LESSON FOR DECEMBER IS Christian Love Builds Brotherhood LESSON M A TER IAL: Philem. 4-20. GOLDEN T E X T : "Now the Lord 1 « that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord it. there ie liberty" (2 Cor. 3:17). Outline and Exposition 1. P aul ’ s T hanksgiving (vs. 4-9) Paul could give thanks for Philemon as he learned of his love and faith toward the Lord and all saints. Phile mon’s Christian life was effectual in its working and gave Joy and consola tion to the aged apostle (vs. 4-7). Out of Christian love, Paul asks a favor instead of demanding it as he could have done as an apostle (vs. 8,9). H. P aul ’ s R equest (vs. 10-17) Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, had run away from his master. Somehow, hè got to Rome and came in touch with Paul who led him to Christ. Recognizing the law covering such cases, Paul sent the slave back to his master, even though he desired to keep him as a personal helper (vs. 10-14): Is there a hidden rebuke in the words, "Perhaps he therefore departed for a season” ? Why had not Philemon given this slave the Gospel? Did the slave have to go to Rome to hear and receive the Gospel Philemon professed to believe? Paul made the bold request that Onesimus, now a Christian, be receiv ed as Philemon would receive Paul himself, and not merely as a restored slave (vs. 15-17). XIL P aul ’ s P romise (vs. 18-20) The doctrine of imputation is found hère. Paul speaks to Philemon as Christ speaks to God, the Judge, on bèhalf of every believing soul. “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought.” Whatsoever one’s demerit may be, Christ has it charged to Him: “I will repay.” Christ’s full merit is thus imputed to the believer, and the be liever’s full demerit is imputed to Christ. Points and Problems 1. "Tot for love's sake 1 rather be seech thee" (v. 9). The law commands; the Gospel beseeches. This difference is to be noted in the two dispensations. Uhder the law, man had to do in or der to live; under grace, he ought to do because he already lives. The love of Christ dwelling within the believes is the incentive for Christian service during this dispensation. 2. "1 beseech thee for my son Ones imus, whom I have begotten In my bonds" (v. 10). As far as we know, Paul had no natural sons in the flesh, NOVEMBER, 1946
but he had many spiritual sons like Onesimus. It is satisfying to know that every believer may have spiritual sons and daughters with whom he may enjoy sweet fellowship in time and eternity. This relationship is brought about through faithful wit nessing for Christ in various ways. Paul won Onesimus through his bonds because of his imprisonment. Think of the way in which you may win sons and daughters for the Lord. 3. "Thou therefore receive him, that Is, mine own bowels" (v. 12). Here Paul describes the vital relationship that exists between believers. They are members of the same body. Since the conversion of Onesimus, Paul thought of him as part of himself. All believers should have this atti tude toward one another. It would contribute to greater usefulness and less strife in the body of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 12:12ff. 4. "For perhaps he therefore de parted for a season, that thou should- est receive him forever" (v. 15). What sometimes may seem a loss to the child bf God often turns out to be a blessing in disguise. H ie departure of Onesimus seemed a loss to Phile mon, but it turned into glorious gain. Thus Romans 8:28 was proven true. It is always so. 5. "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved" (v. 16). The Gospel is the greatest leveler of society in the world. See Galatians 3:28. It knows no caste, color or con dition. Through receiving the Lord Jesus as Saviour, any man may be come a brother in the family of God.
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We Need More Helping Hands Heartrending letters from Europe reach our office daily. Mothers with emaciated children in their arms; old folks with fingers benumbed from cold. Men and women — without a home, without a country — appeal for help. Their need requires haste. Food in this country is abundant — share it with the less fortunate people of the world. Help us to send Individual parcels of relief. $5.00 will fill a box of 11 pounds and pay foreign postage. All contributions should be sent to the RUSSIAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, Inc. Dr. f. J. Milts, International Secretary 1844 W. Monroe St, Room 2 Chicago 12, Illinois Read letters o f thanks tn o u r “ The F rie n d o f R ussians /* sam ple copy fre e on request . DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? Our Missionaries do. They also sptek and teach and pleach in the language, and dialect, common to Au,trie, Bulgaria, France, Cxcchotlovakia, Hungary, Pale,tin«, Poland, Roumania, Russia and South America, "The European Harvest Field" (now in it, 27th year) contains the letter, from these Missionaries. Send a postal card lor a Free Sample, or $1.00 for a two-year subscription. American-Europacm Christian Fellowship 15 Philips« Place, Yonkers 3, N.
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