Sunday Link – September 7, 2025 – Philemon 1:1-21

 

WELCOME and THANKS for joining us.

OPENING COMMENTS

• Today is the thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
• The theme for this week is change is possible with Christ.
• The selected readings that support the theme are … Psalm 139:1–6,13–18;  Jeremiah 18:1–11;  Philemon 1:1–21;  Luke 14:25–33.  
• Our sermon will be based on the passage in Philemon, which  encourages us to focus on generosity and sacrificial love even when that doesn’t make sense to our society or culture.

 

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OPENING CHORUSES

OPENING PRAYER

BIBLE READING

Philemon 1:1-21

¹ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, ² to ^[a]the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,  ⁵ hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,  ⁶ that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in ^[b]you in Christ Jesus.   ⁷ For we ^[c]have great ^[d]joy and ^[e]consolation in your love, because the ^[f]hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.  

⁸ Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,  ⁹ yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you — being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ — ¹⁰ I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,  ¹¹ who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.  

¹² I am sending him ^[g]back.  You therefore receive him, that is, my own ^[h]heart,  ¹³ whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.  ¹⁴ But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.  

¹⁵ For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,  ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but more than a slave — a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.  

¹⁷ If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.   ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.  ¹⁹ I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay — not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.   ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. 

²¹ Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.  ²² But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.  

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SERMON

Our Vocation:  Love’s Generosity and Sacrifice

Philemon 1:1–21 NRSVUE

There’s a YouTube video from a television station Denmark called “All That We Share.”  In this three-minute video, it talks about how human beings tend to categorize people and place them in boxes.  The video begins with people separated into groups (i.e., gang members, nurses, fitness lovers, etc.)  The people are literally standing in boxes drawn on the floor.  Then the host asks questions like:

• • Who has been called the class clown?
  • Who here are step-parents?
  • Who believes in life after death?
  • Who loves to dance?

Slowly, these diverse groups begin to mix, and as the questions continue, the group becomes more mixed, more diverse, holding members from all the original boxes.  The point of the video is that we share in common more than we know, and to realize this commonality, we must get to know others “up close.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama said something similar in an interview.  She said that when she and President Obama traveled and really got to know people, they found most people were kind and decent.  “Whether they agreed with us or not, when you were in their face, in their community, people were kind and gracious and generous,” she said.  “They reflected the values I grew up with … The problem is we don’t know each other — we don’t let each other in.  It’s hard to hate up close.”

That’s what today’s message is about.  It’s from a tiny book in the Bible called Philemon.  In just one chapter, we are encouraged to see one another differently.  We’re shown love that steps in, generosity that goes the extra mile, and courage that lets go of labels that divide us.  Don’t you want to not be judged by your worst mistake, to be given a second chance, to be treated with dignity, to be reunited with someone you hurt or who hurt you?  Aren’t these things we all long for?

Let’s read it together.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,  To our beloved coworker Philemon, to our sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.  I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we share in Christ.  I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. 

For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love — and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.  I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.  Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.  I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.  I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.  Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother — especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.   

So, if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.  If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me.  I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it.  I say nothing about your owing me even your own self.  Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord!  Refresh my heart in Christ.  Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

The backstory: a short, powerful letter

Philemon was a leader in a house church — it’s like someone who hosts a spiritual community in their living room.  Onesimus was an enslaved person owned by Philemon — a person who may have stolen objects of the household and then ran away.  Some believe Philemon intentionally sent Onesimus to Paul to assist him.  But here’s what we do know: Onesimus met Paul, became a follower of Jesus, and changed.  Paul now writes to Philemon, asking him to welcome Onesimus back — not as a slave, but as a brother.

The name Onesimus can mean “useful.”  Paul uses it to contrast the slave’s previous behavior, which was perhaps not useful (Philemon 1:11), with his usefulness as a co-laborer for the gospel as well as his service to Paul while he was imprisoned.  Paul’s use of irony also compares his own status as a prisoner of Jesus Christ with the freedom and pardon he’s advocating for Onesimus.  Paul goes so far as to take on the responsibility for any damage or wrong Onesimus may have caused Philemon (Philemon 1:18).

Why it still matters

You might wonder, why would this letter survive 2,000 years?  Likely because Philemon responded with grace — and because this story points to a much bigger story.  Onesimus and Philemon’s reconciliation reflects the good news at the heart of the Christian message: forgiveness, equality, and restored relationship.

In Paul’s day, about 40% of people were enslaved.  Enslavement could happen to just about anyone.  It was no small thing for Paul to make this request — Philemon had the right to put Onesimus to death for running away, if indeed he was a runaway slave.  Paul writes to say, in effect: “No.  Onesimus is not merely property.  He is my own heart.  Treat him as you would treat me.”  It was risky for Paul to take this stand.  It was loving, generous, and dangerous.

The letter was addressed to one man, Philemon, but it was meant to be read in front of the whole house church.  This wasn’t just personal — it was a lesson for the whole community.  The message seems to be: we can’t follow Jesus and treat people like they don’t matter; we belong to one another. We’re family.

Today, when we read that a wealthy follower of Jesus owned enslaved people, we are deeply troubled.  Tragically, at times, the church at large has misused and twisted Scriptures to support slavery.

Paul acknowledges that slavery was an accepted custom, but that does not mean he endorses it, or believes it was right.  Paul isn’t trying to take down slavery head-on — nor could he.  But he is doing something disruptive or subversive.  He tries to “overthrow” slavery in the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus.  By subversive, we mean he was disrupting or changing the traditional way or trying to prevent something from continuing as usual or expected.  It was subversive and risky to suggest that an enslaved person be treated as a brother.  It was subversive to condemn the idea that some people matter more than others.

The letter challenges a custom that was accepted and common and places it in the context of a personal relationship.  It was as if Paul says: slavery may seem normal to you, but I tell you, Onesimus is part of our family!

The Christian Church was always meant to be a global family, embodying God’s vision for human life and flourishing.  The followers of Jesus, the Church, are meant to be a visible display of the new creation God is bringing about — a reality that began when God raised Jesus from the dead.  This is our true calling, to be a people united to God  and united to one another.  Embracing diversity and rejecting all forms of bias and oppression should be as natural to Christians as reading the Bible.  It’s not just an additional rule to follow; it’s an essential part of who the followers of Jesus are.

Let’s consider three big takeaways found in Paul’s letter to Philemon:

1. Every life has value

Paul calls Onesimus his “child” and his “own heart.”  He says, “This person matters deeply to me — and should matter to you.”  In the same way, we’re challenged to see the humanity in everyone — across race, gender, status, or background.  Every person has infinite worth to God.

Michelle Obama was right: it’s hard to hate up close.  When we really listen, we find shared hopes, dreams, pain, and beauty.  That’s true of people who are undocumented.  It’s true of trans people.  It’s true of the poor, the imprisoned, the stranger.  In God’s eyes, there’s no “us” and “them.”  There’s only us.

2. Equality means giving up privilege

Paul boldly asks Philemon to do the right thing — to not just take Onesimus back, but to embrace him as family.  Paul suggests that Onesimus’s restoration to Philemon might make him “more than a slave, a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16).  That kind of transformation or change requires something costly: letting go of status, pride, or social rules.  Real love redefines relationships.  Paul challenges Philemon to give up his privilege.

What we read about Jesus’ life shows him resisting injustice.  Jesus was kind and welcoming to those who were valued less, specifically women, children, the sick, and the “stranger” (Leviticus 19:34).  We’re not meant to hold onto power and privilege.  We’re meant to give it away.

3. Reconciliation requires sacrifice

Paul doesn’t just ask for kindness — he offers to cover any debt Onesimus owes.  That’s what love does.  It doesn’t just hope for healing — it pays for it.

This is what Jesus did.  He gave himself fully for others.  And we’re invited to do the same — not just with words, but with action.  Jesus laid down his life for others.  When we forgive someone who’s hurt us, when we change our mind about someone, when a relationship is restored, we lay down our desire for revenge, our opinions, our need to be right, and our pride.

University of Houston Professor of Religious Studies, Christian A. Eberhart, reminds us that we can also lay down our power for another.

Paul’s humble, gentle, and loving demeanor as manifest in his letter to Philemon should also remind us to behave likewise in our own relationships.  While slavery is no longer a common social and economical reality today, we all belong to multiple social networks in which not all participants share the same status.  Specifically when we are in positions of power and authority, it is our choice to transform such relationships by choosing a gentle appeal rather than a harsh command.

So, what’s the mission?

The Christian faith is about being part of God’s mission and plan to make things new — right here, right now.

We’re called to:

• • Break down dividing walls.
  • Stand up against racism.
  • Treat strangers like family.
  • Give up comfort for the sake of love.

Paul’s letter to Philemon is a window into a big mission: to live generous, sacrificial, reconciling lives — just like Jesus.  The gospel changes, not merely our minds, but how we relate to one another.

An invitation

If you’re here today wondering what this has to do with you — maybe you’re not sure about faith, or church, or where you fit — this is your invitation.

You are seen.  You are valued.  You are wanted.  And this is your mission, too.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.  You just need to take one step closer — to God, to others, to a world made whole — because in Christ, there’s no “them.”  There’s only us.  

 

Call to Action: This week, consider what person or people group you might be challenged to view differently through the lens of love and our belonging in Christ.  Offer prayers for their wellbeing and flourishing as well as for your growing acceptance and love.  As part of your reflective practice, listen to the song “Be Love” by Common Hymnal (found on Spotify, Apple Music, or on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auztVSMC6pc ).

For Reference: 

Wright, N.T. Colossians and Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary. IVP Academic, 2008.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD8tjhVO1Tc&t=79s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h13f8SAZb44

https://ntwrightpage.com/2020/06/14/undermining-racism-complete-text/

https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-23-3/commentary-on-philemon-11-21

https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-23-3/commentary-on-philemon-11-21-3

https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-23-3/commentary-on-philemon-11-21-2

CLOSING SONG 

 

CLOSING PRAYER

Let us pray: Father … Amen.  

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Our discipleship class today, at ~ 10:30am,  will focus on Jesus Christ as God The Son.
• The Sunday School lesson will focus on the same theme … as we try to figure out how to help children and youth understand and believe that Jesus is God.

What is the Spirit saying to us … as we read the text?

Interactive Discussion (sharing local insights)

Philemon 1:1-21  NRSVue

¹ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To our beloved coworker Philemon, ² to our^[beloved] sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your^[singular] house:

³ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   

 

Philemon 1:4-7   

⁴ I thank my God always when I mention you^[singular] in my prayers, ⁵ because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. ⁶ I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we^{[you (plural)]} share in Christ ^[Jesus].  ⁷ I have^{[we have]} indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.  

 

Philemon 1:8-16

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

⁸ For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, ⁹ yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love — and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.^{[See footnote]   10} I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment. ¹¹ Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful^{[See footnote]} to^{[both to]} you and to me.  ¹² I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.^{[Receive him]  13} I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel, ¹⁴ but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced. ¹⁵ Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother — especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.  

 

• 9  Or as an ambassador of Christ Jesus, and now also his prisoner   
• 11  The name Onesimus means useful or beneficial    

 

Philemon 1:17-21

¹⁷ So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me. ¹⁹ I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.^{[in the Lord] 21} Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.  

• 20  Other ancient authorities read in the Lord   

 

What can we take away?

• “Forgive and forget,” is a lot easier said than done.   
• In Jesus, we have a reconciler who carries us through the process of restoring relationships.