Philemon – Sunday, April 6, 2008
- Why did we stop reading Colossians at 3.18 and jump to Philemon? What is the relationship between the two letters?
- Paul apparently met Onesimus in Rome and began a discipling relationship of some sort. Who have been key teachers/mentors in your life, and what have you learned about the faith through them?
- Allan focused on three main people during his sermon: Philemon, Onesimus, Paul. Is there one of these people that you identify with most? If so, describe.
- Allan elaborated on each of their characters and asked the question, “What do each of these people teach us about the relevance of this gospel message in our society today?” How would YOU answer this question about a) Paul, b) Philemon, and c) Onesimus?
- Describe the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. How did Philemon feel about Onesimus? Keep in mind that Onesimus’ name means “useful”, but because he was a slave, he was seen as a useless person.
- Allan alluded to the symbolism in the names mentioned in the book of Philemon and shared that the Gospel starts with a name, YOUR NAME. How is our society different from God’s society in terms of personability?
- Allan shared, “It (personability/loving others) begins right here where we are…and we are not loving Christ if we are not loving those next to us…” How do you respond to this appeal?
- The sermon closed “By disclosing that the slave, in all likelihood, became a bishop/leader in the church, does this engender hope in your own life? How?
- What does Philemon say to us, if anything, about Paul’s approach to slavery?
