Hold Onto Jesus - (Titus 1:5-9)

Titus 1:5-9

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God's household, he must be blameless - not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy  message as it has been taught so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Over the past several years I have held various positions of responsibilities, both in my church life and in my job. I have thrived in those positions, instigating new ideas and seeing them through to completion. But in some cases, I have had to move on before the fruits of my labour has been obvious and I had to go through the pain staking action of handing over to someone else who will fill my role.

Paul is doing that here. This letter to Titus begins with instruction to Titus, an early church leader. He had worked closely with Paul in the early days of his conversion, no doubt following one of the numerous sermons that Paul delivered to the Greeks. Paul is handing over the responsibility to Titus to ensure the church in Crete continued to thrive in the right direction, 'that you might put in order what was left unfinished...'

Paul wanted to ensure the work he begun in Crete was completed correctly. He goes on to explain that Titus could not do this himself and so must appoint elders in every church. Although we do not know how many were to be chosen, we know they should be of high calibre, upright citizens who know the Lord and have their own house in order.

But, why so perfect? Can we get that level of perfection?

Paul is quite clear here, those chosen for this high position in church communities must be 'blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.' Isn't that a tall order? Even the children of the elder's must be perfect? Who are these people that the entire family must be perfect to lead God's people?

Lets think about this a little more, these elders were to be in charge of God's household here on Earth. They were to be examples of holy living. Reproachable in the eyes of the law and approachable in the eyes of the church goers. These men (as it is written in Paul's letter) were to be good citizens in order to provide counsel to the church goers, they were to be a living example to all.

How could they be trusted to lead the church, if they themselves were imperfect? They couldn't and Paul knows this. He is not saying people must be perfect. He knows that we are all sinners. We are dishonest. We do give way to wild and disobedient lives. We are not self-controlled. He knows we are incapable of living such a perfect life, but we are called to be holy. 'holy and disciplined' You see, Paul is not just talking about the elders here, he is talking about every Christian. He wants every Christian to follow suit, with the elders as examples.

But, how can we live a holy life if we, ourselves, are incapable of living a holy life? Is Paul setting us up for a mighty fall? Is he setting the bar incredibly high so that everyone falls short and fails?

Of course, the answer is no. He is pointing us to the ultimate example of perfection. The only person who is 'self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined', Jesus Christ.

Christ lives the life he asks of us. He is holy and he wants us to be but he knows we can't on our own. We are inherent sinners who constantly do things wrong. Christ knows this yet he still gave his life for us. It is through this love that we can have that holy life. 

Christ died so we can live. Christ clothes us in his perfection and takes on our imperfect himself. The Son died so we can stand in the presence of the father, perfect. He rose again so we can be reborn in him. Therefore, he calls us to live a holy life in him. 

But we must 'hold firmly to the trustworthy message', that is in Christ Jesus and rely completely on him. 

Hold On To Your Hope (Titus 1:1-4)

Source: http://kurtbubna.com/

Titus 1:1-4
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour; To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.

We live in a world where society rules. Society dictates how we live, what we read or watch, what we wear and in some cases, what we believe in. We are constantly being bombarded with temptations that lure us away from God. The use of key words and images appeal to our desires and make us believe we cannot do without them. How are we, as Christians, meant to live in such a society? How can we possibly resist a society so powerful?

The apostle Paul opens this letter with a long and detailed commentary of his apostleship. Given the general topic of the letter to Titus, one can imagine he is ensuring any reader that he has authority to write such things, however, Paul is also telling us why he preaches and in so doing explains what we should do.

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ identifies three characteristics of God's people.

Faith

... faith of God's elect

God's people are believers in God. They have faith in Jesus Christ his son. This is a characteristic we must work on daily, for if we don't the world's influences will subject us to sin, time and time again. We must have faith to remain strong for it is Christ's strength that helps us resist temptation. It is for this reason, Paul preaches ... for the sake of the faith of God's elect ...

Paul understands the importance of preaching the Gospel. This is a fantastic tool to guard yourselves against Satan. It serves to remind us of the power and love of God made evident through the death of Jesus, his son.

Therefore, Paul preaches for the sake of their faith.

Knowledge

... knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness

Faith and knowledge belong together. It is those who knows God's name who put their faith in him. Their knowledge of God's name or revealed character is the basis of their faith. They trust him because they know he is trustworthy. Paul speaks of a knowledge of the truth, a knowledge that can grow as you read and interact with the scriptures. Indeed, as you delve deeper and deeper into the word, you become more godly. This is an essential feature of truth and is the perfect test of authenticity - if it comes from God, it must lead to God!

Therefore, Paul preaches to help us grow in our knowledge of God.

Hope

... hope of eternal life

God's people have a hope that is sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19). Our Christian hope is such a firm foundation of our Christian life that our faith and our knowledge of the truth may be described as resting on it.

How can we be so sure of this hope? Simply because God has given a threefold guarantee of eternal life.

First: God ... promised before the ages began. Eternal life is part of his eternal purpose for his people. It is the reward for having faith in God and his Christ, Jesus.

Second: He is a God who never lies. We lie all the time. We lie without thinking about lying. We lie to save face. We are notorious liars, but God does not lie! ... he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:19) and ... it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18).

Third: This same trustworthy God who made this promise of eternal life has at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which [Paul has] been entrusted by the command of God our Saviour.

The promise, the character and the gospel of God combine together to guarantee this promise of eternal life. God first promised eternal life before time began, he revealed the promise to the world in his time (the proper time) through the Gospel and he will fulfil it when time comes to an end.

Therefore, Paul preaches to remind us of God's promise until it is fulfilled, as (if you are like me) we tend to forget easily!

So, what should we do?

We must preach the Gospel to ourselves everyday to grow in knowledge of the truth and faith, only then can we hold onto the hope of eternal life.

Be Obedient! (Philemon v21-25)

Source: Uncompromising!

The apostle Paul, currently sitting in prison for preaching the Gospel of Christ has written a letter to Philemon, a past convert through Paul with one request: 'reconsider how you treat Onesimus, your slave, as he has also heard the Gospel of Christ and his life has been changed, just as yours has been'.

Verse 21-22
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. 

Paul is confident that Philemon will accept his proposal and treat Onesimus differently to just being a slave. There is no indication that Paul wishes for him to be set completely free, however, he may hint towards that when he says, 'for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you'. Knowing Paul is currently in prison and referring to the likely event of his freedom, Philemon may be moved to have compassion upon Onesimus and set him free from his 'imprisonment' (i.e. slavery). Although Paul uses the word, 'obedience', he is not expecting obedience out of authority or compulsion. Instead, Paul emphasizes Philemon's compassion and generosity and showing that he knows with 100% confidence that Philemon will do everything within his power to follow the guidance.

He may be requesting Philemon to pray for his release to freedom or maybe identifying he knows he has been praying with those in his house-church. Either way, Paul leans on that spiritual act by asking Philemon to 'prepare a guest room'. Paul knows he will be released. He doesn't just think it will happen, he expects it to happen. That is his hope!

Of course, he does not want to leave prison for the sake of his own freedom, more that he wishes to spend some time with his new convert, Onesimus and his spiritual brother, Philemon in his house-church (I will be graciously given to you). That being said, he clearly leans on God's grace for any chance of freedom never doubting it will happen.

Verse 23-25
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

The ending of the letter is characteristic of Paul, sending greeting of those close to him, but finishing with a prayer for Philemon's spiritual journey ('The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit'), surely a reminder to Philemon (and his church) of God's grace setting them free from the slavery of sin.

Philemon owned slaves, but, he was a slave himself; a slave to sin. Just like you and me, he was a slave to his worldly passions and natural desires.

He heard the Gospel of Christ through Paul, the apostle and discovered that Christ had set him free from slavery to sin. His life was changed. He was made perfect in Christ as long as he remained obedient to God.

Now Onesimus, a slave of Philemon's has done wrong by running away. He too was a slave to sin. His heart was governed by worldly passions and natural desires, just like Philemon.

Paul, the same apostle who led the conversion of Philemon, shares the Gospel with Onesimus and declares him free by the blood of Christ. He too is changed. He has also been made perfect in Christ so long as he remains obedient to God.

Two people who are complete opposites in their status in society; one wealthy, one a slave have the same story!

Two extremes of people; two different worlds of living; the wealthy and the poor; the educated and not so educated; the free owner of slaves and the slave that is owned - hear the same Gospel message which results in their life being changed.

The request is simple: just believe, obey Christ and be effective in your faith.

It does not matter who we are, whether we're a wealthy employer or an employee scraping by on minimum wage, an owner of a mansion or someone without a home or if we're begging for our next meal or have everything we want and more, no matter what position in society we place ourselves - we are all slaves to sin.

The good news is, however, Christ ignores our status in society, he is not interested in our achievements or how much wealth we have acquired. He is only interested in our spiritual souls.

So then, when it comes down to it, with all the barriers stripped away, the only important consideration is Christ: he alone is the defining factor of whether we are saved or not. He alone has the power to change our lives. He alone sets us free from the bondage of sin. He restores life, makes us one with God and in him, we are adopted sons of God.

All we need do is simple: just believe, obey Christ and be effective in our faith!

Your Debts Have Been Paid In Full. (Philemon v17-20)

Source: Prison Ministry Partners

So, the apostle Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus (v1) is contending the faith. His message is simple, just believe. He has already told Philemon to praise God through Jesus Christ, remember his new outlook on life and to be effective, now he turns to the soul purpose of the letter, Onesimus.

Verse 17
So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 

'my partner': Paul counts Philemon as a colleague in Christ and as such, instructs him to 'receive [Onesimus] as you would receive me'. The Gospel-powered event that caused Philemon to be changed automatically makes him a brother in Christ Jesus and now, Philemon hears Onesimus has experienced the very same life-changing power of the Gospel.

Verse 18-19
If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it - to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 

Any debt due Philemon as a result of Onesimus' behaviour is to be credited to Paul's account and must be completely wiped clean from Onesimus' ledger. Paul testifies 'I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it', assuring Philemon any debt will be paid in full by Paul. However, Paul reminds the slave owner, that he, himself, is indebted to the apostle for being introduced to the Gospel, in fact, owes 'even [his] own self': his spiritual life is indebted to Paul because through him he was converted. This is a far greater debt than anything Onesimus owes Philemon.

Verse 20
Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

And so, Paul reiterates his request of Philemon by assuming he will follow his advice. 'I want some benefit from you in the Lord', it is clear Paul wants Philemon to 'obey' him, but by his own free choice. He wants Philemon to want to help Onesimus and in doing so, not only will he become more effective in his faith, he will 'refresh [Paul's] heart in Christ'.

Onesimus is free from the bondage of sin, he is no longer a slave to sin, he has been set free by the blood of Christ Jesus, just as Philemon has been. The same Gospel message that Philemon, the master of slaves heard that brought about his changed life was also heard by Onesimus, the slave. Therefore, by that very fact, if Philemon is to accept he is saved and now a prisoner of the Gospel (just as Paul is quite literally!), he must also accept Onesimus' new status as a Christian brother.

Paul models the transforming love of the Gospel, he takes its very essence and shows Philemon what it means to be effective in his faith. He declares he will repay all debts due to Philemon as a result of what Onesimus has done. In return, Philemon must declare Onesimus' ledger clean. This is the Gospel message!

Christ Jesus has ultimately repaid our debts, with his very life! In return, he declares our ledgers clean. Just as Philemon is indebted to Paul, we are indebted to Christ 'even [our] own self!

Because Christ died with our sin (i.e. our debt to God), we are no longer slaves to sin, but prisoners of God's grace.

Hallelujah!

Be changed! (Philemon v8-16)

Source: Brainerd Baptist Church

Last time, we discovered that Paul was instructing Philemon, master of slaves, convert to Christianity and someone who shares the Gospel in his house to be more effective. We were reminded that we need to let Christ have ALL our life and not just the little bits we want him having. Not leaving anything to chances, Paul goes on to explain how Philemon can be more effective in his spiritual life, according to the Gospel.

Verse 8-9

Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you - I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus ...

Paul lets Philemon know that he has the authority, tenacity and boldness to command him to follow his instruction, but if he did, that would would defeat the purpose. Paul did not want Philemon to follow his instruction by compulsion, he wanted him to want to follow the instruction, because it is the loving thing to do 'yet for love's sake'. Again, Paul reminds Philemon that he is a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel, together with verse 1, 'Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus' surely suggests that Paul is appealing to Philemon's position as Master of slaves, someone who can govern the freedom of slaves (who live a life similar to prisoners - their freedom is not their own!). Not only that, this plea to which Paul is about to give comes with it a powerful standing. Paul is partaking in the suffering of Christ (as a prisoner for preaching the Gospel) right now and is an ambassador 'an old man' for the Gospel. These, together with Philemon's new status as 'prisoner of grace' builds a picture of similarity that would grasp Philemon's attention.

verse 10-12

... I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus whose father I became in my imprisonment. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and me. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.

Here, we have Paul's plea on behalf of Onesimus, the runaway slave belonging to Philemon. Paul is doing the right thing by Roman law, returning what belongs to Philemon (i.e. a slave) and in doing so, appealing to him that he chooses to set him free. Paul informs Philemon that he has become Onesimus' spiritual father through sharing of the gospel and that he is so dear to him that Paul calls him, [his] 'very heart'. It is clear that Onesimus was originally 'useless' to Philemon. The reasons as to why are unknown, however I believe the point here is that Onesimus has undergone a life-changing event, has a new outlook in life, so powerful that his life is completely changed from what he was, to becoming 'useful to you and me'. Paul petitions Philemon on the basis that this life-changing event also happened in him, and, indeed, to Paul himself (i.e. on the road to Damascus - Acts 9). The fact that Onesimus has been helping Paul is evidence of this life-transformation.

Verse 13-14

I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.

Paul emphasizes that he feels strongly about Onesimus and his life-changing event, but given that he belongs to Philemon, Paul wants to allow Philemon to make a free choice 'for love's sake' and not because he feels compelled to. He wants to encourage Philemon in his faith, despite the letter being about Onesimus. Even now, whilst Paul experiences 'imprisonment for the gospel' does he show 'fatherly' interest in Philemon's (a former convert of Paul's) faith and righteous path. He does not want him to feel forced to obey Paul, although Paul is 'bold enough in Christ to command' him.

Verse 15-16
For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother - especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Paul is perhaps pointing towards divine intervention on the part of Onesimus' situation 'For this perhaps is why he was parted from you', suggesting that God has used the bad experience (i.e. Onesimus running away) to bring about a good experience (i.e. the conversion of Onesimus). It is clear, however, that Onesimus' life has changed and that he is no longer to be considered a slave 'more than a bondservant' by Philemon.  Notice, however, Paul is not suggesting that Philemon should release Onesimus from his position, and not just to treat him as a brother in Christ, but more than that 'a beloved brother ... in the flesh and in the Lord'. Paul allows Philemon to deal with his own household and 'property'. The life-changing event brought about by Christ will not affect your position in society, but your heart and out-look in life.

So, what would you do in the exact same position as Philemon? Would you ignore the strong hint from Paul? Would you carry on as you did before, treating your slave as a slave and nothing but a slave, despite them having become a Christian? OK, let me try and put this in a more modern way ...

Suppose you were an employer and you have lots of employees. You created your company from scratch and appointed every employee in every position. Then one day, one of your employees does something wrong and runs away. A short time later, you discover that he has been listening to the very guy you heard some time ago. A person who spoke about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and who helped you meet Jesus for the first time and changed your life. The employee returns with a letter that explains your employee is different, better and just like you. The letter urges you to let the employee off the hook, but acknowledges that the decision is yours.

Now, what would you do?

Well, Paul approaches the subject from the inside out. He directs Philemon toward the heart and the love of Christ that is within him.

When Christ enters our heart, he finds a heart that is enslaved to all kinds of sin. He finds a life that is governed by worldly passions and a darkness that empowers it.

He finds a slave.

But, he refuses to leave us that way.

He gives us his heart, his life, his love. We become changed. Paul says that Onesimus has been changed, just as Philemon, himself has been. Therefore, he should treat his former slave as a Christian brother, but more than that, he should choose to treat Onesimus according to his new status in Christ.

When we come face to face with the Father, He chooses to see us as Christ. Christ chose the cross to set us free from the slavery of sin. We are made perfect through Christ. He is in us and we are in him and the Father chooses only to see his perfect child.

Accept Christ today and he'll set you free.

I've been changed I've been newborn

All my life has been rearranged.

What a diff'rence it made

When the Lord came

And stayed in my heart

Oh yes, I've been changed.

by Mosie Lister

Pub: Lillenas Publishing Co.

Be effective (Philemon v4-7)

source: http://performanceinsightllc.com/

Last time, we heard how Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, reminded us that with Jesus we have a new outlook in life. In verse 2, Paul clearly identifies that Philemon's life has changed and is now using his own home as a place of worship for fellow Christians.

We now hear the thanksgivings of Paul, despite his current predicament of imprisonment, he still has a lot to thank God for.

Verse 4-5:
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

As with verse 1, Paul is stating his position, his faith and his determination to contend his faith no matter what life throws him. It is quite pertinent for Paul to declare God to be 'my God' bringing a sense of belonging and of a personal relationship with God and reminding the reader that Paul was important in his conversion. It is likely Paul has had deep discussions with Onesimus (the servant of Philemon - more later) regarding his master and the way he conducts business. Indeed, Paul would have been interested in Philemon's progress as a 'new' Christian since his conversion. Paul was clearly happy and joyous about the 'love and of the faith' that Philemon showed in the way that he lived, (the church in your house v2). Truly a reason to be thankful to God. Normally, Paul puts faith before love, but here, notice how 'your love' comes before 'the faith that you have', this perhaps points towards the topic of the letter, trying to remind the reader about his Christian love when it comes to dealing with the matter at hand.

verse 6:
... and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become more effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

Paul, once again makes links with Philemon's change of life with him sharing his faith in his home (cf v2), but he acknowledges that Philemon may have some further work to do in order for it to become more effective. He knows that Philemon's faith is active, that much is evident, but Paul wishes to help him make his faith effective, when it comes to the situation with Onesimus. Paul encourages Philemon to show generosity toward Onesimus as he does with those in his congregation, which is a natural outgoing of his faith in Christ. Paul is pointing out here that if Philemon follows through with his generosity he will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the blessings that belong to him in Christ.

Verse 7:
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

'my brother' clearly Paul counts Philemon as a close colleague, a brother in Christ and this is confirmed when he tells Philemon that he has derived much joy and comfort from [his] love. Here, Paul maybe encouraging his former convert, Philemon, by showing how much he means to him, telling him he is doing great work already referring to the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Philemon is spreading the Gospel in his congregation, he is sharing the love of Christ with others and through this action, he is encouraging his congregation which, as the word gets back to Paul, encourages Paul.

This, then, is what the power of the Gospel does for you. It makes your faith active AND effective. Being active in your faith is not sufficient, even the devil and his demons have faith, but your faith must be effective.

From our passage above, it is clear that Paul wishes for Philemon to make that next step in order to receive the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. He wants him to make his faith more than just action. Paul wants Philemon to acknowledge that he needs a deeper relationship with and understanding of Jesus to move forward. His faith must pulsate throughout his whole life, not just as gospel sharer to his congregation. Every aspect of his life must be governed by this faith and this includes the part as master to slaves.

As we will see next time, Paul has a big favour to ask of Philemon and it weighs heavily upon how Philemon conducts his business. Does he live two separate lives, a Christian for the congregation and a master of slaves and never the two meet?

Having reminded Philemon that his life has been changed by the power of the Gospel, Paul points out that he must now act accordingly and grant his wish as a fellow brother in Christ.

But why can't you continue to live the way you did before Christ entered?  Why must your life be completely changed? Why can't you just hold onto the part you enjoyed? Will that really make a difference?

Of course, the love of Christ is all-changing (that is, it changes all, every last bit, all kit and caboodle!). Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you become changed. Your sins are forgiven, you have died to your old life and have become alive in Christ. All your life, every part of it must reflect that, otherwise you have not given yourself completely and not completely giving yourself to Jesus, is not being effective in your faith.

You see, the Gospel that changed Philemon's life speaks of Jesus once and for all dying on a cross to take our punishment for our sin. He died completely. Not a little bit. It wasn't just a little part of him that died that day, it was every part of him. Completely, undoubtedly and undeniably Jesus died!

To die, is to give your all. There's nothing more to give, because you have given your very life. That is what Jesus did for you (and me!). He gave his all so that we don't have to.

So, if he gave his all on the cross, why then, should we only give a part of ours?

Just as Paul urged Philemon to become more effective in his love and faith so that he can have the full blessings of Christ, we too must become more effective in our lives by allowing Christ to have ALL of it. Not just the good bits, the bad bits as well. Warts and all!

Only then, will our faith be active and effective for the sake of Christ.

Get a New Outlook On Life. (Philemon 1-3)

Source: thoopid.com

A brief background of Philemon uncovers this to be Paul's shortest letter in the Bible. Although it is addressed specifically to Philemon himself, it is not a personal letter for his eyes only. It is predominantly about Onesimus, a servant belonging to Philemon, which suggests that Philemon was wealthy. The opening verses enlightens us to more information about this wealthy man. On the surface, this letter is very much a character reference for Onesimus, in order for Philemon to accept him back, but, as we delve deeper into the passages, we will see a far greater message being shared.

Verse 1
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker ...

The Apostle Paul introduces himself at the start, to make it clear who has written the letter, perhaps to ensure it is received with the intention it has been sent. Paul has Christian authority over the reader and "is bold enough in Christ to command" (v8) him to follow his instructions. Paul opens most of his letters this way, leading each time with this authority. Also, Paul was an actual prisoner for the sake of Christ (Act 27-28) at the time, this was his first imprisonment in Rome around A.D. 62. No doubt, after 30 years of ministry, Paul would have counted his imprisonment for Christ's sake, as a blessing. "a prisoner for Christ Jesus" also gives the reader hope.  Although Paul is unable to verbally preach the gospel, he is still able to share the gospel through word, thereby giving those who 'look up' to him encouragement to keep to the path.  Timothy was a close companion of Paul who traveled with him and a devout "brother".  Then we get to the intended reader, Philemon.  We know that Philemon was a slave owner (v16), that he probably lived in Colossae and he became a Christian through hearing Paul (v19) and he was considered by Paul as a "beloved fellow worker".

Verse 2
... and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:"

Apphia is Philemon's wife and it is possible that Archippus is their son (although there is little evidence for either way!), but we do know Paul considers him a "fellow soldier", this is most likely because of the support that he has given Paul in his ministry labours. The "church in your house" suggests that Philemon saw it upon himself to organise a Christian community in his very own home, this may or may not include his servants (nothing suggests either way). This is likely due to his conversion and seeing a need for a congregation to form in Colossae to continue to spread the gospel.

Verse 3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This greeting indicates a prayerful concern for Philemon and his congregation that they may fully understand the grace that God gives and his peace through Jesus Christ, his son. This may suggest that Paul wants the congregation to think carefully what he is about to talk about and that everything he says is grounded in the grace and peace of God the Father and through Jesus Christ.

Even at the start of the letter, Paul fully submits to Christ Jesus (v1) admitting that he is a prisoner for Christ Jesus. If anything, this shows Paul's conviction about his faith in Jesus, that he is willing to continue to preach the gospel even if his very life is in danger.  In the first few verses, Paul, once a man who persecuted Christians for following Christ (Acts 8), now openly confesses that he does everything for the sake of Christ (v1).

If anything this should encourage us today, especially if we face persecution.  I don't just mean those who are in fear for their lives, but those who are ridiculed or overlooked because of their faith. Believing in Christ, following Christ, having fellowship with Christ and believing in the truth, the real truth, despite what people say, do or think no matter what temptation is the faith that Paul shows here in these opening words, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus.  Of course, he was actually in prison, but that was for preaching the gospel of Jesus.

As we will read later, I think this is quite a poignant point Paul is making here.  Opening with the reminder that he is a prisoner, whose freedom is governed by others and then writing a letter to Philemon about a slave who has become a Christian (more on this later).

Paul also gives his thanksgiving to God for his work in Philemon's life. Although the details are sparse, it is definitely clear that Philemon's change is due to the work of Jesus in his life. His life has been radically changed and he, himself (a master of slaves) serves a new Master, our Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of this change, Philemon uses his time, talents, treasures and possessions to minister to others and the sharing of the gospel.

This is what Christ's love does for us; it radically changes our perception of life. He loves us enough to die for us that we might be reunited with God the Father. This very fact is enough to alter anyone's outlook on life.

Do you need a change? A new outlook on life? Look no further.

Jesus is the answer!