'The Challenge Of Living A Grace Filled Life In A Fallen World'

United We Stand

Paul’s letter to Philemon cannot really be separated from his letter to the Colossians. Philemon was one of the Colossian believers and the church met in his home. Paul’s personal letter to Philemon deals with the delicate issue of the broken relationship between Philemon and his run away slave - Onesimus.
Here we see how the believer’s understanding of our identity in Christ must be applied to the often complicated issues of life in a fallen world. This specific issue between Philemon and Onesimus will serve as a test as to whether the type of Christian community that Paul has called the Colossian believers to is realistic and workable in practice.


Application Questions & Response:

  1. When a complex and difficult moral question or life choice faces you, where do you look to inform your position or choice? What principles does the letter of Philemon suggest for these moments?

  2. Are you ever guilty of thinking you that are superior to some other class or group of people? What would it involve for you to practically live out the Gospel truth that all are equal in Christ?

  3. Is there a deep division between any members of your church family? How does the letter to Philemon point out the path to forgiveness and reconciliation and what practical steps could you take to try and initiate that process?