The last time we were with you, two weeks ago, we considered – THE SIN OF THE SLAVE
1. His rejection of mercy. Verse 11. He was unprofitable.
The house of Philemon was a church, verse 2.
Onesimus had made no use of the gospel opportunity. He rejected gospel, kindness, mercy. The seed sown had apparently brought forth nothing. Pro 1:24-25. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it,” Hebrews 4:2.
2. His robbery of his master. “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 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,” verses 18-19.
How many rob God. LIFE was given to be used for His glory. Used instead to self gratification.
3. His running away. “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever,” verse 15. He ran away to Rome and tried to hide in Rome’s crowds. Such is man. He runs from God. Closes his ears to warnings. But at Rome God’s mercy is displayed. He meets with Paul.
Tonight I wish to consider at a little length:
II THE SALVATION OF THE SLAVE
He comes into contact with Paul, a wonderful providence indeed! Paul’s befriending of the young man and writing this letter to plead for him indicates the grace of the apostle. It also provides us with a picture of the blessings a sinner who is converted receives in Christ.
Onesimus obtained:
1. A settler of accounts. Verses 18-19
Here is what Christ did for us. He paid our accounts. He made them His own. Like the good Samaritan (Luke 10:34-35) – all provided. “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . . . But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” 1 Peter 1:17-19.
2. An advocate. Verses 10, 17.
He pleads for him. Just as Christ pleads for sinners. “We have an advocate (one who pleads before a judge) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” 1 John 2:1. “Christ . . . . now to appear in the presence of God for us,” Heb 9:24. (7:25.)
3. There is a change in his life. “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me,” v 11.
Resulted from his new birth, “my son”, “begotten”, verse 10. Once was a servant, now a brother, verse 16.
4. Reconciled to his offended master. Verse 12. “Receive him”, verse 17. “We were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,” Romans 5:10.
5. Eternal work has been done in his heart. Sinner and rebel for a season but now has been eternally altered, verse 15. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,” 1 John 5:13.
Are you still a runaway from God, heading toward eternal destruction?
Christ will meet with you and save you and become to you more than Paul ever could be to Onesimus.
Stream or download Paul meets the Prodigal, Pt 2