Thursday, July 16, 2015

Christ-Like

If you are looking for the posts about
God's Amazing Blessing Announcement—I'm moving!
here's the link to the first Part: 

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.
There are 10 parts in all.
I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—
and God took care of each and every one! 

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This post is the continuation of my study of Philemon. 
I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child, Onesimus [meaning profitable], whom I have begotten [in the faith] while a captive in these chains.  Philemon 1:10 (AMP)


Paul now states his request of Philemon. Out of love and respect for Paul, he is making this request about Onesimus. 

Who is Onesimus? He is a servant of Philemon's who did not do as he should have done. We know that Oneismus was not where he belonged, in Colossae with Philemon. That fact in an of itself, was enough to discredit Onesimus. Yet, now Onesimus is a changed man, since accepting Christ as His Savior. Paul wants to make that clear, and let Philemon know that Onesimus wants to do the right thing and return to Colossae. 

In the original, the name Onesimus is reserved to come in last in the sentence. The order of the Greek is this: “I entreat thee concerning a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds - Onesimus.” Here the name is not suggested, until he had mentioned that he sustained to him the relation of a son, and also until he had added that his conversion was the fruit of his labors while he was a prisoner. Then, when the name of Onesimus is mentioned, it would occur to Philemon not primarily as the name of an ungrateful and disobedient servant, but as the interesting case of one converted by the labors of his own friend in prison. Was there ever more delicacy evinced in preparing the way for disarming one of prejudice, and carrying an appeal to his heart? 
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible
Here we have three men each who has a major part in this event. 1. Philemon, the employer, who had an employee who did wrong. 2. Onesimus, the servant, who did wrong. 3. Paul, the apostle, the one who introduced Onesimus to Christ. 
Each of these men have a stake in this event. Philemon, will he show Christ-like love and forgiveness? Onesimus, will he demonstrate Christ-like humbleness and obedience as a Christian? Paul, in prison asking another believer to trust him and accept his request based upon Paul's Christ-like attitude and lifestyle. 

In today's society the theme is "what I deserve" or "what is owed me". However, that theme of entitlement is not true. What we each "deserve" and "owed" is NOT based on what we want or how we feel, but rather should be based upon what we do, and how we do it. Work ethic is important. 
Onesimus for whatever reason, left his place of employment, and ran away. Apparently, he thought he deserved more. But after meeting Paul, and learning about Christ and accepting Christ as his Lord, Onesimus had a change of heart—he was now a changed man.

Christ-like attitude is one that shines in all we do and say. Doesn't matter what we are asked to do, we are to do it as "unto the Lord". Christ-like attitude is not based on how I feel, or how I'm treated, rather is is the result of a heart permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). 

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