Forgiveness
Key Scriptures: Philemon 17-25
So, if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Summary: Never are we more like Christ then when we forgive others. Forgiveness is the heartbeat of the gospel message and essential in the life of the messenger.
Lesson One: I owe a debt I can’t repay.
Philemon 18-19, If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
Lesson Two: I can become a blessing to others.
Philemon 20, I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
Lesson Three: I am called to be obedient to the Lord.
Philemon 21, Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Lesson Four: I am accountable to godly leaders.
Philemon 22, And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
Lesson Five: I am a part of a fellowship.
Philemon 23-24, Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
Lesson Six: I must be empowered by the grace of God.
Philemon 25, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.