seem forced, but would be voluntary. 00:04:11.139 --> 00:04:16.599 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that he might have him 00:04:16.599 --> 00:04:23.479 so that you may have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, 00:04:23.579 --> 00:04:24.240 as a dear brother. 00:04:24.240 --> 00:04:30.540 He is a dear brother to me, but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother 00:04:30.540 --> 00:04:31.160 in the Lord. 00:04:31.939 --> 00:04:35.439 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 00:04:35.660 --> 00:04:39.139 If he has done you any wrong or owe you anything, charge it to me. 00:04:39.560 --> 00:04:42.000 I, Paul, am writing this in my own hand. 00:04:42.360 --> 00:04:46.280 I will pay it back, not to mention that you owe me your very self. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:51.120 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord. 00:04:51.120 --> 00:04:55.379 Refresh my heart in Christ, confident of your obedience. 00:04:55.560 --> 00:04:58.699 I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:04.740 And one thing more, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in 00:05:04.740 --> 00:05:05.699 answer to your prayers. 00:05:06.800 --> 00:05:13.600 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greeting, and so do Mark and Aristarchus, 00:05:13.600 --> 00:05:16.740 Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. 00:05:17.460 --> 00:05:20.540 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 00:05:21.300 --> 00:05:22.300 This is the word of God. 00:05:22.760 --> 00:05:23.520 Pray with me again. 00:05:23.519 --> 00:05:31.779 God, your word says that your word is a lamp into our feet and a light into our path. 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:37.159 And so, Lord, we ask that your scriptures will shine into the darkness of our hearts, 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:42.099 illuminate our need for you and a passion to love and follow after you. 00:05:43.299 --> 00:05:47.759 Lord, we pray that we may, that your word may serve as an instruction to righteousness, 00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:55.060 and that we may find great joy and purpose in hearing it and understanding it and obeying 00:05:55.060 --> 00:05:55.480 it today. 00:05:56.120 --> 00:05:57.379 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:05:57.800 --> 00:05:58.019 Amen. 00:06:00.659 --> 00:06:03.579 Well, I want to start by sharing a little story. 00:06:04.099 --> 00:06:09.219 A story of a young woman who was brought to this nation against her will. 00:06:10.139 --> 00:06:14.459 A young woman who was a slave, much like we see of Onesimus in the story. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:20.959 A young woman who, by God's providence, was brought to this church through our international 00:06:20.959 --> 00:06:28.180 ministry, who people befriended in this church, who cared for her well, and as her situation 00:06:28.180 --> 00:06:33.019 continued to deteriorate, people in this church were able to help remove her from that situation. 00:06:34.319 --> 00:06:40.579 And over the past two years, she experienced the love of Christ from this body of believers 00:06:40.579 --> 00:06:42.019 in a way that she never had before. 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:48.939 Many of you within this church cared for her and loved her, invited her into your home, 00:06:49.479 --> 00:06:56.240 shared meals with her, celebrated parties with her, gave her opportunity for work and 00:06:56.240 --> 00:07:04.359 volunteering, took her on drives to explore this nation, cared for her like a true friend. 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:14.259 And it's these acts that each one of us played a part in, in her life, that ultimately brought 00:07:14.259 --> 00:07:15.080 her to Christ. 00:07:15.280 --> 00:07:20.780 Not only did she hear the preaching of God's word every Sunday, but she also experienced 00:07:20.780 --> 00:07:23.540 it in the love from so many of you. 00:07:23.540 --> 00:07:31.319 She became not only a believer, but a member of this church and a very dear sister in Christ. 00:07:31.540 --> 00:07:33.879 And so many of you know who I'm talking about. 00:07:34.760 --> 00:07:39.300 Talking about Nerissa, who I prayed for during her prayer, who left to return to the Philippines 00:07:39.300 --> 00:07:40.080 this past Monday. 00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:46.459 And so as I was preparing for this sermon and thinking about what it means to be in gospel 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:50.839 partnership with one another, this is what kept coming to my mind over and over again. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:57.139 This vivid example of how this church served in partnership to love and serve Nerissa so 00:07:57.139 --> 00:07:57.399 well. 00:07:58.839 --> 00:08:03.319 And so as we think about gospel partnership, it seems in many ways that I'm preaching to the 00:08:03.319 --> 00:08:12.219 choir today because y'all have served so faithfully and loved someone who was without love and given 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:16.839 someone hope who was without hope and give grace and mercy to someone who is desperate 00:08:16.839 --> 00:08:17.399 for it. 00:08:18.779 --> 00:08:23.279 So as we think about gospel partnership today, it's my hope that we can build on this experience, 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:28.039 that we can see what Paul has to say about partnership, how it applies to the gospel and 00:08:28.039 --> 00:08:33.139 how we can build on this experience that more and more and more people in our midst may 00:08:33.139 --> 00:08:36.740 experience the love of Christ that comes through true gospel partnership. 00:08:38.299 --> 00:08:43.819 And so as we turn to our passage this morning, we see this language that Paul uses both in 00:08:43.819 --> 00:08:47.960 the beginning and the end of this letter regarding partnership. 00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:55.840 In verse 6 he writes, I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:59.700 your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 00:08:59.700 --> 00:09:06.040 And then again in verse 17 Paul says, so if you consider me a partner, welcome him as 00:09:06.040 --> 00:09:06.660 you welcome me. 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:14.040 And so we see this word that Paul uses here in the Greek, it's the same root, maybe you've 00:09:14.040 --> 00:09:15.259 heard it before, koinonia. 00:09:16.420 --> 00:09:20.879 It's often translated as fellowship, but it can mean partnership, it can mean participation, 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:23.820 it can mean this contributory help. 00:09:23.820 --> 00:09:29.180 And what we see in verse 17 when he calls partner, again, it means a fellow worker, a 00:09:29.180 --> 00:09:30.960 companion, a sharer. 00:09:32.560 --> 00:09:37.320 And so this partnership that Paul stresses is the basis for the appeal that he makes to 00:09:37.320 --> 00:09:37.740 Philemon. 00:09:38.220 --> 00:09:43.820 So it's proper to understand what gospel partnership looks like if we're going to be compelled in 00:09:43.820 --> 00:09:44.900 our Christ-like behavior. 00:09:45.200 --> 00:09:49.540 So really three things I want us to focus on this morning as we consider gospel partnership. 00:09:49.539 --> 00:09:54.759 One, I want us to consider how gospel partnership allows for our commitment to one another. 00:09:56.059 --> 00:09:58.139 Secondly, how it connects us to Christ. 00:09:59.120 --> 00:10:02.219 And thirdly, how it gives us a concern for others. 00:10:03.079 --> 00:10:07.639 So our commitment to one another, our connection to Christ, and our concern for one another. 00:10:08.559 --> 00:10:11.399 Let's consider that first point, our commitment to one another. 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:17.840 This past month, as is common, these summer months, we have, being from the states, have 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:19.519 a lot of visitors that come from the states. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:27.639 Many of you, a couple weeks ago, noticed and were able to speak with and minister with a 00:10:27.639 --> 00:10:30.220 group from the PCA Church from Atlanta that came through. 00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:35.019 Last week, Rachel and I also had some of our very closest friends from Greenville who are 00:10:35.019 --> 00:10:38.399 neighbors of ours from a few doors down come and visit us. 00:10:38.399 --> 00:10:42.259 And it's interesting that when my family's been here for four years, we've adjusted to 00:10:42.259 --> 00:10:43.639 Scottish culture and custom. 00:10:44.039 --> 00:10:50.360 But when you have outsiders come in and they see things afresh with American eyes in ways 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:52.459 that I don't really recognize anymore. 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:57.299 One thing that stuck out to them and others that have come to worship here, and this may 00:10:57.299 --> 00:11:00.379 be something that kind of goes totally over your head if this has been your church for 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:00.939 your whole life. 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:05.659 But after the service, when you receive the benediction, what does everyone do? 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:07.179 You sit back down. 00:11:07.179 --> 00:11:09.859 That's just a normal thing for the church here, right? 00:11:09.959 --> 00:11:11.639 That's very strange for Americans. 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:17.679 You receive the benediction, everyone stands and remains standing and can freely move about 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:20.059 the church to mingle or to leave as they please. 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:23.819 So it's very strange that when people sit back down, it's always a question someone asks. 00:11:24.719 --> 00:11:33.099 But it's just a silly example to show, really recognize that when we move into a passage, there's 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:38.700 really great value in being able to see the culture and the context in which it was written. 00:11:39.180 --> 00:11:39.300 Right? 00:11:39.320 --> 00:11:42.879 A lot of times we come in with our Western mindset and we look at this passage and we think about 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:43.320 partnership. 00:11:43.580 --> 00:11:47.680 It may not hit the same way that it would have to Paul and his audience in this day. 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:53.300 It's important to understand what is Paul talking about when he's referring to partnership. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:56.700 How would that have been received in that day and age? 00:11:56.700 --> 00:12:01.520 And so I want us to dig in a little bit to understand what this idea of partnership was 00:12:01.520 --> 00:12:05.300 because it's not just a word that he kind of invents for the sake of the church. 00:12:05.379 --> 00:12:10.120 It's actually a word that he adopts from Roman culture in order to give better understanding 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:12.580 about what relationships should look like within the church. 00:12:13.060 --> 00:12:17.920 In the Roman world, there was a common form of contract that was known as a societus. 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:23.740 And it's translated in the Greek as the same thing, koinonia, what Paul uses in this passage. 00:12:24.319 --> 00:12:30.360 It would be a legally binding, reciprocal partnership freely entered between two parties that shared 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:32.079 a common goal or purpose. 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:35.259 And so in many cases, this would be for economic reasons, right? 00:12:35.379 --> 00:12:39.699 You join in partnership in order to make a profit, in order to make money, whether that's 00:12:39.699 --> 00:12:42.740 through shared land or labor, whatever it may be. 00:12:43.620 --> 00:12:47.740 The goal, though, is what unifies these two parties together. 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:50.860 That they share a common purpose with one another. 00:12:51.819 --> 00:12:57.240 And so it's important to understand in this context, this was a completely consensual relationship, 00:12:57.740 --> 00:12:59.099 this partnership that was formed. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:13:01.079 And it didn't need to be written down. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:04.259 It didn't have to be, you didn't have to sign on the dotted line. 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:06.679 There was no money that needed to be exchanged. 00:13:06.779 --> 00:13:10.199 There wasn't even witnesses that were required for this partnership to be formed. 00:13:10.740 --> 00:13:14.579 Societus was simply an agreed upon terms. 00:13:15.159 --> 00:13:17.799 It could be a handshake agreement as we think about it today. 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:22.819 And so in this partnership, there was something that was shared, right? 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:29.019 There was, whether it's through property or labor or skill, each party was required to share both in the profits 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:30.899 and also in the losses. 00:13:31.079 --> 00:13:35.539 You couldn't use this partnership for the advantage of one and the disadvantage of the other. 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:42.799 And so grounded in this idea of societus was these ideas of mutual trust and honesty and good faith. 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:49.579 The good of all the partners was the object of this contract. 00:13:49.819 --> 00:13:51.559 The partners were always considered equal. 00:13:51.899 --> 00:13:56.379 And even if this contract occurred between social classes, the fact that they entered in this contract together, 00:13:56.639 --> 00:13:59.639 they would be viewed as equals in the eyes of the law. 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:04.620 And so it's Paul that gives this language and applies it to the church. 00:14:04.679 --> 00:14:11.059 What would have been understood by those in society, they would have entered into this relationship themselves very likely. 00:14:11.819 --> 00:14:15.059 And says, let's see how this applies to the church. 00:14:15.059 --> 00:14:21.239 We see how Paul first refers to this koinonia, this partnership in Galatians. 00:14:22.079 --> 00:14:28.719 In chapter 2, he's talking about this coming together with other apostles, with James and John and Peter and Barnabas. 00:14:28.839 --> 00:14:35.239 And they form this partnership of equals to proclaim the gospel to different audiences around the known world. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:38.080 And so in Galatians 2.9, Paul writes, 00:14:38.720 --> 00:14:47.159 James, Cephas, and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. 00:14:47.799 --> 00:14:52.759 They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 00:14:52.820 --> 00:14:57.240 So this word, this phrase, the right hand of fellowship, this is the same Greek word, that koinonia. 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:57.980 It's fellowship. 00:14:58.320 --> 00:14:59.139 It's partnership. 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:05.639 It represents the beginning of this societus, this partnership for the sake of the gospel. 00:15:07.439 --> 00:15:16.220 Maybe the best example that we see in the New Testament of this koinonia, this partnership, is Paul's relationship with the church in Philippi. 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:24.720 If you read that letter, we recognize that he had this deep affection for the people of Philippi, where he spent his time, where he's invested his heart and his energy. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.539 And it's reciprocated to him. 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:32.579 These people, this church, loved him well and cared for him and was concerned for him and provided for him financially. 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:40.399 And so Paul opens his letter to the Philippians saying, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:51.059 And so now here in the letter to Philemon, we see this very same language that's used, not applied to the church, but applied to this individual, to Philemon. 00:15:51.059 --> 00:15:57.759 And so it's important as we consider this connection that partnership provides with those within the church. 00:15:58.239 --> 00:16:01.199 How did Paul consider himself in relation to Philemon? 00:16:03.019 --> 00:16:05.859 Many of you know that I practiced law in the States for a number of years. 00:16:06.019 --> 00:16:13.819 And one of the most impactful things for me as an associate lawyer in my law firm was the fact that I had a senior lawyer who took me under his wings. 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:16.139 He was a wonderful Christian man. 00:16:16.139 --> 00:16:23.019 And as was typical in our firm, any new cases that we had, you usually had two attorneys on the case. 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:24.860 So you had a partner and you had an associate. 00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:27.519 So I had a lot of cases in common with this one partner. 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:30.139 And it was something that always stuck out to me. 00:16:30.220 --> 00:16:38.439 Whenever we traveled for work, whether we went to trial or to a court hearing or to depositions or even in social settings, how he would refer to me. 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:40.500 He never called me an associate. 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:43.460 He always introduced me as his law partner. 00:16:44.700 --> 00:16:46.360 He had no reason to do that. 00:16:46.440 --> 00:16:47.679 I was a lowly associate. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:50.639 Always referred to me as a law partner. 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:53.840 Because in his mind, we were equals. 00:16:54.080 --> 00:17:00.879 We were working together toward a common goal of providing a best outcome possible for our client. 00:17:00.879 --> 00:17:04.519 And that's something that was so rare in the legal practice. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:07.140 Something that really I still remember today. 00:17:07.339 --> 00:17:09.079 That I think we see in this passage. 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:16.319 Because we see when Paul writes these letters in the New Testament, oftentimes he starts his letter by calling himself an apostle. 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:20.240 It's a title that would highlight his authority as a leader within the church. 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:24.480 However, in this letter to Philemon, he doesn't refer to himself as an apostle. 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:28.839 He just opens the letter and refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:35.740 He's really highlighting his lowly status, almost putting himself on par with Onesimus, the slave of Philemon. 00:17:36.899 --> 00:17:42.220 In the same way how he refers to Philemon, he calls him a beloved fellow worker. 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:46.439 He's making the point here that they are equals with one another. 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:49.220 He's not trying to lord his authority over Philemon and say, 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:54.579 Hey, look, I'm the big important apostle, so what I'm about to say to you, you better obey it. 00:17:55.439 --> 00:17:57.079 No, he says just the opposite. 00:17:57.079 --> 00:17:59.559 If we look in verse 8, he says, 00:17:59.779 --> 00:18:04.179 Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 00:18:04.879 --> 00:18:08.139 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. 00:18:09.659 --> 00:18:18.599 And so just like this Roman societist model, in Christian partnership we are equals with one another in this common goal. 00:18:18.599 --> 00:18:21.480 But it's more than just that. 00:18:21.539 --> 00:18:26.740 It's not just a business transaction or relationship that we should think of when we're in partnership with one another. 00:18:26.939 --> 00:18:29.939 There's this deep affection with which Paul talks about too. 00:18:31.179 --> 00:18:38.500 Paul mentions the heart three times in this letter, describing this deep emotional connection that he has in this gospel work. 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:45.440 Verse 7, Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:51.380 Referring to Anisimus in verse 12, I am sending him, who is my very heart, back to you. 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:57.299 Again, addressing Philemon in verse 20, refresh my heart in Christ. 00:18:57.299 --> 00:19:04.680 And it's interesting, the word choice that Paul uses here, because he doesn't use the typical Greek word for heart. 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:08.680 Instead, he uses a word that refers to your inward parts. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:14.779 So it addresses your heart, but also it could be your lungs, your liver, your bowels. 00:19:15.779 --> 00:19:23.019 It's the same Greek word that's used in Acts to describe the death of Judas after he betrays Jesus. 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:31.480 It says in the beginning of Acts that Judas bought a field, he fell headlong, his body burst open, and his intestines spilled out. 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:33.720 That's the same word that Paul uses here. 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:37.779 And so for us, that kind of sounds weird or gross. 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:48.819 But for Paul to refer to these inward parts, he's describing this deep emotion, this love that he feels for Philemon weighed down in his gut. 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:55.379 And so I wonder, do we often feel that same affection for one another? 00:19:57.279 --> 00:20:05.399 Are we often content as believers to just kind of show up on Sunday, maintain these superficial relationships, and go about our own ways during the week? 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:10.200 Are we truly invested in each other's lives? 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:12.599 Do we desire to share meals together? 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:14.839 Do we desire to disciple one another? 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:20.919 Do we desire to come alongside one another to love and serve not only this church, but our community around us? 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:28.480 You know, it's always an encouragement for me, the fact that how many people stick around for tea and coffee afterwards. 00:20:28.639 --> 00:20:32.659 That's really a joy, to be able to build relationship, to encourage one another. 00:20:33.919 --> 00:20:38.459 But I would say that's only a first step for us when we think about fellowship. 00:20:38.619 --> 00:20:42.159 Fellowship does not begin and end on a Sunday morning. 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:47.480 Fellowship for the church is something that continues throughout the week. 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:56.300 Because I think really one of the most important things when we think of fellowship is recognizing caring for one another well. 00:20:56.779 --> 00:21:05.420 I think one of the greatest ways to kind of gauge the health of a church is to see how much time do people within the church spend together throughout the week? 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:11.560 Again, is it something where you kind of just show up on a Sunday that you have these casual relationships with people? 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:14.000 Are you truly invested in each other's lives? 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:16.500 This is why we have community groups this week. 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:21.140 We have opportunities for ministry that we may be invested not only to serve the outside world, 00:21:21.300 --> 00:21:24.000 but we do it together as a church, as a body of believers. 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:29.920 This really leads us to our second point. 00:21:30.799 --> 00:21:37.420 When we recognize the need and the value of partnership with one another, this should point us to Christ. 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:43.240 Because this is what's necessary for partnership to thrive, is a connection with Christ. 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:47.500 And so let's look again at this partnership that we see Paul and Philemon have here. 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:51.920 They're the two parties for this partnership, for this contract, right? 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:54.380 We recognize what the purpose is. 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:56.400 It's a shared goal in the spread of the gospel. 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:59.460 But what do they share in order to accomplish that gospel? 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:01.900 It's not their good efforts or their good will. 00:22:03.120 --> 00:22:04.019 It's Christ. 00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:09.480 They share this mutual relationship with Christ that's the foundation for their partnership. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:17.380 And so we see throughout this letter what's one of Paul's favorite phrases for describing the identity of a believer 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:21.019 that he uses in all of his letters, to be in Christ. 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:24.960 He uses that three times in this passage. 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:29.860 And so when we recognize that when we are in Christ, that is going to be our partnership then, 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:35.300 is an external outworking of this internal identity. 00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:41.519 If our lives have been transformed by God through Jesus, it's going to transform the way that we live, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:44.700 the way that we act and relate to one another, and the values that we hold. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:49.140 And so this is what Paul really elaborates in that letter to the Philippians, 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:53.600 where he expresses this love, this deep connection and partnership that he has with them. 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:58.160 And in chapter 2, he gives this series of instructions, both positive and negative. 00:22:59.160 --> 00:22:59.759 He says, 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:03.140 Be of the same mind, do nothing out of selfishness. 00:23:03.900 --> 00:23:06.079 In humility, count others better than yourselves. 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.359 Don't look to your own interests. 00:23:09.660 --> 00:23:12.819 These instructions that he gives are kind of like partnership rules. 00:23:13.900 --> 00:23:18.140 They're not grounded, though, in individuals' good effort. 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:21.140 It's grounded in what comes later in this chapter. 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:23.599 He flows directly into this hymn of Christ, 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:24.879 where he says, 00:23:24.939 --> 00:23:28.719 If you're going to be of one mind, it's only because of the work of Jesus, 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:34.240 who, being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:38.599 but rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:42.419 being made in human likeness, and being found in the appearance of man, 00:23:42.419 --> 00:23:47.059 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 00:23:48.299 --> 00:23:52.579 And so while Paul gives this wonderful description of the work of Christ, 00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:56.599 and the significance of that that has to this church and their partnership with one another, 00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:58.599 when we turn to Philemon, 00:23:59.399 --> 00:24:03.079 he actually doesn't mention the work of Christ a single time. 00:24:04.199 --> 00:24:06.659 He mentions Christ by name, but not his work. 00:24:08.099 --> 00:24:10.460 And it's not an omission on Paul's part. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:13.240 What he's doing here, instead of pointing to Christ directly, 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:16.299 he is mirroring Christ in his own work. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:19.779 The work of Christ is evident in his own life. 00:24:19.859 --> 00:24:21.019 Look at verse 17 and 18. 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:25.059 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:29.740 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:34.539 Paul is offering to pay Onesimus' debts. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:38.299 He is following the pattern of Christ's own redemption. 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:43.579 This is what Paul talks about in Colossians chapter 2. 00:24:43.639 --> 00:24:46.819 When we were dead in your sins, God made you alive with Christ. 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:51.799 He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, 00:24:51.960 --> 00:24:54.259 which stood against us and condemned us. 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:57.539 He has taken it away and nailing it to the cross. 00:24:59.119 --> 00:25:00.879 Christ paid our debt. 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:04.639 Paul here is paying Onesimus' debt. 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:09.820 And not only that, Paul is serving as a mediator between Philemon and Onesimus, 00:25:10.020 --> 00:25:13.700 the same way Christ reconciles us to the Father through his work. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:17.560 In verse 17 he says, he's taking up the pen himself here. 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:20.380 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. 00:25:20.780 --> 00:25:21.960 I will pay it back. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:27.440 Is this not a picture of what Christ does for us? 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:34.660 Signing away our debt with his own blood that we may be reconciled to the Father. 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:44.259 Again, we recognize that this partnership is not about trying harder or relying on our own efforts, 00:25:44.640 --> 00:25:45.640 our own good intentions. 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:52.940 The only way that we can be in right relationship with one another is when we are in right relationship with Christ. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:59.780 And so the only way for commitment and partnership and fellowship within the church to work 00:25:59.780 --> 00:26:03.980 is when we recognize that Christ must be central. 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:05.440 Because what's going to happen otherwise? 00:26:05.580 --> 00:26:07.340 We have partnership between two sinners. 00:26:08.340 --> 00:26:09.980 Someone's going to end up being offended. 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:12.259 Someone's going to end up disappointed. 00:26:12.380 --> 00:26:13.720 We're going to let each other down. 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:14.720 That's going to be inevitable. 00:26:16.480 --> 00:26:20.360 But when we remember all Christ has done for us, that he has pardoned our sin, 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:24.500 that he suffered on the cross, that he paid the penalty for our sins, 00:26:24.540 --> 00:26:27.060 that he has won the victory over sin and death, 00:26:27.080 --> 00:26:31.020 when we remember those things, it's going to change the way that we treat one another. 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:36.240 And it's going to motivate us to work, to follow in Christ's steps. 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:40.380 And so that naturally takes us into that third point then. 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:45.240 Gospel partnership gives us a concern for others. 00:26:45.640 --> 00:26:55.080 Yes, we love and serve one another well, but are also focused in the hope that those who experience the blessing of partnership are those around us. 00:26:56.280 --> 00:26:58.540 In contract law, there's something known as privity. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:27:06.460 It basically means that if you're not a party to the contract, you have no right to enforce the contract. 00:27:06.859 --> 00:27:09.159 Because the benefit of the contract is not for you. 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:10.500 Right? 00:27:10.559 --> 00:27:13.579 Think about why do people form contracts for this mutual benefit. 00:27:14.180 --> 00:27:14.579 Right? 00:27:14.659 --> 00:27:18.339 So that there be some blessing that comes out of this working together. 00:27:18.339 --> 00:27:22.839 And so think for an example, if you and I were to enter into contract, maybe I'm a builder, 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:26.599 and we've agreed that I'm going to build you a house for 200 grand. 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.099 Right? 00:27:28.740 --> 00:27:31.079 This partnership is between you and I. 00:27:32.199 --> 00:27:39.559 When the contract is fully executed, I've finished building your house, I'd give you the house, you give me the 200 grand. 00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:43.740 We've both received the blessing that comes from that contract. 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:45.319 You've received the house, I've received the money. 00:27:45.899 --> 00:27:48.399 What we don't care about is what your neighbor thinks about our contract. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:50.500 Because they're not a party to the contract. 00:27:50.639 --> 00:27:50.759 Right? 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:53.899 But think about it in the gospel context. 00:27:54.639 --> 00:27:56.879 In the gospel context, it's quite different. 00:27:56.919 --> 00:28:02.379 Because the benefit is not simply between the two parties in this partnership, but it's shared with those around them. 00:28:04.299 --> 00:28:07.519 And so we can think of Nerissa's situation again. 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:14.440 It was each one of us joining in partnership with one another for the sake of the gospel. 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.819 And who reaped the benefit? 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:19.039 Nerissa did. 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:29.119 Our gospel partnership, we recognize we're committed to one another, we're connected to Christ, but it's for the benefit of those around us. 00:28:29.980 --> 00:28:36.859 Gospel partnership, the reason we do church is not simply for our own comfort, it's not for making friends or having a nice social circle. 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:45.160 We are the body of Christ, partnered with one another that we may see the kingdom of God expand. 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:51.420 But we recognize that when we do this, we enter into something that's very costly. 00:28:51.700 --> 00:28:59.160 Paul's not trying to disregard the fact that what he's asking and appealing Philemon to do is very difficult. 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:02.360 It's important for us to understand this too. 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:08.460 In that context, slave owners did not set slaves free like Paul's appeal is. 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:14.340 We recognize that slave owners might have had this fear that slaves might revolt at some point in time. 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:23.360 And so there's always going to be some form of discipline or punishment if a slave ran away or is disobedient in some way. 00:29:23.359 --> 00:29:32.479 And even though, even if masters wanted to treat their slaves well, which many of them might have done in order to build up some sense of loyalty or encourage good work, 00:29:33.279 --> 00:29:42.000 there is no way, even in this situation, that a slave owner would overlook whatever offense Onesimus had done to his owner. 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:46.799 Especially what Paul is saying going above and beyond here. 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:53.680 It's not just simply welcome him back, but to treat him as an equal, to treat him as a beloved brother. 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:55.680 That's not going to happen in that day and age. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:58.799 So what does that mean for Philemon if he follows this instruction? 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:02.039 He may very well be ostracized by society. 00:30:02.180 --> 00:30:07.539 Other slave owners are going to be angry at him because he's upset the whole social structure of society. 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:11.859 What are other slaves going to do when they recognize what Philemon is doing to his? 00:30:13.720 --> 00:30:17.099 And so there's great cost that comes with making this commitment. 00:30:19.139 --> 00:30:24.559 Gospel partnership will necessarily involve some form of suffering with time. 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:32.220 We see here Philemon is going to suffer social humiliation to some degree if he receives Onesimus back. 00:30:32.980 --> 00:30:36.259 Paul, likewise, he's agreed to bear this financial burden. 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:39.500 He too will suffer for the sake of Onesimus' debts. 00:30:41.180 --> 00:30:46.400 But even so, even though Paul recognizes this great burden that he places on himself and on Philemon, 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:50.599 he still encourages and expects a sense of generosity. 00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:58.740 Verse 21, confidence of your obedience I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 00:31:01.879 --> 00:31:04.259 And so is this, again, the mindset of our church? 00:31:04.259 --> 00:31:12.640 Are we willing to join in partnership with one another, knowing that it could likely lead to discomfort, if not suffering? 00:31:14.039 --> 00:31:20.460 Are we willing to be united with one another, this singleness of purpose, united and equal with one another, 00:31:20.859 --> 00:31:23.619 that we may see the gospel go forth in this city? 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:35.539 Are we willing to go above and beyond to share of our time and our energy and our effort and our money for the sake of the gospel? 00:31:37.619 --> 00:31:41.919 If this is our mindset, it's going to radically change the way that we do church. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:44.619 It's going to radically change our relationship with one another. 00:31:44.619 --> 00:31:51.659 It's going to radically change the way that we are able to impact this neighborhood and this city for the sake of Christ. 00:31:53.959 --> 00:31:58.599 But the thing that Paul recognizes here that we need to recognize, this is not something that we can demand of you. 00:31:58.899 --> 00:32:02.519 Me here behind this pulpit, I cannot demand that you enter into this kind of partnership. 00:32:03.119 --> 00:32:07.179 James, the other officers of the church, cannot make this demand and think it's going to go anywhere. 00:32:07.180 --> 00:32:10.279 This is what Paul points out. 00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:16.960 That gospel partnership must grow out of a personal recognition of Christ's love for you. 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:22.880 To recognize his divine calling on your life to follow after him. 00:32:24.779 --> 00:32:27.259 And so don't hear this message as a demand. 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:29.500 Recognize it as an invitation. 00:32:30.400 --> 00:32:35.840 An invitation to enter into partnership not only with one another but with our Savior Jesus. 00:32:37.180 --> 00:32:42.880 Whether you have been in this church for a long time or this is your first time to hear the gospel message, 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:44.220 this invitation is for you. 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:47.500 That you let the love of Christ so saturate your body 00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:52.380 that it goes deep down into your guts 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:56.640 and overflows from there into those around you. 00:32:58.000 --> 00:33:01.539 Because this is the ultimate purpose of our partnership. 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:04.600 Is that Christ may ultimately be glorified. 00:33:04.599 --> 00:33:08.159 This is what Paul concludes that chapter 2 in Philippians by saying. 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:10.639 He gives us great detail of the work of Christ. 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:12.019 And why did Christ do this? 00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:14.259 He says at the end of this hymn of Christ 00:33:14.259 --> 00:33:18.299 that the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:23.500 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 00:33:25.619 --> 00:33:29.500 May this be the ultimate goal of our partnership. 00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:31.459 Let's pray. 00:33:31.459 --> 00:33:31.519 Amen. 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:31.539 Amen. 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:38.839 Lord, we thank you for your word. 00:33:40.439 --> 00:33:43.559 We thank you for this encouragement from our brother Paul 00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:48.500 to recognize even in his change the value of the gospel 00:33:48.500 --> 00:33:50.159 and the need for gospel partnership. 00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:56.599 And so, Lord, we pray that we may recognize the work of Christ in our lives. 00:33:56.599 --> 00:34:00.319 That we may desire to enter into partnership. 00:34:00.319 --> 00:34:00.679 Amen. 00:34:00.679 --> 00:34:01.259 Amen. 00:34:01.259 --> 00:34:01.579 Amen. 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:01.619 Amen. 00:34:01.619 --> 00:34:01.679 Amen. 00:34:01.679 --> 00:34:01.779 Amen. 00:34:01.779 --> 00:34:01.919 Amen. 00:34:01.919 --> 00:34:02.000 Amen. 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:02.219 Amen. 00:34:02.219 --> 00:34:02.240 Amen. 00:34:02.240 --> 00:34:02.319 Amen. 00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:02.599 Amen. 00:34:02.599 --> 00:34:02.659 Amen. 00:34:02.659 --> 00:34:02.819 Amen. 00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:02.859 Amen. 00:34:02.859 --> 00:34:03.179 Amen.