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part of the story we have a splendid illus tration of the meaning of imputation, the outstanding ministry of Christ wherein he took upon himself the sins of the race and in turn His own spotless righteousness is credited to those who believe upon Him. Paul modestly reminds Philemon that he has good reason to give a favorable an swer to his plea because the latter owes much to the apostle for his spiritual well being (v. 19b). Paul closes his appeal with the exhortation that he may have the joy and satisfaction that will come from acting “ in the Lord” (v. 20). He expresses confidence that Philemon will do even more than he has asked (v. 21).
see the Lord Jesus in your every word and action? Sept. 27, 1953 Brotherhood in Christ Philemon 8-21 Pointers on the Lesson This week’s lesson is a splendid illus tration of the truth that “ in Christ Jesus” there are no distinctions as to race or position. The Golden Text for the lesson is well chosen: “ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). In the lesson Paul exhorts Philemon, the Christian master, to treat as a brother in the Lord his slave Onesimus. Onesimus had run away from his mas ter and found his way to Rome. While in Rome he came in contact with the Apostle Paul and became a Christian. Why did Onesimus come to Paul? Several conjectures have been offered. Some say his guilty conscience brought him. Others say that sheer want or desperation brought him. Still others think that one of the soldiers whom Paul had converted brought him. The fact is we do not know the cir cumstances which brought him to Paul. The thing that counts is that he got to Paul somehow and heard the gospel and was saved. Following his conversion Paul intercedes for Onesimus with his master for considerate Christian treatment. The Basis of Paul's Plea vv. 8-14 Paul tells Philemon that he might have exercised boldness in urging him to re ceive Onesimus kindly (v. 8), but he was much more disposed to “ beseech” him with love (v. 9). This is the gospel way. Paul beseeches Philemon in i this manner because Onesimus is now his spiritual son (v. 10). It would not be fitting to treat a son as a slave. In view of Onesimus’ conversion, Paul assures Philemon that his runaway slave would in all future days be profitable both to Paul and Philemon (v. 11). Because of the miracle of grace which had trans pired, Paul sent his new “ son” back to his master feeling that this was his duty although he would liked to have kept Onesimus with him for ministry (w . 12- 14). The Reason for Onesimus' Departure w . 15, 16 At the time it did not seem like a good thing for Philemon to lose his servant. But as it turned out, it was the best thing that ever happened to Onesimus and an eternal blessing to Philemon. We see in this event the outworking of Romans 8:28, for in his running away Onesimus came to know the Saviour. The result was salvation for the runaway slave and the possession of “ a brother beloved” for his master. God has a way of turning distressing events into eternal blessings. A Picture of Christ's Saving Work vv. 17-21 It is a beautiful attitude which Paul manifests on behalf of his new convert. He appeals to Philemon to receive One simus as himself (v. 17). He looked upon himself and Philemon as partners, those of “ like precious faith” and interest. He offers to assume the wrongs and the debts that Onesimus may have incurred. In this
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Memory Verse: "This is my command ment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Ye are my friends, if CONTINUED ►
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