This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
Gene Cunningham - August 2, 2011
Philemon #2
The Church is a family, a workforce, team, army, separated people, persecuted aliens, reconciled body of saints (Phm 1:1-3). Persecution is the norm (Luk 9:23, 2Ti 3:11-12, Joh 7:17). Jesus Christ will avenge the persecution (Joh 15:20, Act 9:4-5, Rom 12:19, Rev 6:10, Rev 16:6). Believers should meet persecution with rejoicing and pray for persecuters (Mat 5:10-12, Act 5:41, Rom 12:14, 2Co 12:9-10, 1Pe 4:12-14). Persecution provides opportuniy to testify to the love and power of Christ (Luk 21:13-19, Act 8:1-4, Phi 1:12-18). Persecutions will increase as Christ's return draws near (Rev 3:7-13). The power to meet and overcome persecution is the same (Rev 12:11). Paul's epistle are built around prayer (Phm 1:4, Eph 1:14-20, Eph 3:15-20).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Revelation 3:7-13, Luke 9:23, Revelation 16:6, Philippians 1:12-18, Philippians 1:1-3, Revelation 6:10, Acts 8:1-4, Ephesians 3:15-20, Romans 12:19, Luke 21:13-19, Ephesians 1:14-20, Acts 9:4-5, Romans 12:14, Philippians 1:4, John 15:20, Acts 5:41, Revelation 12:11, John 7:17, Matthew 5:10-12
From Series: "Philemon - A Living Parable of God's Redemption - California 2011"
In Philemon 10-11 Paul writes 'I appeal to you for my son Onesimus whom I have begotten while in my chains who once was unprofitable to you but now is profitable to you and to me.' These verses highlight the theme of the letter namely redemption and reconciliation. The annual Weekend Bible Conference was held 5-7 August 2011 in Orange County California.