WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:05.740 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.740 --> 00:00:07.980 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:10.080 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:12.679 Pastor Patrick Daley preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:13.939 from the Word of God, 00:00:13.939 --> 00:00:16.920 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:19.219 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:23.219 Well, good morning Ontario Community Church. 00:00:23.219 --> 00:00:28.219 Let's go ahead and head back to our seats. 00:00:30.599 --> 00:00:34.960 Well, it is great to be with all of you here this morning. 00:00:34.960 --> 00:00:36.399 Fall is here. 00:00:38.100 --> 00:00:39.799 Well, my name is Patrick Daley, 00:00:39.799 --> 00:00:43.039 and I'm the pastor here at Ontario Community Church, 00:00:43.039 --> 00:00:46.140 and it is a privilege to be here with you, 00:00:46.140 --> 00:00:49.879 to serve with you, and to preach from the Word of God. 00:00:49.880 --> 00:00:53.240 Today, we are gonna be finishing up our series 00:00:53.240 --> 00:00:55.640 on the book of Philemon. 00:00:55.640 --> 00:00:59.520 We've been learning about how we go from useless to useful, 00:00:59.520 --> 00:01:01.380 very powerful words. 00:01:01.380 --> 00:01:05.820 And we learn about why we must surrender to Christ. 00:01:05.820 --> 00:01:09.120 To choose Christ, it is the beginning. 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:10.900 It is not the end. 00:01:10.900 --> 00:01:15.200 We learned about what it means to be refreshed in Christ, 00:01:15.200 --> 00:01:19.500 and how we should pray that people will come to know the Lord. 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:21.739 That's what we're all about here, my friends. 00:01:21.739 --> 00:01:23.700 The people will come to know Jesus Christ, 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:27.079 that they will have them at the center of their lives. 00:01:27.079 --> 00:01:28.780 That they'll grow in faith. 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:31.379 They'll make that decision for Christ. 00:01:31.379 --> 00:01:32.879 We learned about the relationship 00:01:32.879 --> 00:01:35.579 that was between Paul and Onesimus, 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:38.560 and that Paul is making an appeal to Philemon. 00:01:39.560 --> 00:01:42.359 And so today, I have the title of the slides, 00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:43.500 gonna be up here. 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:46.060 The Gospel According to Philemon. 00:01:46.060 --> 00:01:47.900 What is that all about? 00:01:47.900 --> 00:01:52.000 How does the book of Philemon, the letter to Philemon 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:53.400 from the apostle Paul, 00:01:54.300 --> 00:01:56.340 how does that have to do with the Gospel? 00:01:56.340 --> 00:01:58.300 We're gonna learn about that today. 00:01:58.300 --> 00:02:01.340 We saw about how Paul was appealing to, 00:02:01.340 --> 00:02:06.080 or Paul was appealing to Philemon to take back Onesimus, 00:02:06.080 --> 00:02:09.980 not as a slave or a bond-servant, 00:02:09.980 --> 00:02:13.560 but to receive him as a brother in Christ. 00:02:13.560 --> 00:02:16.319 This is so significant in the letter. 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:18.959 Perhaps it was the will of God that Onesimus, 00:02:18.959 --> 00:02:22.799 although he did wrong, came to know the Lord. 00:02:22.799 --> 00:02:24.639 That's what Paul was writing. 00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:29.039 Onesimus went from being a sinner to free, 00:02:29.039 --> 00:02:32.500 and he is being sent back as a free man. 00:02:32.500 --> 00:02:34.879 And this leads us to today. 00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:37.819 But before we do that, I want us to pray. 00:02:37.819 --> 00:02:40.280 Let's pray before we go any further. 00:02:41.719 --> 00:02:45.159 Father, we pray that as we conclude this little letter 00:02:45.159 --> 00:02:47.719 from the apostle Paul to Philemon, 00:02:47.719 --> 00:02:50.520 that we learn more about you 00:02:50.520 --> 00:02:54.159 and how this letter connects to the Gospel message. 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:56.639 Maybe learn about your grace and your mercy 00:02:56.639 --> 00:02:59.139 and the love that you have for us. 00:02:59.139 --> 00:03:02.740 For as scripture says, you knew us before we were born, 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:05.680 and you give us life here on the earth. 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:07.979 Father, you sent your son Jesus, 00:03:07.979 --> 00:03:10.079 who forgives us for all of our sins 00:03:10.079 --> 00:03:14.319 and paid the debt, the burden of sin. 00:03:14.319 --> 00:03:17.239 All we need to do is to put our faith 00:03:17.239 --> 00:03:19.280 in your son Jesus Christ. 00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:21.959 May we be refreshed in your love today. 00:03:21.959 --> 00:03:24.280 And we say this in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:03:24.280 --> 00:03:25.639 We pray amen. 00:03:25.639 --> 00:03:26.859 Amen. 00:03:26.859 --> 00:03:29.079 So I want to start off with this question. 00:03:29.079 --> 00:03:30.079 We'll put this on the slide. 00:03:30.079 --> 00:03:35.039 Can you think of a time where someone stood up for you 00:03:35.039 --> 00:03:38.000 or when you stood up for someone? 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:39.519 You can probably think of times 00:03:39.519 --> 00:03:41.599 when you were a young child, right? 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:42.799 When you were going to school 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:45.520 and you stood up for someone, 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:46.840 or maybe as an adult, 00:03:47.719 --> 00:03:49.240 perhaps you can think of a time 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:51.719 when you saw someone doing wrong. 00:03:51.719 --> 00:03:55.840 Maybe you offered to help a brother or a sister out. 00:03:55.840 --> 00:03:57.520 Maybe there was someone who you helped 00:03:57.520 --> 00:04:00.860 when they were down, a shoulder to cry on, 00:04:00.860 --> 00:04:03.760 just being there to a listening ear for someone. 00:04:04.880 --> 00:04:09.060 Maybe there is a time where you needed to be there 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:10.480 to help someone out. 00:04:10.480 --> 00:04:12.180 Can you think of a time like that? 00:04:12.180 --> 00:04:13.360 You don't have to raise your hand, 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:17.400 but I hope that all of us can think of a time 00:04:17.400 --> 00:04:22.120 where we helped someone out or someone helped us out. 00:04:22.120 --> 00:04:25.180 Someone comforted us and was there for us. 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:30.639 And how did that, how did that change the trajectory 00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:33.000 in your friendship with this person? 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:34.740 Or how did that affect you? 00:04:35.759 --> 00:04:38.480 I think of times when we're down or we're sad. 00:04:38.480 --> 00:04:41.600 Look, being here on earth isn't perfect. 00:04:41.600 --> 00:04:43.680 There's a lot of overwhelming emotions. 00:04:43.680 --> 00:04:45.680 There's a lot of things that happen in our culture 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:49.640 that's just, it's like weight that's on our shoulder. 00:04:49.640 --> 00:04:52.520 And sometimes we just need someone to talk to. 00:04:52.520 --> 00:04:54.920 Sometimes we have someone who's there for us 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:58.980 who is just listening there for us. 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:02.360 When we think of times where someone comes into our lives 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:05.160 and helps us, don't we remember it? 00:05:05.160 --> 00:05:08.480 Don't we remember a friend or maybe even a family member 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:10.160 who was there for us? 00:05:10.160 --> 00:05:13.520 When someone helps you or protects you, 00:05:13.520 --> 00:05:15.600 maybe defends you. 00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:18.439 I think of the times, the many examples we can think of 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:20.840 of someone who's bullying someone at school 00:05:20.840 --> 00:05:23.080 and someone stands up to the bully, right? 00:05:24.640 --> 00:05:27.280 It makes a profound impact on our lives. 00:05:27.280 --> 00:05:30.320 And that kind of feeling, that memory that we have 00:05:30.320 --> 00:05:34.960 of a situation like this, it's an example of a connection 00:05:34.960 --> 00:05:36.720 with what we're going to explore 00:05:36.720 --> 00:05:39.400 in our verses in Philemon today. 00:05:39.399 --> 00:05:44.319 We see that the apostle Paul is offering to pay Philemon 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:48.199 for the wrong that Onesimus has done. 00:05:48.199 --> 00:05:51.159 To charge it onto Paul's account. 00:05:51.159 --> 00:05:52.679 Paul is saying to Philemon, 00:05:52.679 --> 00:05:56.120 whatever wrong Onesimus did, charge it to my account. 00:05:57.120 --> 00:05:59.079 It's a great reminder. 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:02.039 Doesn't it remind you of the Good Samaritan? 00:06:02.039 --> 00:06:06.000 There's a parallel that exists in this part of in scripture. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:08.439 But it also reminds us, and it should remind us 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:10.360 of the gospel. 00:06:10.360 --> 00:06:14.680 Remind us about how Jesus Christ paid for our sins, 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:17.560 charged it on his account, if you will, 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:20.519 by his death on the cross. 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:24.240 Paul is stepping in on Onesimus's behalf. 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:27.279 And I would like for us to read the text together. 00:06:27.279 --> 00:06:29.399 Let's go to our Bibles. 00:06:29.399 --> 00:06:30.560 I'll put that on the screen. 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:34.040 Please turn to the book of Philemon, 00:06:34.040 --> 00:06:37.920 page 1186 in your ESVP Bible. 00:06:37.920 --> 00:06:42.920 Or if you're using NIV, KJV, whatever translation, 00:06:43.040 --> 00:06:45.160 please turn to the book of Philemon. 00:06:45.160 --> 00:06:46.800 And let's follow along. 00:06:49.439 --> 00:06:52.000 We'll start off in verse 17. 00:06:54.480 --> 00:06:55.480 All right, are we ready? 00:06:57.600 --> 00:07:00.360 So if you consider me your partner, 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:03.920 receive him as you would receive me. 00:07:03.920 --> 00:07:08.560 If he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:11.160 charge that to my account. 00:07:12.199 --> 00:07:14.920 Now, pretty significant part. 00:07:14.920 --> 00:07:18.640 I, Paul, write this with my own hand. 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:22.800 I will repay it. 00:07:22.800 --> 00:07:27.800 To say nothing of your owing me, even your own self. 00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:32.800 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. 00:07:32.800 --> 00:07:35.000 Refresh my heart in Christ. 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:38.079 A beautiful language. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:39.600 I wish to be refreshed. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:43.879 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, 00:07:43.879 --> 00:07:47.280 knowing that you will do even more than I say. 00:07:47.280 --> 00:07:49.960 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me. 00:07:49.960 --> 00:07:52.160 For I am hoping that through your prayers, 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:56.040 I will be graciously given to you. 00:07:58.639 --> 00:08:01.160 Epipharthas, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, 00:08:01.160 --> 00:08:02.519 sends greetings to you. 00:08:02.519 --> 00:08:07.319 And so do Mark, Architius, Dimas, and Luke, 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:08.839 my fellow workers. 00:08:08.839 --> 00:08:13.839 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, be with your spirit. 00:08:14.359 --> 00:08:16.959 So we start off in verse 17. 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:18.560 If you consider me your partner, 00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:21.719 receive him as you would receive me. 00:08:21.719 --> 00:08:24.079 Well, we start off, we're at the part 00:08:24.079 --> 00:08:28.719 where Paul is continuing to appeal to Philemon. 00:08:28.719 --> 00:08:31.639 The word partner, it's a word that is used 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:35.279 also in 2 Corinthians chapter eight, verse 23. 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.480 You don't have to turn there. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:40.799 But what's happening is there's the mention of Titus 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:44.759 as a fellow worker, a fellow partner if you will. 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:48.120 The word partner, it's defined as a associate, 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:51.159 a companion or a partner. 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:53.759 So having a partnership if you will. 00:08:53.759 --> 00:08:57.319 So Paul is saying here that if you work with me, 00:08:57.319 --> 00:08:59.840 you should receive Onesimus. 00:08:59.840 --> 00:09:03.120 You should receive my child in Christ if you will. 00:09:03.960 --> 00:09:07.440 You should receive him as a fellow brother in Christ. 00:09:07.440 --> 00:09:09.720 All of this is part of Paul's appeal. 00:09:10.560 --> 00:09:13.040 We then go into verse 18, which says, 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:15.879 if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, 00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:17.240 charge that to my account. 00:09:17.240 --> 00:09:20.160 That is such beautiful language that reminds us 00:09:20.160 --> 00:09:23.759 of the good Samaritan and it reminds us of Jesus Christ. 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:27.040 We see that Paul is, he's that fatherly figure 00:09:27.040 --> 00:09:28.160 towards Onesimus. 00:09:28.159 --> 00:09:31.120 He has that love, he has that bond. 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:32.959 He's offering to pay off any debt 00:09:32.959 --> 00:09:37.000 that Onesimus has owed to Philemon. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:40.759 Now, we don't know exactly what Onesimus did, 00:09:41.679 --> 00:09:44.399 but the language that's being used in here, 00:09:44.399 --> 00:09:47.639 if he has wronged you at all or he owes you anything, 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:51.879 that language can be used, did Onesimus cheat 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:53.759 or did he steal from Philemon? 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:56.039 We don't know the full scope of that. 00:09:56.039 --> 00:10:01.039 But what we do know is that Paul is offering to cover it all. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:04.559 And this verse is a reminder of what we find, 00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:07.279 like I said, in the story of the good Samaritan 00:10:07.279 --> 00:10:12.279 and the demonstration of the love that God has for us. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:14.039 Remember the good Samaritan, 00:10:14.039 --> 00:10:18.360 a man who is offering to pay at the hotel 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:22.000 or the inn, if you will, charging it onto his accounts, 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:25.399 that same kind of language, such beautiful language. 00:10:25.399 --> 00:10:27.360 When you're down or you're sad 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:28.959 or if you've done something wrong, 00:10:28.959 --> 00:10:30.879 if someone's offering to pay, 00:10:32.799 --> 00:10:34.319 thank you, Paul. 00:10:34.319 --> 00:10:35.840 Thank you, good Samaritan. 00:10:37.120 --> 00:10:39.439 Such beautiful language. 00:10:39.439 --> 00:10:42.840 Jesus paid it all through his life, his ministry, 00:10:42.840 --> 00:10:45.039 his death, his burial and resurrection, 00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:48.639 the fulfillment of prophecy. 00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:50.600 In verse 19, I wanna go ahead 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:52.919 and put this on the screen here. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:55.360 What's very interesting about this, 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:59.559 so it says, I, Paul, write this with my own hand. 00:10:59.559 --> 00:11:01.360 I will repay it. 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:05.319 To say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:09.439 So you'll see, it's in your notes and on the screen here, 00:11:09.439 --> 00:11:11.319 Paul says this, right? 00:11:11.319 --> 00:11:14.679 He says, I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 00:11:14.679 --> 00:11:16.439 I love what Galatians says here. 00:11:16.439 --> 00:11:18.360 See what large letters I am writing to you, 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:21.879 which is typically meant that it's hard for him to see, 00:11:21.879 --> 00:11:24.360 so he's writing with large letters, right? 00:11:24.360 --> 00:11:27.039 See with what large letters I am writing to you 00:11:27.039 --> 00:11:28.279 with my own hand. 00:11:28.279 --> 00:11:31.639 Colossians, I write this greeting with my own hand. 00:11:31.639 --> 00:11:34.039 Remember my chains, grace be with you. 00:11:34.039 --> 00:11:36.480 In 2 Thessalonians, I, Paul, 00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:39.159 write this greeting with my own hand. 00:11:39.159 --> 00:11:41.559 Well, the first thing we need to know 00:11:41.559 --> 00:11:45.679 is that it was common back in biblical times 00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:49.399 to have a scribe, to have someone write the letters for you. 00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:53.959 So what would happen here is you would have Paul dictate 00:11:53.959 --> 00:11:55.759 what needed to be written down, right? 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:58.319 Just like how we have secretaries nowadays, 00:11:58.319 --> 00:11:59.399 they type really fast. 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:02.480 Or I think of in court when there is a trial 00:12:02.480 --> 00:12:04.480 that's going on, someone's typing really fast. 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:05.879 They do, what is that called? 00:12:05.879 --> 00:12:08.360 It's a, the transcription, right? 00:12:08.360 --> 00:12:10.120 They write shorthand, right? 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:13.000 It's a shorter version and they type so fast, 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:14.319 it's incredible. 00:12:14.319 --> 00:12:17.159 It's just like how, now they didn't have typewriters 00:12:17.159 --> 00:12:18.480 back then or computers, 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:20.200 but they were writing with their own hand, 00:12:20.200 --> 00:12:21.399 the words of Paul. 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:24.560 These people would help in the writing 00:12:24.560 --> 00:12:26.320 of divinely inspired texts. 00:12:26.320 --> 00:12:29.960 And I have to take a slight moment here. 00:12:29.960 --> 00:12:32.240 For those of us who've been going to Wednesday Night Bible 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:35.440 study, we've been going over the role of the Holy Spirit, 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:38.120 how the Holy Spirit overwhelmed 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:40.399 the writers of scripture, right? 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:43.399 So if you can imagine this overwhelming feeling 00:12:43.399 --> 00:12:46.480 from the Holy Spirit coming to Paul and Paul saying, 00:12:46.480 --> 00:12:48.320 hey, you need to write this down. 00:12:48.320 --> 00:12:50.480 And you need to write it down immediately. 00:12:50.480 --> 00:12:52.560 And then writing it down and then I can imagine, 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:55.080 imagine them being overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit, 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:57.120 calling up your scribe or your secretary, 00:12:57.120 --> 00:12:59.320 and to make sure that they write down the words 00:12:59.320 --> 00:13:02.720 that you say and make sure it's written correctly. 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:06.800 That would be, that's some divine inspiration right now. 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:08.560 As things were written, there would be the need 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:12.080 for proofreading and to make sure that the letter, 00:13:12.080 --> 00:13:15.760 the letters, right, were written correctly. 00:13:15.760 --> 00:13:18.160 And in these verses, we can see that 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:21.319 there were times that Paul would write with his own hand. 00:13:21.319 --> 00:13:24.279 Now, if you look at Romans 16-22, 00:13:25.159 --> 00:13:29.480 Tertius wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:33.839 So this could be the only scribe. 00:13:33.839 --> 00:13:37.319 Some historians say this was Paul's scribe. 00:13:37.319 --> 00:13:40.839 There could have been others, but we know of one at least. 00:13:40.839 --> 00:13:45.399 And this is a time where Paul would write it in his own hand. 00:13:45.399 --> 00:13:47.720 So when we literally read that, 00:13:47.720 --> 00:13:50.279 I write this with my own hand, I write greetings. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:53.879 It's a way to authenticate a letter as well. 00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:56.040 If you think about when you have a signature, 00:13:56.040 --> 00:13:57.600 you have a printed out document, 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:59.240 and you sign it with your own hand. 00:13:59.240 --> 00:14:01.560 Doesn't that authenticate the letter? 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:04.120 It's the same way that of what we're seeing here. 00:14:04.120 --> 00:14:07.200 And the other thing I want to point out here is, 00:14:08.560 --> 00:14:10.200 when we're reading in Philemon, 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:12.840 he's not greeting Philemon. 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:15.600 What is he saying? 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:18.720 He's saying in here, instead of greetings to you, 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:22.240 he's saying, I will repay it. 00:14:22.240 --> 00:14:24.519 I'm writing this with my own hand. 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:27.159 I will repay the debt that Onesimus has. 00:14:27.159 --> 00:14:30.240 Can you imagine, instead of writing a greeting, 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:35.680 the emphasis, the importance to the apostle Paul, 00:14:35.680 --> 00:14:38.240 why he's writing that, I will repay the debt 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:39.879 that Onesimus has done for you, 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:43.360 because Onesimus is a changed man in the Lord, 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:46.120 going from useless to useful, 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:50.399 from being a bond servant or a slave to being a free man. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.440 Have you ever known anyone 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:55.399 who's offered to pay off your debts? 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:59.440 That's some, if you've experienced that, 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:04.840 what gratitude you must have, that feeling to have. 00:15:08.159 --> 00:15:10.200 Paul would write with his own hand. 00:15:10.200 --> 00:15:11.840 He's writing to make it known 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:13.800 that he will repay the debt. 00:15:13.800 --> 00:15:15.399 And he goes on to say, 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:18.680 to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 00:15:18.680 --> 00:15:20.879 Now, that's not typical. 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:22.040 What does he mean going on? 00:15:22.040 --> 00:15:24.120 Okay, that first part, I will repay it, 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:26.519 to say nothing of your owing me. 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:30.000 This language, Paul is seeking to remind Philemon 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:35.000 of the debt, if you will, that Philemon owes to Paul, 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:38.480 his own self, what do you mean by that? 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:42.039 Well, Paul helped Philemon come to Christ, 00:15:42.039 --> 00:15:44.159 coming to Christ, right? 00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:46.960 Now, here's the thing, when you come to Christ, 00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:50.080 your debts are forgiven, right? 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:54.159 You are washed clean by Jesus Christ. 00:15:54.159 --> 00:15:57.639 It is the realizing, it's the reminder, if you will, 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.840 that Jesus paid it all. 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:03.399 So can Philemon pay back Paul? 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:05.120 Not really, it's just saying, 00:16:05.120 --> 00:16:07.000 hey look, well you owe me, right? 00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:09.639 Well, it's not like a debt you can actually pay. 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:12.639 So Paul is reminding Philemon 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:15.360 that your sins are forgiven, 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:17.960 you are washed clean, if you will. 00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:21.360 The debt has been paid by Jesus Christ. 00:16:21.360 --> 00:16:25.679 You can't pay that back, Philemon, you simply can't. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:29.759 So that's the reminder of Jesus Christ. 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:31.879 Jesus paid it all in full, 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:35.720 and even a wealthy man, such as Philemon, 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:37.639 can't even pay that. 00:16:37.639 --> 00:16:39.399 That's humbling words right there. 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:42.240 And it's also a reminder, my friends, 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:46.240 that when we read this, salvation is not for sale. 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:48.120 I know I made mention last week 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:50.080 of how there are some churches 00:16:50.080 --> 00:16:52.720 that still offer indulgences, 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:56.560 which is sad because some of my fellow Catholic brothers 00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:59.320 and sisters, it was outlawed, 00:16:59.320 --> 00:17:01.120 but yet there's some churches that still do it. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:03.279 That's very unfortunate. 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:07.839 We need to be reminded that salvation is not something 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:10.519 that we can earn by the works that we do, 00:17:10.519 --> 00:17:12.839 nor is it something that if we raise up enough money, 00:17:12.839 --> 00:17:15.960 I can buy your way into heaven. 00:17:15.960 --> 00:17:19.240 Can you imagine if heaven was like that, though? 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:23.279 We need to raise $10,000 for John's ticket to heaven, 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:26.519 and what if you don't have $10,000? 00:17:26.519 --> 00:17:29.759 Can you imagine if heaven was full of the wealthy? 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:32.599 Man, I don't know if I wanna be a part 00:17:32.599 --> 00:17:34.119 of that kind of heaven, 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:35.599 because salvation is free, 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:40.240 it is available to all who believe in Christ through faith. 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:42.159 That makes it available to everyone, 00:17:42.159 --> 00:17:43.919 not just the rich, not just the poor, 00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:46.359 not just the Gentile or the Jew. 00:17:46.359 --> 00:17:49.399 I'm also reminded of the Wednesday night study 00:17:49.399 --> 00:17:51.919 when we were talking about the mystery of Christ 00:17:51.919 --> 00:17:54.879 or the mystery of the gospel being revealed. 00:17:54.879 --> 00:17:57.039 Well, the mystery is the fact 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:59.439 that salvation is available for all 00:17:59.439 --> 00:18:02.119 and not just for God's chosen people. 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:04.719 So it's this expansion. 00:18:04.719 --> 00:18:07.479 That is the beauty of Christianity, my friends. 00:18:07.479 --> 00:18:09.639 That salvation is that free gift. 00:18:09.639 --> 00:18:12.859 It is available to all who believe. 00:18:12.859 --> 00:18:16.919 The physical debt of retribution will be paid by Paul. 00:18:16.919 --> 00:18:18.879 The wrong that Onesimus did, Paul, 00:18:18.879 --> 00:18:21.000 saying, I'm gonna pay this off. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:23.839 Let this be a reminder of your salvation, 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:26.839 that your debts were paid off by Jesus Christ, 00:18:26.839 --> 00:18:30.039 and we as Christians need to be reminded of that, 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:32.440 and those who are not Christian, 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:36.579 come to realize that when you come to Jesus Christ, 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:39.680 the debt of sin, the burden of sin is gone. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:41.159 It's paid in full. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:46.480 Onesimus and Philemon, they are brothers. 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:50.079 It's no longer a slave and servant or a bond servant. 00:18:50.079 --> 00:18:55.079 It's not this separation of socioeconomics, if you will. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:58.440 It's no longer about rich versus poor. 00:18:58.440 --> 00:19:01.960 They are now brothers in Christ. 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:04.440 You have any idea how revolutionary that was, 00:19:04.440 --> 00:19:07.320 especially in biblical times? 00:19:07.320 --> 00:19:09.600 To be viewed upon as an equal? 00:19:09.600 --> 00:19:11.039 Oh, you're below me. 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:11.880 No, you're not. 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:15.279 In Christ, you are equal, period. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:16.400 That's important. 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:21.000 And it reminds me, some of you will think of the verse 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:23.759 in Galatians chapter three, verse 28, 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:27.140 there is neither Jew nor Greek. 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:31.360 There is neither slave nor free. 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:35.640 There is no male and female, for you are all what? 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:38.420 One in Jesus Christ. 00:19:39.520 --> 00:19:42.140 Verse 20, yes, brother, I want some benefit 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:44.920 from you and the Lord, refresh my heart in Christ. 00:19:44.920 --> 00:19:47.320 And Paul wishes to be refreshed by Philemon. 00:19:47.320 --> 00:19:49.400 Remember how earlier in the letter, 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:52.420 we were learning about Paul wishes to receive the benefit. 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:56.280 It's not financial gain or monetary value. 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:58.759 He wants to receive that joy and comfort 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.839 when he was hearing about Philemon 00:20:00.839 --> 00:20:03.599 and how hearts were refreshed in Christ. 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:06.680 And we went over this whole idea of what does that mean 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:09.039 to be refreshed in Christ? 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:12.559 To have your hearts refreshed is beautiful language 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:16.279 because even us as Christians, we get worn down at times. 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:18.440 And to have another brother or sister in Christ 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:22.839 who refreshes you, rejuvenates you, beautiful language. 00:20:22.839 --> 00:20:26.679 Verse 21, confident of your obedience, 00:20:26.679 --> 00:20:29.639 I write to you knowing that you will do even more 00:20:29.639 --> 00:20:30.799 than I say. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:33.959 And Paul is confident, that's pretty self-explanatory. 00:20:33.959 --> 00:20:37.159 Paul is confident in Philemon as a brother in Christ. 00:20:37.159 --> 00:20:39.359 He is confident that Philemon will do more 00:20:39.359 --> 00:20:41.039 than what is expected of him. 00:20:42.839 --> 00:20:45.119 Do you think that Philemon is gonna accept 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:46.439 Dona Semis back? 00:20:47.439 --> 00:20:50.959 Do you think that Philemon's heart 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:54.480 will be moved by the fact that the apostle Paul, 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:58.480 the man that contributed or completely led him to Christ, 00:20:58.960 --> 00:21:00.400 would be moved by that? 00:21:02.360 --> 00:21:04.440 That's something to think about. 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:08.640 Verse 22, at the same time, prepare a guest room for me 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:11.600 for I'm hoping that through your prayers, 00:21:11.600 --> 00:21:14.079 I will be graciously given to you. 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:19.079 It's most likely that Paul is in prison 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:21.079 when he's writing this. 00:21:21.079 --> 00:21:23.519 It's written around the time of Colossians. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:28.039 We can clearly see that Paul is wishing to see Philemon. 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:29.879 So it's not like Paul is writing this letter saying, 00:21:29.879 --> 00:21:31.879 hey, you know, I'm making this appeal to you, 00:21:31.879 --> 00:21:34.199 but we're not good after that. 00:21:34.199 --> 00:21:38.159 There is this, hey, I would like to see you again. 00:21:38.159 --> 00:21:42.159 I'd like you to take Dona Semis back as a brother in Christ, 00:21:42.159 --> 00:21:44.679 and I can't wait to see you. 00:21:44.679 --> 00:21:48.679 We see here that Paul is wishing for Philemon 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:51.240 or Philemon's continued prayer 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:55.880 that Paul will be able to come and see him in person. 00:21:55.880 --> 00:21:58.279 So whether Paul was literally in prison, 00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:02.160 or if he was just saying I am a prisoner in Christ, 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:06.039 well, regardless, it's still the prayer 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:09.279 that from Philemon or from Paul to each other 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:11.160 that they will see each other again. 00:22:12.400 --> 00:22:17.400 Verse 23 through 24, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, 00:22:17.400 --> 00:22:19.200 greetings to you. 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:21.160 You have all these names, 00:22:21.160 --> 00:22:22.840 just like how in the beginning of the letter, 00:22:22.840 --> 00:22:25.480 we saw all these names of people, what's going on? 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:27.000 So let's put that on the slide. 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:33.800 So we see Et Fras, the fellow prisoner, 00:22:33.800 --> 00:22:36.320 and we're not gonna go over all these verses, 00:22:36.320 --> 00:22:40.680 but these are the verses where these other people are mentioned. 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:44.000 Mark, we have Demas, the fellow work, we have Luke, 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:46.800 we have Archacus, fellow worker. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:50.480 Now you'll notice that most of them are fellow workers, 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:53.919 and you see the differentiation for a fellow prisoner. 00:22:54.919 --> 00:22:58.599 We find that Paul is mentioning someone 00:22:58.599 --> 00:23:01.279 who is a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus. 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:04.559 Now this can mean someone who's been in prison, 00:23:04.559 --> 00:23:06.279 just like the apostle Paul, 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:09.839 or someone who has been suffering for Jesus Christ. 00:23:09.839 --> 00:23:12.839 I tend to think, and a lot of scholars tend to think, 00:23:12.839 --> 00:23:16.759 this individual was also in prison. 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:21.759 Someone who's been in prison with Paul around the time, 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:24.759 it's beautiful language though, 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:27.319 a fellow worker, a fellow prisoner, 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:30.439 people who are suffering for the cause of Christ, 00:23:30.439 --> 00:23:33.359 or working for the cause of Christ. 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:36.480 It certainly appears that the apostle Paul 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:41.039 is making mention of Et Fras differently than the others, 00:23:41.039 --> 00:23:45.159 and so to be put in prison physically or figuratively, 00:23:45.159 --> 00:23:49.159 they are experiencing the same common bond with each other, 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:51.960 because back in early Christianity, 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:54.920 to be a Christian was revolutionary, 00:23:54.920 --> 00:23:57.000 but that also reminds me how Christianity 00:23:57.000 --> 00:24:00.119 is very different than what the world has to offer. 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:04.960 Verse 25, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:07.319 be with your spirit. 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:11.359 And this is where we see the end of the letter of Philemon, 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:13.679 the closing of the book where Paul is wishing 00:24:13.679 --> 00:24:16.839 that God's grace be with their spirit. 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:20.279 Now for some of you, you may have a Catholic background 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:23.200 when you hear the Lord be with you and also with you, 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:25.439 or nowadays in Catholicism, 00:24:25.439 --> 00:24:27.679 the Lord be with you and with your spirit. 00:24:27.679 --> 00:24:31.159 That is a cultural echo, if you will, 00:24:31.159 --> 00:24:33.879 from verses like this. 00:24:33.880 --> 00:24:38.520 So Paul is wishing for God to be with the essence 00:24:38.520 --> 00:24:41.440 of the person, with their very being 00:24:41.440 --> 00:24:44.320 of who they are of holistically. 00:24:44.320 --> 00:24:47.400 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:50.240 be with you holistically, with your spirit, 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:52.160 with all that you are. 00:24:53.640 --> 00:24:57.040 So Paul is wishing for God to be with them. 00:24:57.040 --> 00:24:58.640 And that's the book of Philemon. 00:24:59.840 --> 00:25:02.000 We've gone over thematically, 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:05.920 we've gone over verse by verse in the book of Philemon. 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:08.599 Looking over the closing of the book, 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:13.200 I wanna ask you, how does this letter to Philemon, 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:15.759 how does this impact our lives today? 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:18.200 What do we do with this letter? 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:21.279 Perhaps there's been something that has stuck out to you, 00:25:21.279 --> 00:25:22.519 whether you've been here once 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:24.720 or you've been here the entire time. 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:27.240 We've gone over the idea and the foundational belief 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:29.240 that we go from useless to useful, 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:34.160 what heavy language, I don't wanna be called useless. 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:36.880 I wanna be called useful in the eyes of God. 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:40.039 And there's one more thing that we can learn, 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:41.960 we can implement in our life. 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:46.960 It is to say, we see that in our verses, 00:25:47.240 --> 00:25:50.839 the apostle Paul offering to pay off the debt 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:54.720 that was owed from Onesimas. 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:58.559 The beautiful thing that Paul is offering to Philemon. 00:25:58.559 --> 00:26:02.159 It's a reminder of the love that God has for us. 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:06.119 Well, God loved us so much that he sent his son, 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:09.879 Jesus Christ, to pay for our debts, 00:26:09.879 --> 00:26:12.559 to charge it to his account. 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:16.059 So that all who believe, will they perish? 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:18.480 No, so that they don't perish, 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:22.399 but have everlasting life, have eternal life. 00:26:22.399 --> 00:26:25.359 Whoever believes shall not perish, but have eternal life. 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:28.079 That's the focal point of Christianity. 00:26:28.079 --> 00:26:32.559 That is the most important thing as the body of Christ, 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:35.439 as fellow believers, to encourage people 00:26:35.439 --> 00:26:38.279 to come to know the Lord and make that decision 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:40.019 for Jesus Christ. 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:42.960 We see a brother in Christ offering to pay off the debt 00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:45.960 that was collected from another man who did wrong. 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:49.159 We are seen as the equal in the eyes of God. 00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:51.839 There is neither Jew nor Greek, 00:26:51.839 --> 00:26:53.720 there is neither slave nor free. 00:26:53.720 --> 00:26:58.720 There is no male and female for you are all in Christ, Jesus. 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:05.120 All that we need to do is believe in the Lord, Jesus. 00:27:05.120 --> 00:27:08.440 Receive that free gift of salvation. 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:10.680 It's not about how much money I make. 00:27:10.680 --> 00:27:15.000 It's not about what status or how tall or how short I am. 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:17.400 It doesn't matter what skin color I am. 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:19.440 What matters is that I believe 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:22.079 and that you believe in Jesus Christ. 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:26.639 The mystery of Christ is the revelation 00:27:26.639 --> 00:27:30.039 that salvation is free for all. 00:27:30.039 --> 00:27:32.960 Every person who calls upon the name of the Lord 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:36.699 will be saved, our sin debt. 00:27:36.699 --> 00:27:39.319 Can we pay that off ourselves? 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:41.079 Can we do it? 00:27:41.079 --> 00:27:43.319 We can't do it on our own. 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:44.679 We simply cannot. 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:50.079 We can't, that debt is paid by the blood of the Lamb, 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:52.759 by Christ the atoning sacrifice. 00:27:53.759 --> 00:27:55.399 Consider your own life. 00:27:55.399 --> 00:27:56.359 And I wanna ask you, 00:27:56.359 --> 00:28:00.279 do you know anyone who represents onus seamus in your life? 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:02.119 Maybe there is someone who has entered your life 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:06.139 and you've seen a transformational change in their life. 00:28:06.139 --> 00:28:08.639 Do you know anyone like that? 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:11.679 Do you know anyone who maybe they came to Christ 00:28:11.679 --> 00:28:13.319 and their trajectory in their life, 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:15.439 they were going towards death 00:28:15.439 --> 00:28:17.319 and now they're going to life. 00:28:17.319 --> 00:28:19.079 They're making that as people say 00:28:19.079 --> 00:28:20.759 that spiritual U-turn. 00:28:21.839 --> 00:28:26.000 Maybe if you met someone who has to face the consequences 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:30.079 for their actions, but you can help them along the way. 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:31.720 You know anyone like that? 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:33.059 Think about it. 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:34.399 Maybe there's someone in your life 00:28:34.399 --> 00:28:36.759 where you need to share the good news of the gospel 00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:39.799 like the apostle Paul did with onus seamus. 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:41.960 Maybe you need to share in your testimony 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:44.919 and how God is working in your life, 00:28:44.920 --> 00:28:49.440 just like how God works in all of our lives. 00:28:49.440 --> 00:28:52.440 Maybe you need to let people know that their debt is paid 00:28:53.920 --> 00:28:56.360 by making a decision for Christ. 00:28:56.360 --> 00:28:58.680 We think of the connection with the good Samaritan, 00:28:58.680 --> 00:29:02.560 someone who offered to help another in need. 00:29:02.560 --> 00:29:06.039 Paul offered to help not just a stranger, 00:29:06.039 --> 00:29:07.519 but a changed man. 00:29:09.440 --> 00:29:12.960 We thank God for paying the price of our sin 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:17.799 through Jesus Christ's death on the cross, his resurrection. 00:29:17.799 --> 00:29:21.360 This gives us trust and confidence in God 00:29:21.360 --> 00:29:24.920 that we find comfort in God's grace. 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:27.799 May we find that we have, look, 00:29:28.799 --> 00:29:31.480 maybe this is a call for us to remember 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:34.200 that we are all equal in the eyes of God. 00:29:35.840 --> 00:29:37.759 Brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:40.840 what are we doing fighting amongst each other? 00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:43.399 Maybe it's a reminder of that. 00:29:43.399 --> 00:29:45.039 We're all made in the image of God 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:47.439 and our calling is to come to Christ. 00:29:47.439 --> 00:29:49.759 We're called to have that relationship from him 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:51.359 and from that salvation, 00:29:51.359 --> 00:29:55.220 we are called to share in the good news of the gospel. 00:29:56.039 --> 00:30:00.480 We're to exhibit that same kind of love to others, 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:02.919 even if they're not a believer. 00:30:02.919 --> 00:30:07.759 They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. 00:30:07.759 --> 00:30:10.960 Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. 00:30:11.960 --> 00:30:15.940 Maybe they'll see the peace that surpasses all understanding. 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:18.759 Let me tell you, being a Christian, 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:20.079 you'll find other Christians, 00:30:20.079 --> 00:30:23.079 something tragic or terrible has happened in their life, 00:30:23.079 --> 00:30:26.879 but yet they're calm, they're full of peace, 00:30:26.879 --> 00:30:28.519 that everything will be okay. 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:32.279 You just lost your house, you just lost a family member. 00:30:32.279 --> 00:30:34.279 Your friends cut you off, 00:30:34.279 --> 00:30:36.119 your mother wants nothing to do with you. 00:30:36.119 --> 00:30:37.160 How are you so calm? 00:30:37.160 --> 00:30:38.759 I don't understand that. 00:30:38.759 --> 00:30:41.200 Well, to an unbeliever, they don't understand it, 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:43.200 but we understand it though, 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:45.640 that there's a peace, there's joy from the Lord. 00:30:46.600 --> 00:30:50.200 Let us be a church that is united in Christ 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:53.759 and that we come together as Christians 00:30:53.759 --> 00:30:55.040 on the things that unite us 00:30:55.040 --> 00:30:57.240 and not the things that divide us, 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:59.440 that we believe in this, 00:30:59.440 --> 00:31:01.720 that the holy Bible, that the word of God 00:31:01.720 --> 00:31:04.160 is divinely inspired 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:07.680 and that the Holy Spirit guided the writers 00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:12.120 into writing or dictating to their scribes 00:31:12.120 --> 00:31:13.400 what is going to be written. 00:31:13.400 --> 00:31:18.080 And the fact that we have the Bible here today is powerful. 00:31:19.120 --> 00:31:23.200 The connections that we find in scripture is wonderful. 00:31:24.040 --> 00:31:26.160 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:28.400 and it is the glory of kings to find that matter 00:31:28.400 --> 00:31:30.279 or discover a matter. 00:31:30.279 --> 00:31:33.440 Culture divides us. 00:31:34.359 --> 00:31:37.200 It divides us into turning against brother 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:38.680 and sister in Christ. 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:44.680 Culture seeks to divide that which is united, 00:31:44.680 --> 00:31:46.160 that which is holy. 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:49.200 We have to stand firm in the word of God 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:50.720 and deal in love. 00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:54.000 Our closing question, 00:31:54.000 --> 00:31:57.639 how can we stand as a beacon of hope, 00:31:57.639 --> 00:31:59.440 of reconciliation and grace? 00:31:59.440 --> 00:32:00.680 Let me ask that again. 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:03.440 How can we be, how can we stand 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:08.200 as a beacon of hope, of reconciliation and grace? 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:09.799 I wanna share a story with you. 00:32:11.360 --> 00:32:13.720 It's not just one, but it's many stories. 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:15.440 Maybe you've had the same pattern. 00:32:16.360 --> 00:32:17.759 There are many times in my life 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:22.279 where I had to willingly choose to forgive someone, 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:25.920 someone who really hurt me, someone who did me wrong. 00:32:25.920 --> 00:32:29.480 Sometimes it was someone close. 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:31.840 Sometimes it was a close friend, 00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:33.759 someone you grew up with. 00:32:33.759 --> 00:32:35.640 Maybe it was someone you worked with. 00:32:36.680 --> 00:32:39.759 As I was writing this, I thought of three individuals. 00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:42.160 That's why I'm writing it as sometimes 00:32:42.160 --> 00:32:44.440 it's a family member, sometimes it's a friend. 00:32:46.440 --> 00:32:48.400 Sometimes it was someone I interacted with. 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:51.920 But something happened. 00:32:51.920 --> 00:32:56.920 Something happened, this person did me wrong. 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.800 Might have been bitterness, 00:32:59.800 --> 00:33:01.600 it might have been misunderstanding. 00:33:02.600 --> 00:33:06.039 When I was hurt, I wanted to retaliate. 00:33:06.039 --> 00:33:08.240 But time and time and again, 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:13.080 the Lord, family, other friends, 00:33:13.080 --> 00:33:14.640 they comforted me. 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:16.600 They made me realize that I need to offer 00:33:16.600 --> 00:33:19.320 the same kind of love that God offers 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:21.960 to those who have hurt me. 00:33:21.960 --> 00:33:23.919 Turn the other cheek. 00:33:23.919 --> 00:33:26.639 Oh, I wanna retaliate for some of the wrongs 00:33:26.639 --> 00:33:30.000 that you have done or whoever it was. 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:33.319 But to still exhibit love, to offer, 00:33:34.799 --> 00:33:37.039 to offer love instead of hatred. 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:39.799 Oh, it's hard to do. 00:33:39.799 --> 00:33:42.799 But let me tell you, that is the same kind of love 00:33:42.799 --> 00:33:45.200 that God gives to us. 00:33:45.200 --> 00:33:47.799 Think of all the wrong that we've done in the eyes of God, 00:33:47.799 --> 00:33:51.519 that God still loves us and God still forgives us. 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:56.240 And every time this has happened, it wasn't easy to do. 00:33:57.319 --> 00:33:59.440 But when I forgave them, 00:33:59.440 --> 00:34:01.639 it felt like a weight was lifted off of me. 00:34:02.839 --> 00:34:04.720 I needed to let go of that anger. 00:34:05.839 --> 00:34:10.159 Why do you think God wants us to live lives that are holy? 00:34:11.360 --> 00:34:13.559 Do you realize that the closer you come to God, 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:15.639 the simpler your life will be? 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:18.279 I don't mean easy, I mean simple. 00:34:19.159 --> 00:34:23.639 I mean that God wants you to be at peace. 00:34:23.639 --> 00:34:25.400 God wants you to be comforted, 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:27.000 even when bad things happen to you, 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:29.319 even when people do you wrong, 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:32.279 God wants you to still exhibit that love. 00:34:32.279 --> 00:34:34.119 Now that doesn't change the fact that it hurt. 00:34:34.119 --> 00:34:35.559 Oh boy, does it hurt. 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:38.639 But to still offer that love. 00:34:39.559 --> 00:34:42.559 And sometimes in these situations, 00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:45.000 I parted ways with this person. 00:34:45.000 --> 00:34:46.480 Other times I didn't. 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:49.480 And maybe you can think of a situation that way. 00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:51.960 No matter what the situation, 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:54.719 extending forgiveness is critical. 00:34:54.719 --> 00:34:57.239 And that's what we see in fight, Lehman. 00:34:57.239 --> 00:34:58.960 That is one of the lessons. 00:34:58.960 --> 00:35:01.440 Yes, from useless to useful, 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:05.000 but also the reminder of the gospel, 00:35:05.000 --> 00:35:07.719 that Jesus Christ saves us. 00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:11.480 All we need to do is believe. 00:35:11.480 --> 00:35:13.159 If you flip this on its head, 00:35:13.159 --> 00:35:16.159 there are times where we, 00:35:16.159 --> 00:35:18.920 or even myself, I need to ask for forgiveness 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:20.359 for the wrong that I've done. 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:24.159 I've mentioned, look, there's people that have wronged me, 00:35:24.159 --> 00:35:26.559 but I've also wronged people. 00:35:26.559 --> 00:35:29.319 We've all wronged people. 00:35:29.319 --> 00:35:31.440 Do you ask for forgiveness? 00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:34.199 Now it's not an easy thing to do, I understand. 00:35:35.399 --> 00:35:37.319 It's just a reminder for us. 00:35:37.319 --> 00:35:39.839 I too am a sinner. 00:35:39.839 --> 00:35:41.639 I am imperfect. 00:35:41.639 --> 00:35:44.480 But I believe in God who forgives me, 00:35:45.799 --> 00:35:49.599 who loves me, no matter how much I mess up, 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:52.639 no matter how much I screw things up. 00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:54.199 He's still there. 00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:56.920 Maybe you identify with Paul. 00:35:56.920 --> 00:36:00.239 You see a man come to the Lord and be on a better path. 00:36:00.239 --> 00:36:02.879 Maybe you need to make an appeal for someone. 00:36:02.879 --> 00:36:03.719 Maybe you need to say, 00:36:03.719 --> 00:36:06.279 hey, look, this person's changed, you should see it. 00:36:07.319 --> 00:36:09.599 Maybe you identify with Philemen. 00:36:09.599 --> 00:36:12.759 Someone did wrong to you and you need to forgive them. 00:36:12.759 --> 00:36:15.319 Or maybe you identify or relate with Onesimus, 00:36:15.319 --> 00:36:17.039 who needs to make things right, 00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:19.559 even though he's a changed man. 00:36:19.559 --> 00:36:22.239 Still needs to go have a conversation with Philemen. 00:36:23.360 --> 00:36:28.360 And this week, I challenge you to take a step of bold faith. 00:36:29.360 --> 00:36:32.679 Is there a relationship that I need to work on? 00:36:32.679 --> 00:36:36.759 Is there a conversation that I need to have? 00:36:36.759 --> 00:36:38.360 Maybe it's a family member. 00:36:38.360 --> 00:36:40.360 Maybe it's a coworker. 00:36:40.360 --> 00:36:43.400 Maybe it's a friend that you wronged a long time ago. 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:44.360 Oh, those are fun. 00:36:45.480 --> 00:36:47.240 Having those conversations. 00:36:48.039 --> 00:36:50.360 Offer your burdens to God, though, 00:36:50.360 --> 00:36:52.360 for his love is everlasting. 00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:55.120 And never forget that God's grace is greater. 00:36:55.120 --> 00:36:59.160 It's like that song, grace greater than our sin. 00:36:59.160 --> 00:37:02.079 If you trust in Jesus, you will be forgiven. 00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:09.079 You will be saved and you will be set free from sin. 00:37:09.319 --> 00:37:12.000 We have confidence in knowing this, 00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:15.400 the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:37:15.400 --> 00:37:17.079 Maybe you're hearing this message today 00:37:17.079 --> 00:37:21.599 and you realize that you need God's grace in your life. 00:37:21.599 --> 00:37:24.239 If that is you, you can receive forgiveness 00:37:24.239 --> 00:37:27.400 and new life in Jesus Christ today. 00:37:27.400 --> 00:37:29.880 All you need to do is admit you're a sinner, 00:37:29.880 --> 00:37:33.360 believe in Jesus Christ and confess Him as Lord. 00:37:33.360 --> 00:37:35.160 Think of the thief on the cross. 00:37:36.079 --> 00:37:37.960 The thief cried out, 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:41.039 Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom 00:37:41.039 --> 00:37:44.840 and Christ said to him, truly I say to you, 00:37:44.840 --> 00:37:47.680 today you will be with me in paradise. 00:37:47.680 --> 00:37:52.680 It is the believing in Jesus Christ, right? 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:56.119 Do you think the thief knew he did wrong? 00:37:56.119 --> 00:37:58.760 Do you think that when you're about to die 00:37:58.760 --> 00:38:01.480 and you see Jesus the Christ right there 00:38:01.480 --> 00:38:03.200 and you know you did wrong, 00:38:03.200 --> 00:38:07.000 wouldn't you want to admit to yourself 00:38:07.000 --> 00:38:08.520 the wrong that you did 00:38:08.520 --> 00:38:12.400 and then believing that Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:38:12.400 --> 00:38:14.240 believing in Him? 00:38:14.240 --> 00:38:17.040 That's some faith right there. 00:38:17.040 --> 00:38:19.280 Remember me when you go into your kingdom? 00:38:20.760 --> 00:38:23.880 That's a call to the Lord and Jesus answered. 00:38:25.080 --> 00:38:27.480 And again, it's not about what you do. 00:38:27.480 --> 00:38:29.639 It's about believing in Him 00:38:29.639 --> 00:38:32.480 and recognizing what Christ has done for you. 00:38:33.920 --> 00:38:36.480 I didn't say, I'm not the first one to say this, 00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:40.240 but religion will say it's all about what you do. 00:38:40.240 --> 00:38:44.360 But in Christianity, it's about what Christ has done. 00:38:44.360 --> 00:38:46.280 It's not about the direction of what, 00:38:46.280 --> 00:38:47.599 where are you going to pray? 00:38:47.599 --> 00:38:49.079 How often are you going to pray? 00:38:49.079 --> 00:38:51.119 What type of prayer you're going to pray? 00:38:51.119 --> 00:38:53.320 It's not about how much money I give. 00:38:54.240 --> 00:38:55.760 It's not one of those things. 00:38:55.760 --> 00:38:58.920 It's about belief, having faith in Christ. 00:38:58.920 --> 00:39:02.720 And in closing, I want to share this prayer with you. 00:39:02.720 --> 00:39:06.200 It's a, we have a slide for that. 00:39:07.520 --> 00:39:08.920 You know what? That's okay. 00:39:08.920 --> 00:39:12.680 In your notes on the back, there's a prayer. 00:39:12.680 --> 00:39:15.400 It's, some of you may know it, some of you may not. 00:39:15.400 --> 00:39:18.440 It's a known as the prayer of St. Francis. 00:39:19.960 --> 00:39:23.640 It says in here, there are verses to support this 00:39:23.639 --> 00:39:26.359 because I want to make sure that prayers like this 00:39:26.359 --> 00:39:28.519 are biblically backed up. 00:39:29.799 --> 00:39:30.719 Oh, there it is. 00:39:31.599 --> 00:39:34.239 Lord, make me an instrument of peace. 00:39:34.239 --> 00:39:36.960 Doesn't God make us instruments of peace? 00:39:36.960 --> 00:39:39.359 He gives us peace. 00:39:39.359 --> 00:39:42.519 Where there is hatred, let me show love. 00:39:42.519 --> 00:39:45.400 Where there is injury, pardon. 00:39:45.400 --> 00:39:48.719 Where there is doubt, let there be faith. 00:39:48.719 --> 00:39:51.719 Where there is despair, hope. 00:39:51.719 --> 00:39:54.959 Where there is darkness, light. 00:39:54.959 --> 00:39:57.599 Where there is sadness, joy. 00:39:58.919 --> 00:40:03.239 Seeking to console, understand in love. 00:40:03.239 --> 00:40:05.399 For it is in forgiving. 00:40:06.679 --> 00:40:09.759 For it is in giving that we receive. 00:40:09.759 --> 00:40:13.239 It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. 00:40:13.239 --> 00:40:17.879 And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 00:40:17.879 --> 00:40:19.919 And this is part of that transformation 00:40:19.920 --> 00:40:24.159 that happens in our lives when we make a decision for Christ. 00:40:24.159 --> 00:40:26.960 Extending love to each other. 00:40:27.800 --> 00:40:31.159 And certainly, when people are in despair, 00:40:31.159 --> 00:40:33.320 may we offer them hope. 00:40:33.320 --> 00:40:35.960 Where there is doubt, may we show them 00:40:35.960 --> 00:40:37.599 and share our faith with them. 00:40:39.840 --> 00:40:43.159 I just thought that in conclusion to this book of Philemon 00:40:43.159 --> 00:40:45.680 and the connection with the gospel, 00:40:45.680 --> 00:40:48.639 I thought it was appropriate to share this prayer with you. 00:40:48.639 --> 00:40:52.239 That we may be instruments of peace. 00:40:52.239 --> 00:40:54.599 That we will be instruments of love. 00:40:55.799 --> 00:40:58.759 And with that, I'd like for us to close in prayer. 00:41:00.839 --> 00:41:04.239 Father, we have concluded our time in Philemon. 00:41:04.239 --> 00:41:06.839 We ask that we come to know you. 00:41:06.839 --> 00:41:09.679 Choose a life in you through faith. 00:41:10.599 --> 00:41:14.279 And as we believe in you and we become brother and sister 00:41:14.279 --> 00:41:17.679 no longer separated by class or skin color 00:41:17.679 --> 00:41:20.799 or whatever, may we grow in you. 00:41:21.679 --> 00:41:25.519 May we go in your holy name to do good in your name. 00:41:26.359 --> 00:41:29.559 We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ 00:41:29.559 --> 00:41:33.159 so that we can do good in your name. 00:41:33.159 --> 00:41:35.879 We ask that you give us the strength to forgive 00:41:35.879 --> 00:41:39.079 and let us be forgiven for the wrong we may have done. 00:41:39.919 --> 00:41:41.359 We know you forgive us, Lord. 00:41:41.359 --> 00:41:45.399 We know that you're that constant in this fog of culture, 00:41:45.400 --> 00:41:49.400 this ever-changing world that we live in. 00:41:49.400 --> 00:41:53.039 When the world changes and values seem to change 00:41:53.039 --> 00:41:56.599 by culture standards, you, God, are constant. 00:41:57.880 --> 00:42:00.039 We ask that you are with us this week. 00:42:02.039 --> 00:42:05.720 Let us know you're unfailing, you're everlasting, 00:42:05.720 --> 00:42:07.800 you're unconditional agape love 00:42:07.800 --> 00:42:10.519 and may we exhibit that to others. 00:42:10.519 --> 00:42:13.240 We thank you for your love for us. 00:42:13.239 --> 00:42:16.039 Be with us, be with us. 00:42:16.039 --> 00:42:17.959 It is in Jesus' name that we pray 00:42:17.959 --> 00:42:20.479 and we all say together, amen, amen. 00:42:21.359 --> 00:42:22.399 Thank you for tuning in 00:42:22.399 --> 00:42:25.399 to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. 00:42:25.399 --> 00:42:26.919 For more about our church 00:42:26.919 --> 00:42:29.599 and how you can get involved or support our mission, 00:42:29.599 --> 00:42:33.359 please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:42:33.360 --> 00:42:43.360 May God's blessings be with you.