Author Archives: Unashamed of Jesus

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About Unashamed of Jesus

Founder of Unashamed of Jesus ministries Husband Father and Pastor Bachelors Degree in Practical Ministry from Trinity College of the Bible and Seminary If you would like to support our ministry https://venmo.com/unashamedofjesus333

Philemon- Refresh My Heart

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I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. Philemon 1:19-20

As I ponder these scriptures, I can’t help but recognize the importance of the physical local Church. The Apostle Paul here, which he clearly identifies himself, is not just acting as Church authority or an Apostle, Paul is acting as a dear friend. The Apostle Paul is deeply invested in the lives of both these men and the Church. Paul doesn’t want Philemon to just forgive Onesimus out of obligation to Christ, He deeply loves both these guys and wants unity within the Church

You can’t develop these deep relationships outside of physically spending time together. Christians who neglect the local Body of Christ are doing themselves a great disservice, one of the main purposes of the local Church is to have a Christian family, a community of believers that fellowship with one another and share the love of Christ. You will not find this anywhere except the Church. 

As I mentioned in my previous post about verses 17 and 18, The Apostle Paul is taking on the role as a Mediator “I will repay” Paul is looking to resolve this conflict, any money that was taken by Onesimus, Paul will personally pay it to Philemon, just forgive the man of his debts. And then Paul reminds Philemon that he owes him also “not to mention to you that you owe me, even your own self besides”

Paul is asking Philemon for a favor, the value of his discipleship and teachings, the value of Pauls mentorship and friendship, Philemon owes Paul a great debt. This may sound arrogant but its the truth, how valuable would it have been if we could have the Apostle Paul personally disciple us? Would be invaluable!

This again brings me back to your local Church, do you have a Godly Pastor? Are you blessed to have a Pastor who preaches and teaches the Word of God and is led by the Holy Spirit? If so, appreciate your Pastor! These men of God are invaluable, cherish your local Church community, because Christ has built His Church!

The Apostle Paul is saying to Philemon, this is all I ask of you, forgive and receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ “let me have joy from you (Philemon) in The Lord” Refresh My Heart! This is Paul is asking , he’s not looking for money or any carnal desire, just forgive and love one another as Christ has forgiven us! Amen!

Philemon 1 – On My Account

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If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. Philemon 1:17-18

As we continue through the Epistle of Philemon, we see the Apostle Paul pleading and making his case for Onesimus to be reconciled back to Philemon and the Church. Notice Paul says “if then you count me as a partner, receive him (Onesimus) as you would me (Paul)” 

Now think about this, many of us view the Apostle Paul in high regard. Here’s a man who gave his life to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, I’m sure many of us would be more than happy to have Paul as a member of our local Church. Consider this relationship was even deeper with Philemon, they were brothers in Christ, and Paul is telling him, if you trust me, trust Onesimus

The Apostle Paul is literally sticking his neck out, his reputation for his brother Onesimus, he is vouching for him, saying if you can trust me, you can trust him. This is a huge deal for Paul to endorse Onsimus, he is risking his entire reputation and ministry on this. If Onesimus is truly not a changed man, this could destroy the trust and relationships Paul built over the years. But the Apostle Paul is sure Onesimus is a true Born Again brother in Christ!

Paul even takes it one step further by saying “But if he (Onesimus) has wronged you or owes you (Philemon) anything, put that on my (Paul) account” Again what a massive statement by Paul, if Onesimus does anything wrong to you or owes you anything, charge it to the Apostle Paul. It’s almost like insurance for Philemon, if Onesimus is still a deceiver, Paul will cover anything that is stolen or damaged.

Now when you read this, you can’t help but see the gospel message in this story! We are Onesimus, we were the slaves to sin that deserved punishment. But Christ took the penalty of our sins, Christ stood in our place and took our death on the cross! Our righteousness is in Christ alone! And Christ has made us a New Man, a new creation and sent us out to serve!

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)  Amen!

Philemon 1- No Longer A Slave

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For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 1:15-16

The question we love to ask God is why? Why did this happen to me? Why did I have to go through this? As we grow in Christ, we learn that God allows these things to happen, because it makes us stronger in the long run. As the Apostle Paul said “And we know that God works for the good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) This can be difficult for us to grasp or comprehend, however Gods ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8)

The Apostle Paul makes a very divine observation here “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose” Even though at one time Onesimus may have seemed unforgivable or rebellious, God needed him to go through this hard time to lead him to Christ. You can imagine when Onesimus stole from Philemon, who was his boss, his master, he was disgraced, he had to go on the run to hide for his life. 

And it’s interesting to think about, this situation not only changed Onesimus, but it also changed Philemon, and eventually the whole Church community of Colossae. You could imagine, Philemon was probably extremely angry with Onesimus, he probably even wished harm on him, but Paul was reminding him, you are a brother in Christ now. As Paul taught them “Forgive because Christ has forgiven us” (Ephesians 4:32)

Paul reminds them about Onesimus “No longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother” Powerful reminder of the gospel message, Onesimus was no longer a literal and spiritual slave, He was set free by Christ, He is a brother in Christ to the Church community, including Philemon. This is the same for us! We are no longer slaves to sin and the devil, we are now children of God through Jesus Christ ! (Galatians 3:26)

“Especially to me” Paul reveals how him and Onesimus became great friends while in prison united by Christ. And if the Apostle Paul spoke highly of Onesimus then they should receive him in regards to Pauls witness. “And how much more to you” Paul is telling the Church, Onesimus will be of great service to their community, he went from being a despised slave to a beloved brother in Christ! 

How can this happen? As the Apostle Paul states “In The Lord” its all because of Jesus we can be saved, we can be redeemed, we can be Born Again, from a slave to a brother! Amen!