Philemon 1:13-16 – Slave To Family
Onesimus was no longer a lowly slave with few rights. By the result of Paul’s mediation he would be accepted into the family of Philemon. He would be treated as a beloved brother; a brother on two counts. First because he was from Philemon’s household, and second because he shared in the same faith as Philemon.
So too of us. Christians are accepted into the household of God as family. We are welcomed in. We are sons of the most High God. We are adopted into the family of God. What privilege.
It is because Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God would become man, God in the flesh, because He would suffer, He would become perfect through suffering, and in so doing bring many sons to glory. Therefore He is not ashamed to call us brothers. (Hebrews 2)
While we continue forever as servants of God, slaves to righteousness, we do not have that spirit of slavery and fear, but rather the spirit of adoption, by whom we cry to our Father.
By this adoption we receive fatherly discipline; it is for our good. We all have earthly fathers who disciplined us for a time. God disciplines us for our good. He is a loving God.
Imagine being Onesimus, returning to Philemon, no longer just a mere slave, now a brother in the Lord. What joy. He would perhaps be thinking, how can I serve Philemon with gladness now that he has not only welcomed me, but welcomed me as a brother. How much more joy ought we to serve God since we are welcomed home as sons of God.
Questions
- How is Onesimus to be treated?
- What does it mean to be a child of God?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is your Father.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.