This is for a sermon on the catholicity (universality) of the church, with as focus Philemon 1:15–16.

Introduction

As mentioned in the previous sermon, Philemon is a very personal and emotional letter written by Paul. It gives us a practical real-life example of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. It shows us how the good news of his death and resurrection ought to impact our relationships.

Previously we focused on the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. If there is sin, there must be repentance. If there is repentance there must be forgiveness. Forgiven people must forgive—there is no other option in the church of God.

Today we will consider another prominent theme in the letter, the idea of brotherhood or family. God’s church is catholic and we must not introduce divisions.

A change in relationship

• Explain: why would it be such a shock to the people of Colossae to hear that a slave must be treated as a brother?

• Explain: how were slaves seen in the ancient world? What did they typically do?

• Explain: how does Galatians support the idea that all people in God's church must be treated with dignity and seen as family? This is a good opportunity to clarify the gospel and what Christ has done to reconcile us to God.

• Explain: are we to think differently only when it comes to God’s church? What does Colossians say to slaves and their masters?

• Explain: why doesn't Paul explicitly condemn slavery?

God’s church is catholic

• Explain: what does it mean for God’s church to be catholic?

• Explain: what are some of the ways in which the church has historically struggled to pursue catholicity?

• Apply: what are some of the divisions that exist in our society? Are those divisions also seen in our churches? Are there changes that we should make? How can we best show and affirm that we are one family gathering together to worship the Lord?

• Apply: how do the sacraments of baptism and holy communion conveying the message of catholicity?

Conclusion

Having been reconciled to God and adopted into his family, all Christian believers must now be treated as brother and sister, with dignity and respect. We are all equal in the sight of God and we cannot have hierarchies and divisions.