This post is Day 10 in a series of studies about “Philemon”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Philemon – Day 10

Paul was imprisoned in Rome under Roman authorities. But he did not consider that to be the reality of his situation. Paul was confident that Jesus was with him in any and every situation, and he made the most of them all. That is a challenge for many believers today.

Philemon 9-10

It is as none other than Paul – an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,

The Thought

Paul thought of Onesimus as his spiritual “son”; one who had come to faith under Paul’s teaching. He referred to Timothy in the same way, when he mentioned him in a message to the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 4:17). And also when he wrote to Timothy himself as a young pastor (1 Timothy 1:18).

Paul was imprisoned in Rome under Roman authorities. But he didn’t consider that to be the reality of his situation. He thought of himself as being a prisoner of Christ Jesus! He accepted his situation, knowing that wherever he was, and whatever he did, Jesus was directing his life. Paul was confident that Jesus was with him in any and every situation. And he made the most of them all. That is a challenge for many believers today.

There have been many occasions when I have heard people say “I don’t talk about my faith, it’s personal”, or “How I believe and what I believe is nothing to do with anyone else”.

We do not get those ideas from the gospels. The message in the gospels is clear. “Go and tell!” That’s what Jesus said to His first team when He sent them out into the harvest field. As you go, proclaim this message: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons, freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8).

His last message to us as today’s disciples, is recorded in the last verses of both Matthew’s and Mark’s gospels.

Action

Read some of those passages today and be encouraged to share your faith afresh with someone. Keep an eye open as you go through your day for someone who might be in pain, or upset and dare to offer to pray for them.

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