The family church experience
The Subject of the Appeal. Philemon 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…
Context of the Appeal. Philemon 12-14. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 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…
Preamble to Appeal. Philemon 8-11. 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 -I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I…
Recognition. Philemon 7. For I have derived much joy from your love, my brother because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Dear People of God, Paul is about to make a very important request for Philemon. Before he makes an effort to show that he has great respect for Philemon. Effect (v.…
Gratitude.Philemon 4-6. 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, And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good…
Introductory Greetings. Philemon 1-3. Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker And Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Dear Family, We begin today our meditations…
Farewell. Titus 3:12-15. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good…
Dealing with Controversies. Titus 3:9-11. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, has nothing to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Dear Friends…
Our Responsibility: Good Works.Titus 3:8. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. Dear Royal Priesthood, Having talked at length about the grace of God,…
God’s Generosity.Titus 3:6-7. Whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Dear Aliens and Strangers in this World, The grace of God and the Holy Spirit are intertwined in that the application of saving…