Titus and Philemon

Titus The book of Titus was one of the last books Paul wrote. It is likely that Paul wrote this book, along with 1 Timothy, sometime between his first and second imprisonments. Timothy and Titus were fellow pastors who helped Paul serve various churches he had previously started. We have no record from Luke in the book of Acts about Paul starting a church on the island of Crete. That’s one of the reasons this book is dated after Paul’s first imprisonment. In any case, Paul wrote this letter to instruct and encourage Titus in his work on Crete.

Map of Crete

Situation at Crete Paul has been at Crete (4th Journey, 1:5) and left Titus behind to complete the organization of the congregations. He himself is now in Macedonia (1 Tm 1:3) or perhaps on his way to Nicopolis (Ti 3:12). With him are Artemas and Tychicus, one of whom he plans to send to Titus so Titus can come to him (3:12), and also Zenas and Apollos (3:13).

Situation at Crete Titus 1:12 “Even one of their own prophets has said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.’” Cretan = a stupid, vulgar, or insensitive person (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Situation at Crete Titus is to

◦ 1) appoint elders (1:5-9); ◦ 2) rebuke false teachers with authority (1:11); ◦ 3) instruct God’s people (2:1-15); and ◦ 4) deal with the divisive (3:9-11).

Date and Place of Writing: c. 63-65 from or en route to Nicopolis

Map of Crete

Titus Bio◦ Scriptural references: Ga 2:1-3;2 Cor 2:13; 7:6-15; 8:16-24; 12:16-

18; Ti 1:4,5; 3:12; 2 Tm 4:10; not mentioned in Acts (included at times in the “we” passages?). In all he is mentioned 13 times in the New Testament.

◦ A Gentile by birth, perhaps converted during Paul’s First Missionary Journey, or perhaps even earlier than that, at Syrian Antioch.

◦ First mentioned in Scriptures as accompanying Paul and Barnabas on the visit from Antioch to Jerusalem (Ga 2:1-3) where there was pressure (resisted successfully) to have him circumcised.

Titus Bio◦ Later, during Paul’s Third Journey, becomes Paul’s emissary to Corinth,

making several trips to Corinth from Ephesus to assist the Corinthian church through some trying times (cf. the following references in 2 Cor: 2:12f; 7:6,13; 8:6,16,17,23; 12:18). “It may be gathered from the Corinthian correspondence that Titus was selected for a particularly difficult and delicate mission and since the outcome appears to have been a happy one, it is clear that Titus was a man of unusual tact who possessed high qualities of leadership. His allotted task in Crete certainly demanded much wisdom and strength of character, and the apostle’s confidence in him accords completely with what is known of him elsewhere” (Donald Guthrie, New Testament Introduction --The Pauline Epistles).

Titus Bio◦ Paul had left him in Crete as superintendent of the work there

(1:5).◦ Later with Paul during his final imprisonment in Rome and sent by

Paul to Dalmatia (2 Tm. 4:10).◦ Tradition: Became bishop of Crete, living to a very old age.

Titus 1:1-9 1. Paul knew that God wanted all to be saved. Yet he was conscious of the fact that God had chosen some to come to faith and would without fail bring them to faith. What did Paul call these people (who had heard the Word and believed it)? (1:1) They are God’s “elect.”

Titus 1:1-9 2. Paul describes his work in verses 1-3. What task had God given him? Focus on the following: “promised,” “Jesus Christ,” “his word,” “hope of eternal life,” “knowledge,” “faith,” and “godliness.”

From all eternity, God promised (v.2) salvation. He won salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ. (v.1) He revealed that salvation through God’s word (v.3) taught by Paul. The message is about the hope of eternal life. (v.2) The knowledge (v.1) of this hope is the foundation of faith. (v.2) This hope leads to godliness. (v.1)

Titus 1:1-9 3. What makes the final qualification in verse 9 so important? (1:6-9) If the final qualification is missing, no other qualification matters. Elders/overseers must be sure of their doctrine so that they can pass it on to others.

Titus 1:1-9 4. Carefully read through each of the qualifications for elders. When are pastors today reviewed to see if they have these qualities? (1:6-9) Pastors today are generally observed to see if they have these qualities when they receive their training at the seminary.

Titus 1:10-16 1. According to verses 10 and 11, what was one of the main reasons Paul left Titus in Crete? There were many false teachers who were gathering followers, ruining whole households and leading the people away.

Titus 1:10-16 2. Paul told Titus that the false teachers had to be silenced. Try to put in concrete terms how Titus would silence these people. (1:11)

Debate them in a public forum so that God’s people could see the issues and avoid error.

Speak to the church members in group meetings and even go house to house among those who were being ruined by the false teachings.

Above all, he would show how the gospel of Christ gives everything that people need for life and godliness.

Titus 1:10-16 3. How do you understand this verse: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure” (verse 15)?

Believers in Jesus have been freed from the OT ceremonial laws. Paul is saying that those who are pure can eat all things, because all food is pure. On the other hand, when “both their minds and consciences are corrupted” (verse 15), i.e. when there is no faith in Jesus Christ, then nothing is pure. Every thought leads away from God. Every act of eating and drinking and every act of worship is impure in God’s eyes.

Titus 1:10-16 4. Why must those who oppose sound doctrine be called rebellious? They are leading people to spiritual ruin. What they are doing is deceptive and dishonest and destructive to Christianity. So they are rebelling against God.

Titus 1:10-16 5. What is to be the purpose of rebuking opponents sharply? Clear, plain language spoken sincerely is needed to oppose the deceiving teachers and their deceived followers.

Titus 2:1-10 1. What was the difference between the “older men” of verse 2 and the “elders” of chapter 1? Here Paul referred to older men in general, not men elected to positions of responsibility in the congregation.

Titus 2:1-10 2. Reflect on the characteristics and attitudes that Paul told Titus to urge on the older men in the congregation. Someone has said that older men are the balance wheel of the congregation. How would the characteristics and attitudes mentioned here make them that? (2:2)

Temperate = display mental sobriety Worthy of respect = display dignity that should come with maturity Self-controlled = sensible Sound in faith, in love, and in endurance = as examples to the congregation

Titus 2:1-10 3. How does Paul describe the way older women are to live? What are they able to teach the younger women if they live this way? What will be the result when the younger women pattern themselves like this? (2:3-5)

When the older women are reverent, observe the Eighth Commandment, and are not addicted to wine, then they can teach the younger women by word and example to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to work hard to care for their households, to be kind, and to subject themselves to their husbands.

As a result, no one will malign the word of God.

Titus 2:1-10 4. How does Paul want the younger men to live? What will be the result of that kind of life? (2:6-8) Self-controlled, set an example, integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech. The result of this kind of life is similar to that of the young women. Those who oppose the gospel will be ashamed when they see that they have nothing to criticize in the lives of those who follow it.

Titus 2:1-10 5. How does Paul tell Christian slaves to act? What will be the result of the life of that kind of slave? (2:9-10) The concepts are easy enough to understand, any apply to your own work or life right now? Again, when slaves act like this, it will have an impact on how unbelievers think of the Christian faith. It will make the faith attractive to them.

Titus 2:1-10 6. Agree or disagree: In a society that makes heroes and models out of athletes, pastors can no longer be examples to young people. Disagree. Pastors can inspire in young people the desire to live lives of faith and service to the Lord. This may lead young men to desire the office of pastor. In fact, the basic, humble lives of believers alone will make a difference.

Titus 2:11-15 1. Paul had instructed Titus on how to teach the various groups of people in the congregations at Crete (older men, older women, etc.). In verses 11-15, Paul brought them back to the gospel, which was the reason they should have served God. The gospel gave them the ability to serve him. In verse 11 Paul reminded the people of Crete that their lives had been filled with God’s grace. What did that grace “teach” them to do?

It taught them to say no to sin. It taught them to live upright lives in service to God.

Titus 2:11-15 2. The word teach means more than just “instruct.” The grace of God does not tell us what God wants. God’s law does that. But the grace of God teaches us how to do these things. It alone motivates us to serve the Lord. How does it do this? (See, for example, Romans 6:4-6, which describes what happens when we come to know God’s grace.) (2:12)

God’s grace gives us forgiveness and salvation in Christ. It frees us from the law. Once we are freed from the demands of the law, we begin to serve God willingly out of love and thanks for what he has done for us. We become new creations who want to serve him. All this comes from the good news of God’s forgiveness.

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases: (2:13-14) • “the blessed hope” • “the glorious appearing” • “our great God and Savior” • “gave himself for us”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “the blessed hope” The hope (the certain hope) of eternal life.

• “the glorious appearing” • “our great God and Savior” • “gave himself for us”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “the blessed hope” The hope (the certain hope) of eternal life.

• “the glorious appearing” The day when Jesus will come and take us to himself in heaven.

• “our great God and Savior” • “gave himself for us”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “the blessed hope” The hope (the certain hope) of eternal life.

• “the glorious appearing” The day when Jesus will come and take us to himself in heaven.

• “our great God and Savior” God became man to save the world.

• “gave himself for us”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “the blessed hope” The hope (the certain hope) of eternal life. • “the glorious appearing” The day when Jesus will come and take us to himself in heaven.

• “our great God and Savior” God became man to save the world.

• “gave himself for us” In his life and death, Jesus was our substitute.

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases: (2:14) • “to redeem us from all wickedness” • “purify for himself” • “his very own” • “eager to do what is good”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “to redeem us from all wickedness” Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness.

• “purify for himself” • “his very own” • “eager to do what is good”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “to redeem us from all wickedness” Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness.

• “purify for himself” Jesus gave us the forgiveness of sins. He made us new creatures.

• “his very own” • “eager to do what is good”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “to redeem us from all wickedness” Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness.

• “purify for himself” Jesus gave us the forgiveness of sins. He made us new creatures.

• “his very own” Jesus calls us his own people, chosen, and loved by God.

• “eager to do what is good”

Titus 2:11-15 3. Paul elaborates on the gospel. He summarizes our whole Christian faith. Make sure you understand each of these phrases:

• “to redeem us from all wickedness” Jesus paid the price for our forgiveness.

• “purify for himself” Jesus gave us the forgiveness of sins. He made us new creatures.

• “his very own” Jesus calls us his own people, chosen and loved by God.

• “eager to do what is good” We are new people, free from the law, living under the gospel, wanting to serve the Lord.

Titus 2:11-15 4. Why is it wrong for a pastor to let his congregation despise him? How does a pastor keep this from happening? (verse 15) If he is despised, then Christ and God’s Word will be despised. If he faithfully preaches God’s Word, loves his flock, and rebukes those who oppose God’s Word, he will not be despised.

Titus 3:1-8 1. What attitude will Christians have toward governments? They will be subject to authorities, be ready to obey the laws, and in general do what is right. They will not slander their leaders. They will be peaceable and considerate toward their fellow citizens. They will be humble toward all people.

2. After Paul has offered instruction and encouragement, he talks about all that God has done for us. Paul reminds us of what we were before we came to faith. Do his words describe you?

Read through the list carefully. If any class members wish to elaborate on any part of Paul’s description, let them do so. All believers have to say, “Yes, this described me before I became a believer.”

Titus 3:1-8 3. Define each phrase of Paul’s description of what God has done for us. • “kindness and love of God our Savior” • “he saved us” • “not because of righteous things we had done” • “his mercy”

Titus 3:1-8 3. Define each phrase of Paul’s description of what God has done for us. • “kindness and love of God our Savior” God saves us out of love and kindness. • “he saved us” • “not because of righteous things we had done” • “his mercy”

Titus 3:1-8 3. Define each phrase of Paul’s description of what God has done for us.

• “kindness and love of God our Savior” God saves us out of love and kindness.

• “he saved us” A reference to Jesus, who lived a perfect life and died for us.

• “not because of righteous things we had done” • “his mercy”

Titus 3:1-8 3. Define each phrase of Paul’s description of what God has done for us.

• “kindness and love of God our Savior” God saves us out of love and kindness.

• “he saved us” A reference to Jesus, who lived a perfect life and died for us.

• “not because of righteous things we had done” Our salvation is not a reward for our goodness.

• “his mercy”

Titus 3:1-8 3. Define each phrase of Paul’s description of what God has done for us.

• “kindness and love of God our Savior” God saves us out of love and kindness.

• “he saved us” A reference to Jesus, who lived a perfect life and died for us.

• “not because of righteous things we had done” Our salvation is not a reward for our goodness.

• “his mercy” God’s mercy alone saves us from our sins.

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” • “generously” • “our Savior” • “justified by his grace” • “heirs having the hope of eternal life” • “a trustworthy saying”

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Through Baptism, God joined us with Christ and then gave us the Holy Spirit. Note the power in Baptism. It saves us by joining us with Christ.

• “generously” • “our Savior” • “justified by his grace” • “heirs having the hope of eternal life” • “a trustworthy saying”

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Through Baptism, God joined us with Christ and then gave us the Holy Spirit. Note the power in Baptism. It saves us by joining us with Christ.

• “generously” The Lord is not stingy with his blessings. He is generous.

• “our Savior” • “justified by his grace” • “heirs having the hope of eternal life” • “a trustworthy saying”

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Through Baptism, God joined us with Christ and then gave us the Holy Spirit. Note the power in Baptism. It saves us by joining us with Christ.

• “generously” The Lord is not stingy with his blessings. He is generous.

• “our Savior” Again Paul reminds us of Jesus and his work for us. • “justified by his grace” • “heirs having the hope of eternal life” • “a trustworthy saying”

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Through Baptism, God joined us with Christ and then gave us the Holy Spirit. Note the power in Baptism. It saves us by joining us with Christ.

• “generously” The Lord is not stingy with his blessings. He is generous.

• “our Savior” Again Paul reminds us of Jesus and his work for us. • “justified by his grace” We are declared not guilty solely because God is gracious.

• “heirs having the hope of eternal life” • “a trustworthy saying”

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Through Baptism, God joined us with Christ and then gave us the Holy Spirit. Note the power in Baptism. It saves us by joining us with Christ.

• “generously” The Lord is not stingy with his blessings. He is generous.

• “our Savior” Again Paul reminds us of Jesus and his work for us. • “justified by his grace” We are declared not guilty solely because God is gracious.

• “heirs having the hope of eternal life” We have an inheritance awaiting us, eternal life with God.

• “a trustworthy saying”

Titus 3:1-8 • “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Through Baptism, God joined us with Christ and then gave us the Holy Spirit. Note the power in Baptism. It saves us by joining us with Christ.

• “generously” The Lord is not stingy with his blessings. He is generous. • “our Savior” Again Paul reminds us of Jesus and his work for us. • “justified by his grace” We are declared not guilty solely because God is gracious.

• “heirs having the hope of eternal life” We have an inheritance awaiting us, eternal life with God.

• “a trustworthy saying” There is no doubt about what Paul tells us here.

Titus 3:1-8 4. Paul wants us to be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good. How would this be accomplished among the people of Crete? How will it be accomplished in churches today?

Paul tells us what we are to stress so that people will live God-pleasing lives. Certainly instructions on what to do are important. Paul includes a lot of them in this letter. But the immediate context of Paul’s words is the gospel message he has just given us. He wants the gospel to be stressed. The gospel alone has made us God’s people. The gospel alone inspires us to live in service to God.

Titus 3:1-8 5. Why is serving the Lord in society “excellent and profitable” (verse 8)? When the world sees God’s people doing the right things, God is glorified. The gospel is not maligned, and people wonder about the hope Christians have.

Titus 3:9-15 1. What are things Paul calls unprofitable and useless? Foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law. 2. What makes a false teacher a divisive person? What is the church to do with such a person? He chooses to teach what is different from God’s revealed truth. By teaching others what is contrary to Scripture, he creates division among believers.

Titus 3:9-15 3. What was Titus to do for Zenas and Apollos? He was to do everything he could to help them on their way. He was to provide for their needs. Note that Paul puts the burden of support on church members, who are to provide for their own daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

Titus 3:9-15 4. Agree or disagree: We should avoid false teachings but keep warning the false teachers.

We are not just to keep warning them. Rejected warnings must lead to further action. We must separate ourselves from the false teachers (not continue in religious fellowship with them). This way we will acknowledge the division they have caused.

5. Paul sends greetings to “those who love us in the faith” (verse 15). What bond does faith establish between believers?

Faith in Jesus establishes a special bond of love among Christians. Paul expresses that by his greeting, even though he does not mention any of the people in Crete by name.

Philemon Background Philemon a Christian from Colosse who somehow had been converted through the work of Paul (v. 19). Perhaps a man of some means, his home was used for the church services in Colosse (vv 1-2). Had a slave, Onesimus, who apparently stole from him (v. 18) and then ran away to Rome. Onesimus came upon Paul in Rome and was converted to Christianity (v. 10) and then proved to be a good helper to Paul (v. 11).

Philemon Occasion for Writing Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon (v. 12). Along with Tychicus, Onesimus is bringing to Colosse both the letter to Philemon and the letter to the Colossians (Co 4:7-9). Purpose for Writing Paul pleads with Philemon not to punish Onesimus, but to treat him as a brother (vv 16-17).

Philemon Place and Date of Writing 1. Place: Rome (a "prison epistle" (v. 1,10) along with Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians) 2. Date: c. 62 A.D.

Philemon Characteristics 1. Unique in that it is the only truly personal letter of Paul in the New Testament. A study of it indicates that there is no difference between Paul the apostle and Paul the man; the letter breathes the same spirit as his "official" ones.

2. Illustrates the apostolic and Christian attitude toward the social problem of slavery: Not a move to free slaves, but to free hearts from bondage, which in time will put an end to slavery (cf 1 Cor 12:13; Ga 3:28; and Co 3:11; but also Eph 6:5-9; Co 3:22-24; 1 Tm 6:1-2; and Ti 2:9-10)

Philemon Luther “We are all Onesimuses, if we believe” He related what Christ does to us to the Father to what Paul does to Onesimus to Philemon.

Philemon 1-11 1. For what did Paul thank the Lord when he thought about Philemon? His faith and his love. As in many of his epistles, Paul began by thanking the Lord for all he did in the hearts of those to whom Paul was writing.

Philemon 1-11 2. Paul prayed that Philemon would be active in sharing his faith. No doubt this referred to any kind of activity in which Philemon would be helping others know the Lord or know him better. What benefit comes to a person who shares his or her faith?

Sharing one’s faith (again, not just evangelism but any kind of sharing) results in coming to a more complete understanding of all the blessings we have in Christ. The Lord graciously gives his understanding, no doubt to enable the one who shares to be even more fruitful in his or her sharing.

Philemon 1-11 3. What caused Paul joy when he thought about Philemon? Philemon’s heart was filled with love for his fellow believers. We are not told how, but in some way he refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

4. The love that led Philemon to refresh the hearts of the believers in Colosse gave Paul a starting point for his appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. He did not command Philemon to treat Onesimus well. What did he appeal to?

He appealed to Philemon’s love.

Philemon 1-11 5. From verse 9 on, Paul acted as the master motivator. Unlike the world’s way of motivating, which relies on threats, rewards, or flattery, Paul appealed to Philemon’s love. Look at verses 9 through 11. How did Paul appeal to Philemon in these verses?

Paul knew Philemon loved him, so he reminded Philemon where he, Paul, was at this writing. He was an old man in chains. He told Philemon that Onesimus had become a Christian, his son. Now Onesimus would be useful to both of them as a worker, but also much more as a servant of Christ.

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 12 • Verse 13 • Verse 14 • Verse 15

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 12 “who is my very heart” • Verse 13 • Verse 14 • Verse 15

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 12 “who is my very heart” • Verse 13 “so that he could take your place” • Verse 14 • Verse 15

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth. • Verse 12 “who is my very heart” • Verse 13 “so that he could take your place” • Verse 14 “spontaneous and not forced” • Verse 15

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth. • Verse 12 “who is my very heart” • Verse 13 “so that he could take your place” • Verse 14 “spontaneous and not forced” • Verse 15 “that you might have him back for good”

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 16 • Verse 17 • Verse 18 • Verse 19

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 16 “as a dear brother” “but even dearer to you” In the second phrase, Paul already assumed that Philemon loved Onesimus because he had become one of God’s people.

• Verse 17 • Verse 18 • Verse 19

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 16 “as a dear brother” “but even dearer to you” In the second phrase, Paul already assumed that Philemon loved Onesimus because he had become one of God’s people.

• Verse 17 “Welcome him as you would welcome me.” • Verse 18 • Verse 19

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 16 “as a dear brother” “but even dearer to you” In the second phrase, Paul already assumed that Philemon loved Onesimus because he had become one of God’s people.

• Verse 17 “Welcome him as you would welcome me.” • Verse 18 “Charge it to me.” • Verse 19

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 16 “as a dear brother” “but even dearer to you” In the second phrase, Paul already assumed that Philemon loved Onesimus because he had become one of God’s people.

• Verse 17 “Welcome him as you would welcome me.” • Verse 18 “Charge it to me.” • Verse 19 “not to mention that you owe me your very self”

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth. • Verse 20 • Verse 21 • Verse 22

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 20 “Refresh my heart in Christ.” Paul’s heart would be refreshed if he saw the fruit of Philemon’s faith and saw that Onesimus was well treated.

• Verse 21 • Verse 22

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 20 “Refresh my heart in Christ.” Paul’s heart would be refreshed if he saw the fruit of Philemon’s faith and saw that Onesimus was well treated.

• Verse 21 “You will do even more than I ask.” • Verse 22

Philemon 12-25 1. In each verse Paul wrote some simple truth he knew would move Philemon’s heart because of the love Philemon had for Paul and the rest of God’s people. Look at each verse listed below, and find each truth.

• Verse 20 “Refresh my heart in Christ.” Paul’s heart would be refreshed if he saw the fruit of Philemon’s faith and saw that Onesimus was well treated.

• Verse 21 “You will do even more than I ask.” • Verse 22 The whole verse appealed to Philemon’s love. Paul asked him to prepare a guest room for him because he would be restored in answer to Philemon’s prayers.

Philemon 12-25 2. Why is an appeal to a Christian’s love always more effective than an arbitrary demand? It allows the new man the opportunity to respond in thanksgiving to the Lord.