Clean Break:  Love, Forgiveness, Fellowship

  1. The _________ story.

The church lived in its own context. While slavery was accepted generally, many voices spoke against it during the first century. Some of these incited riots. Paul knew that the church could not be perceived as the instigator of rebellion leading to loss of life. The Roman Empire had within it the mechanism for effecting change, and that change had to come voluntarily from the individuals whose lives were changed by their Lord. Slaves could be freed by anyone, even if their freedom at times caused more problems than it solved. Paul chose the theological route. If the theological seed was sown, a solid foundation existed for a permanent change that was more socially pervasive than one institution.

  1. The _____________ involved.

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon, our dear friend and coworker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus [are-he-pos] our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house: (Phm 1–2)

  1. A _____________ of thanksgiving.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love and faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. 6 I pray that this fellowship of your faith may become active in understanding every good thing that belongs to us in Christ. (Phm 4–6)
V5: because I hear about your faith (which would also include love) that you have toward the Lord Jesus and your _________ that you have for all the saints.
and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. (Phm 6, ESV)
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. (Phm 6, NIV84)
and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. (Phm 6, NASB95)

The Greek word κοινωνία means “fellowship,” “participation/sharing.” It implies _____________________ or _______________ with someone or in something.

But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Ro 5:8)

Points to Ponder

  1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?

 

  1. What are some other Scriptures that talk about conflict between believers?

  2. Can the church change the way conflict is handled in other areas of life?

  3. Name a time when you have been a Philemon and a time when you have been an Onesimus.

Homework: Philemon