Love or Law
Introduction
We all have a way of getting things done; we can accomplish our task either by love or by law. I've found in my life and through experience that I'd rather have people join me in my efforts because they love me far more than having the authority to order them to join me against their will. There's a real difference in the quality of accomplishment in a labor of love over a labor of law. Paul now gives the ultimate test of Christian love.
I. Paul Recognizes His Authority, vs. 8.
A. Paul's Position In Christ, vs. 8.
...though I might be much bold in Christ... vs. 8.
Paul was an apostle and as such he could manage situations like this using that authority. In other words, it was only in Christ and by His authority as an apostle that he could claim to come between a salve and his master. Listen! It's not wrong to make your position known and it's not wrong to use your authority if you have it. But if you have to constantly remind people you're the boss you probably have a problem with yourself and with those to whom you attempt to lead. Listen to this great truth!
Position alone doesn't make you a leader! It may place you in charge but it doesn't make people do their best. Paul wanted Philemon to know that this act of forgiveness needed to be from his heart; not from Paul's orders. Notice not only Paul's position in Christ but also Paul's proclamation for Christ.
B. Paul's Proclamation For Christ, vs. 8.
...to enjoin thee... vs. 8.
This means that Paul had full authority to impose upon Philemon an order to receive Onesimus. But Phillips expands the thought of Paul here to include this translation "I could but I will not!" Why would Paul make such a statement? Paul wanted the mind of Philemon to think the right way. He wanted him to do it on his own. You see, listen to this! A man convinced against his will is not convinced!
Forgiveness for a runaway slave would have to come from Philemon's heart, not from Paul's order. That's probably why there's so much unforgiveness in the church today; we do it because we feel like we have to rather than because we want to. Paul is showing Philemon that forgiveness from the heart is the right thing to do. Not only do we see that Paul recognized his authority but also Paul relinquished his authority.
II. Paul Relinquished His Authority, vs. 8.
A. That Which Is The Easy Way, Vs. 8.
...that which is convenient, vs. 8.
Paul didn't take the easy way. With authority and without much work we can order people to do things we want them to do. Paul has spent the last seven verses nurturing Philemon's heart, exhorting him, reminding him of who he is in Christ. Preparing him to have his heart changed and challenged by God's Holy Spirit. That's where our strength lies; in getting people ready to hear God's Holy Spirit. Not only do we see that which is the easy way but also:
B. That Which Is The Right Way, vs. 18.
...convenient, vs. 8.
Is this not the right way? Listen to me! Just because something is convenient doesn't make it right! The law is convenient but love is work. The law is cut and dried ...love suffereth long, is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own... I Corinthians 13:4-5. Do you see the parallel between Paul's letter and this verse? Paul wants to do what is right, not what is convenient. We need to learn this great lesson.