The Greetings Of Paul
Introduction
Have you ever given much thought as to how you greet people? A lot can be said about an introduction. Usually first it will give your name and state your reason for the meeting or where you're from. Paul is writing a private letter to one of his converts, Philemon, who has a runaway slave named Onesimus. The book of Philemon is one of Paul's prison epistles. He had crossed the path of Onesimus and led him to saving faith in Christ. Now Onesimus wanted to do the right thing and return to Philemon, his master. Death would normally be the punishment so Paul is writing this letter on Onesimus' behalf. Notice how Paul makes his approach.
I. Who The Letter Is From, vs. 1.
A. It Was From A Prisoner, vs. 1.
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ... vs. 1. Paul was in a Roman prison for preaching the gospel. He had a good reason for mentioning this to Philemon; he was about to plead the cause of a slave. Paul didn't want to come on as an authority over Philemon. He wanted not only to change Philemon's mind, he also wanted to change his heart. That's what causes so much trouble among Christians today! Preachers are able to change people's minds with smooth and emotional words but they soon forget them. It's like deciding to diet after a huge Thanksgiving dinner; it's only about eight hours later we're looking for a cold turkey sandwich. The message of the minister is not to take a head shot but rather a heart shot that will change the head! This was exactly what Paul wanted to do to Philemon. Not only do we see this letter was from a prisoner but also we see it was from a partner.
B. It Was From A Partner, vs. 1.
...Timothy our brother... vs. 1. It's certain that Philemon knew Timothy. Paul was letting him know that Timothy was still strong in the faith. Why would Paul want to do that? He believed it would encourage Philemon to be strong in his faith to know that Timothy, whom Paul was also training in faith, was committed to the vow he'd made to God. It's like when I hear about the guys I graduated from seminary with. When I hear of how well they're doing I'm challenged to do well myself. Listen! No one likes to be a loser or fall behind! Speaking of Timothy our brother draws Philemon into wanting to listen to Paul and do the right thing. Notice not only who the letter is from but also who the letter is for.
II. Who The Letter Is For, vs. 1.
A. It Was For A Man Of Love, vs. 1.
...Philemon our dearly beloved... vs. 1. How important it is to be loved and to know that you're loved. Someone once asked Johnny Hunt how he could preach so hard and the people kept on coming and I'll never forget his reply, "They know I love them." If Philemon knew he was loved Paul could be hard in this letter without offending him. It's important to let people know that they're loved! We can't say it enough! Not only do we see it was for a man of love, but also it was for a man of labor.
B. It Was For A Man Of Labor, vs. 1.
...and fellowlabourer, vs. 1. Sometimes it helps to remind someone that they once partnered with you in the ministry. When we try to reach out to them who've wandered away we remind them of when they filled the pulpit for us, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, played in the drama, etc. To be reminded softens the soul so people can remember. Then remembering causes them to have a special feeling. It may seem wrong but Paul was trying to soften Philemon's soul for the words he was about to read. Only a heart like God's would forgive Onesimus for stealing and running away and that's exactly what Philemon was going to need. Oh, that we would have a heart like His when it comes time to forgive someone!