[Linux4christians] B7 - Wednesday - Philemon 1:8-11

[dcolburn at bibleseven.com]

    Wednesday


      Philemon 1:8-11


Paul's Request for Onesimus

1:8 So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could 
command you to do what is proper,

1:9 I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love -- I, Paul, an old 
man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus --

1:10 I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I 
have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,

1:11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me.



      Prayer


Lord, You hold all of the ultimate power in all of Your creation, yet 
You have chosen to delegate and to invite rather than command and 
control. May I respond from my freedom with the love-based obedience You 
so richly deserve.



      Summary & Commentary


Paul reminded Philemon that he had the authority from the Lord God, 
through Christ, to make demands upon him.


He chose, as has the Lord, to appeal to him - based on love -- to chose 
rightly.


Paul explained that he had mentored Onesimus to salvation and through 
discipleship and now held him in high-esteem.


He observed that the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus, prior 
to Paul's involvement, had been an unproductive one -- but that had all 
changed.



      Interaction


        Consider

The role-model of Jesus and of Paul was to teach and demonstrate 
love-based leadership.


        Discuss

How might your fellowship instill a stronger sense of love, rather than 
of obedience and/or ritual, into the membership -- so that their service 
to others is both joy-filled and sacrificial?


        Reflect

When people make decisions based on the love-perspective they have 
learned from the Lord God they mature and become positive role-models 
for others.


        Share

When have you observed a leader who mentored a troubled person to 
maturity and value in the Lord's service?



      Faith in Action


        Prayer:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you someone you may encourage and 
perhaps mentor to greater maturity in their walk with the Lord God.



        Action:

Today I will prayerfully accept the challenge from the Holy Spirit. It 
may be a spouse, a friend, a son or daughter, a co-worker or someone 
within a ministry in which I serve. I will invest in prayer, teaching, 
and right modeling of love-driven service to others.


        Be Specific ______________________________________________________




    Thursday's text will be:


      Philemon 1:12-16



-- 

Draw nearer to the Lord and He will bless you,
David M. Colburn, DMin. MaCo
Have an Ultrafidian.com Day!
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Bible Resources: bible.org
Teacher's Verse: John 7:16
Personal Site: bibleseven.com
I don't google I SEARCH! ddg.gg
1Cor. 15:22 "For just as in Adam all die,
so also in Christ all will be made alive."
Savannah-Statesboro needs a Bible College/Seminary!
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