Life Lessons in the Book of Philemon for us from Paul
The book of Philemon is a short, one chapter book in the Bible, but there are some really great life applications in it. Let’s take a look at some of the life lessons in the book of Philemon.
Let’s dive right in and see what the Lord has for us.
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A Brief History of Philemon
The book of Philemon is actually Paul’s letter to Philemon, who was one of his friends. Paul’s message began with thankfulness for his beloved brother Philemon and the love he had toward the saints for the sake of Christ.
Philemon had once had a slave, Onesimus, who stole from him and ran away. This “slave” ended up with Paul and came to know the Lord. Onesimus brought Paul great joy and served him as a fellow worker for Christ. He was invaluable to Paul.
Because of the laws at the time, Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a plea in his own hand to release him back to Paul. He wanted Philemon to see Onesimus as a fellow laborer for the Gospel, not as a slave.
Life Applications and Lessons from the Book of Philemon
Philemon 1-2
“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home.” Philemon 1-2
- This letter was addressed to Philemon as well as to others. They would see what kind of reaction he had when he read the letter.
- People are always watching our actions and reactions.
- Our decisions can affect others in both good and bad ways.
Philemon 8-9
“For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus,” Philemon 8-9
Do the right thing out of love, not obligation.
Philemon 14
“But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will.” Philemon 14
- Paul was giving him the opportunity to bless others.
- Philemon would have the opportunity to earn a crown to cast at the feet of Jesus.
- Always remember that when we bless others, we are serving the Lord.
Philemon 15-16
“For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave – as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” Philemon 15-16
Paul was showing Philemon and the others the big picture.
- Because he ran away:
- He got saved.
- He blessed and took care of Paul when Philemon couldn’t.
- When something bad happens, look for the good. How is God using it? What good will come from it?
Final Thoughts and Wonderings
- I wonder what Philemon decided to do. I like to think that he released Onesimus and counted him as one of his family members in Christ. (History books say that Onesimus went on to be the Bishop of Ephesus, so it seems he would have had to be released.)
- It is interesting, and it probably wasn’t an accident that Paul referred to himself as “a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” Paul didn’t want to command Philemon to do the right thing; he wanted him to make that decision from his very heart. I just wonder if his terminology was a reminder that he was in prison for the cause of Christ. Maybe that would give Philemon more grace and mercy.
- My favorite lesson in this small little book of the Bible is that we are all slaves to sin until we meet Christ. Then we become a new creation – a new person!
Please join us each week as we read the Word. I invite you to share your insights on these scriptures as well.
Life Applications and Lessons Resources
If you are trying to get started with a daily Bible plan, see Simple Bible Study Ideas for Spiritual Growth. I hope these tips will help you like they have helped me.
These are a few of my favorite Bible study resources:
- She Reads Truth Bible
- Composition Notebook
- Beautiful Sticky Notes! These are my new favorites!
Fun Gift Idea of Biblical Life Lessons
If you have joined me recently, these daily life applications from the Bible are examples of some of the comments I am writing in the Bibles I am giving to my grandchildren when they graduate from high school. Click here to see the post where I explain this eternal gift idea. I want to give them all the resources I can to use in today’s world!
Related Posts
1 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 1
2 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 2
3 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 3
4 – Life Applications and Lessons from Ruth Chapter 4
As we read His Word, I literally pray that we will see how It applies to us. Let’s seek His instruction and put it into action.
Please share any encouragement and lessons you learned this week as you read the Word of God. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Until next week…
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“From one Man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.” Acts 17:26
(New Testament)
This is such a great lesson, Susan. My Mom sent me a quote this week that said, “You never know how long your words will stay on someone’s mind even long after you’ve forgotten you spoke them,” and your explanation of these verses from Philemon reminds me of that quote. It’s amazing what kind of impact our thoughts, actions, behaviors, opportunities, callings and blessings can have on someone even when we’re not aware of it. Thanks for the beautiful reminder. Big hugs, CoCo