This is for a sermon on reconciliation, with as focus Philemon 1:17.

Introduction

Most likely Philemon is a book that is unfamiliar to us. It does not feature in many sermons and even if it did, it would likely be only one sermon. If you were not able to attend worship on that particular Sunday, you would have missed it.

Having read through the letter, one thing that stands out immediately is its individual nature. Written by the apostle Paul to his friend, this letter is very personal and emotive. There is no explicit doctrine or instruction, just a brief mention of Philemon’s faith and love followed by a single request from an old man.

We read of this single request in verse 17: receive Onesimus as you would receive me.

The need for reconciliation

• Explain: who was Onesimus? What do we know about him?

• Explain: how did Onesimus come to know Paul? How did he respond to the gospel?

• Explain: why does Paul want Onesimus to go back to Philemon? What is the purpose of the letter?

• Explain: how does the first section of the letter (Philemon 1:1–16) serve to support the overall purpose? What has Christ done for Philemon (and us) that will encourage him to seek reconciliation?

The must of reconciliation

• Apply: forgiven people must forgive. Christian believers must repent of their sin and ask for forgiveness.

• Explain: how does Paul’s letter serve to show that reconciliation is a must and not an option?

• Apply: are we obligated to have the same depth of fellowship with every other believer?

• Apply: what does the need for reconciliation mean in marriage? How can we help each other in this regard?

• Apply: where must we go to look for the strength we need to forgive and ask for forgiveness?

Conclusion

Having been reconciled to God, Christian believers must be reconciled to one another. If we have been wronged, we must forgive. If we have wronged someone, we must repent, say sorry, and ask for forgiveness. There is no other option in the church of Jesus Christ.