Word@Work Philemon8 - Philemon 1:17-19
Published: Thu, 08/11/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
RESTORING THE PENITENT
Philemon 1:17-19 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back--not to mention that you owe me your very self. (NIV)
Repentance is essential for reconciliation. If there is no penitence, there can be no fellowship. But when there has been a change of heart and a willingness to confess it, the sinner should be restored to fellowship. So, Paul urged Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother, as a fellow 'sinner saved by grace', and as a partner in the gospel.
But restitution is essential too. Paul did not want to hide the reality that Onesimus may have stolen from his master. That still needed to be repaid and, as Onesimus had no assets, Paul was willing to compensate Philemon out of the gifts received from other churches. By writing it in his own handwriting, Paul placed himself under a legal obligation to fulfil his promise; even though Philemon already owed so much to Paul's apostolic ministry.
We live in a world of easy promises which are not kept, and cheap restoration (without repentance or restitution). We need Paul's instruction to Philemon: it should help to reset our understanding of how to deal with the legacy of sinful behaviour in the home, church or workplace. However forgiving we may be, repentance and restitution is the right pattern - to reform the sinner and to restore trust. The pragmatic compromises which litter families, churches and businesses only store up trouble for the future. This sort of biblical transparency is the way forward.
Prayer: Ever loving God. Thank You that when I could never pay You back for all my sins, Jesus Christ paid with His own life. Thank You for giving me the desire to repent and, in as far as I am able, to make amends for the past. Forgive me for making easy compromises which do not address the real issues, and only store up trouble for the future. Help me to have the same kind of biblical transparent integrity as the apostle Paul, and may You have the glory as Your people move together to work with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Repentance is essential for reconciliation. If there is no penitence, there can be no fellowship. But when there has been a change of heart and a willingness to confess it, the sinner should be restored to fellowship. So, Paul urged Philemon to welcome Onesimus as a brother, as a fellow 'sinner saved by grace', and as a partner in the gospel.
But restitution is essential too. Paul did not want to hide the reality that Onesimus may have stolen from his master. That still needed to be repaid and, as Onesimus had no assets, Paul was willing to compensate Philemon out of the gifts received from other churches. By writing it in his own handwriting, Paul placed himself under a legal obligation to fulfil his promise; even though Philemon already owed so much to Paul's apostolic ministry.
We live in a world of easy promises which are not kept, and cheap restoration (without repentance or restitution). We need Paul's instruction to Philemon: it should help to reset our understanding of how to deal with the legacy of sinful behaviour in the home, church or workplace. However forgiving we may be, repentance and restitution is the right pattern - to reform the sinner and to restore trust. The pragmatic compromises which litter families, churches and businesses only store up trouble for the future. This sort of biblical transparency is the way forward.
Prayer: Ever loving God. Thank You that when I could never pay You back for all my sins, Jesus Christ paid with His own life. Thank You for giving me the desire to repent and, in as far as I am able, to make amends for the past. Forgive me for making easy compromises which do not address the real issues, and only store up trouble for the future. Help me to have the same kind of biblical transparent integrity as the apostle Paul, and may You have the glory as Your people move together to work with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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