What Do We Need To Have To Give Our Brother?
Philemon
INTRO: Philemon the master did not have to do anything for Onesimus, except exact justice. Paul pled his case for the run-away slave. I want to look at some things we can do for our "Brother."
Philemon 1:1 - 25
1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,5
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.8
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,9
Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:11
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:12
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.15
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?17
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.18
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;19
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.21
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.22
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.23
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
What we need to be towards others - vs. 1-2
A "brother"
Our dearly beloved
Fellow-laborer
Fellow-soldier
Part of the church
What we need to have for others 5-6
Noticeable love 5
Faith towards Christ 5
Communication of faith with power 6
Fellowship of the highest degree 6
Acknowledging of every good thing (in Christ) 6
What we need to cause in others 7- 10
Great joy 7
Consolation in our love 7
Refreshing of saints "hearts" 7
Confidence throughout the brethren 8
Willingness to ask favors for others 10
What we need to give to others 12-25
A fair hand 12
A helping hand 13 - use ILL. 106
A willing hand 14
An accepting hand 16
A forgiving hand 18
An extending hand 19
A convinced hand 21
A nurturing hand 22a
A praying hand 22b
A respectful hand (salute) 23
An honest hand (Mark) 24
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 072907pm- first used - 112199am