Writings – Philemon An Effective Fellowship Book of Philemon September 2, 2018
I. Understanding the Situation
A. The Inhumanity of Slavery
B. The Cultural Reality of Slavery
C. The Law around Slavery
II. Paul’s Hard Sell
A. Slave, obey your Master
Phil. 10, 12; Eph. 6:5-8, Col. 3:22-23
B. Master, love your Slave
Phil. 6-8, 15-16; Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1
C. Be Reconciled as Brothers
Phil. 15-18; 2 Cor. 5:17-21
III. The Embodied Gospel
A. Transcends Our Impulses
Col. 1:21-23; Eph. 5:8-10
B. Transcends Cultural Norms
Romans 12:2; I Cor. 3:19
C. Transcends our Apathy
John 8:35-36; Gal.4:4-7
Questions for further reflection:
1. This summer as we’ve dealt with James and now Philemon, there has been a larger emphasis on living out your faith. How do you balance obedience to scripture with Jesus’ and Paul’s stern warnings against legalism?
2. Slavery can often seem very removed from our modern situation. Slavery, however, is still very much a part of our modern world. Take some time this week to research and pray about slavery in our world today. What, if anything, can you do to play a role?
3. When have you had strong impulses that contradicted the Gospel message? How did you deal with those desires?
4. In what ways have you equated being a “good Christian” with being a “good Canadian”? What areas of your life do you need to allow the Gospel to speak truth into?
5. In our interconnected world, when we hear about tragedy on a daily basis, it is hard not to grow calloused and apathetic. Think of a time when you felt compassion for someone and were moved to come alongside them in their pain. What compelled you?
6. Kid’s question: Is it easier to follow someone when you love them? If the answer is yes,