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Scripture Lesson: Colossians 3:12-14 

 

The God of Second Chances 

Caught In The Middle 

Week #3 

 1.  Paul plays mediator.  

 

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,  because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. – Philemon 1:1-7 

 

2.  God uses Paul to soften the heart of Philemon. 

 

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 

– Philemon 1:9-11 

 

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.  I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.  But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.  Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever — no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. – Philemon 1:12-16 

 

3.  We never know how God will use the situation. 

 

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.  I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back - not to mention that you owe me your very self.  I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.  Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. – Philemon 1:17-22 

 

Points To Ponder 

 

1.  Have you ever been the mediator for people who were arguing? How did you go about listening to be a better source of insight? How did they respond? Would you do it again? 

 

2.  Read Philemon. Consider how Paul speaks to Philemon. In what ways does Paul lay a foundation for speaking to Philemon about a hard topic? What stands out about his method? 

 

3.  Paul brings his request to Philemon in verses 8–22. What does Paul base his opinion of Onesimus on? Why does Paul feel he can ask Philemon to do what Paul is requesting? 

 

4.  Paul makes a request, not a command. Why might this be a better way of getting what Paul desires? How does it challenge Philemon—and the church—to be open to God’s way of reconciliation? 

 

Homework: Genesis 25