Philemon 1:25- A Final Plea for Daily Grace!

A Final Plea for Daily Grace!

The famed commentator R. C. H. Lenski once described Philemon as “Paul’s loveliest epistle.” Bengel wrote that this brief letter “far surpasses all the wisdom of the world.”

After spending considerable time working our way through this little letter, I can understand why.

Philemon is only twenty-five verses long, yet it contains a profound picture of the gospel at work in real life. It is a story about a runaway, renegade slave named Onesimus, a Christian master and faithful churchman named Philemon, and an aging and imprisoned apostle named Paul who finds himself standing in the middle of a broken relationship and a very messy situation.

But more than that, Philemon is a story about grace.

Paul's letter begins with grace and peace in verse 3, and it ends with grace in verse 25:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

What a fitting way to conclude this remarkable letter!

Paul's final words are a final plea for daily grace.  And, dear friend, this is no small thing.

We Need Grace (so much more than we often realize it)

Like Philemon and the ordinary believers who gathered with him at Colossae, we desperately need God's daily grace.

Paul's final prayer is addressed to Philemon, but the word “your” is plural. His prayer reaches beyond the primary recipient of the letter and extends to the entire Christian community.

It reaches us as well.

We are debtors of God's grace.

There is not a single heartbeat or breath that does not ultimately depend upon the sustaining grace of God. Jesus Christ is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Apart from His providential grace, we would not take another breath or ever cross the finish line.

And for the Christian, God's grace is not merely necessary at conversion.

There is no justification apart from redeeming grace.

There is no progressive sanctification apart from sanctifying grace.

There is no final glorification apart from future grace.

The Christian life begins with grace, continues by grace, and ends in grace. From A-Z the Christian life is truly all of grace.

The apostle Paul understood this personally. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 he wrote:

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain.”

Paul labored tirelessly for Christ, but he was careful to give the credit where it belonged: “Yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”

That is the testimony of every faithful Christian.  Like John Newton every Christian ought to humbly confess, “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am”

Whatever usefulness we have in the kingdom of God is ultimately the result of God's grace.

Grace Brings Peace

One of the overarching themes of Philemon is this: Grace from God through the Lord Jesus Christ ought to bring peace with God and with one another ( note also Colossians 3:12-16)

Philemon 1:24b- Faithful Partners in the Gospel: Loyal Luke and Disloyal Demas

History is filled with names that inspire us—and names that serve as cautionary tales.

When Americans hear the name George Washington, we think of courage, perseverance, and leadership. When we hear the name Benedict Arnold, we immediately think of disloyalty and betrayal. The same Revolutionary War that revealed the exemplary character of Washington also exposed the heart of Arnold.

The Christian life is no different.

Times of suffering and hardship have a way of revealing what lies beneath the surface. Trials expose whether our deepest affection belongs to Christ or to this present world. 

Satan informed God that Job only worships Him because of all the blessings he enjoys (wealth, health, respect and fame).  Take those gifts away and Job will abandon You (God) and curse your holy Name.  Few saints are taken through a job-like time of testing.

As noted earlier, trials expose whether our deepest affection belongs to Christ or to this present world. Few biblical examples illustrate this truth more vividly than Luke and Demas.

Their names appear together in Paul's letters. Both traveled with the apostle. Both witnessed the advance of the gospel. Both appeared to be trusted ministry partners.

Yet by the end of Paul's life, one remained faithfully at his side while the other abandoned him.

The difference was not opportunity.

The difference was affection.

A person's true spiritual condition is ultimately revealed by what he loves most (note also John 21).

Luke loved Christ. Demas loved this present world.

Their choices and the path they ultimately choose to travel upon revealed their hearts.

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I. Luke: The Quiet Faithfulness That God Delights to Honor

One of the most remarkable things about Luke is how little he says about himself.

Although he wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts—nearly one-fourth of the New Testament—he never draws attention to himself. Instead, he consistently points readers to Christ, to the work of the Holy Spirit, and to other saints.

Philemon 1:24- Mark: The Tragic Failure, Restored Partnership, Recognized Usefulness Story

Mark: A Painful Failure…An Unexpected Parting of Ways...and a Powerful Restoration!

Philemon 1:24

Pastoral ministry is not just marked by joy (high highs). It is also marked by disappointment (low lows). Church hurt is sadly an all too common experience.

Faithful men sometimes falter.  Trusted partners sometimes walk away.  Ministry friendships sometimes crumble. 

And when they do—it doesn’t just affect relationships.  It affects the work.  

Not surprising then, Satan and his minions work overtime trying to discourage, distract, and divide the Lord's people (hence Ephesians 4:1-32 and Colossians 3:12-17). One Christian author rightly notes, "Satan always divides when he is most afraid of ministry multiplication...If Satan can't stop us, then he will work overtime to divide us."  The moment you put your guard down is the second the forces of darkness move in.

Paul was not immune to these struggles.  He too experienced shocking heartbreak (see 2 Corinthians).  He too was abandoned. He too made mistakes.  He too endured relational falling outs.

Such things should not catch us by complete surprise. The Scriptures and church history remind us that "the best of men are still men at best." All men, includes the legendary Paul, and every other Christian leader. They too are "men at best."  

In my own life, some of my longtime ministry role models changed over time or proved not to be who I thought they were.  Initially, I was completely devastated.  In moments of despair the Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus and Jesus alone is the perfect, never failing, Good Shepherd! He alone is the (great) Hero of heaven (see Revelation 5)!  He alone is Faithful and ever True. "What a (perfect) Friend we have in Jesus." He is unrivaled! But back to Philemon.

A Failure That Couldn’t Be Ignored (at least not by Paul)

When Paul lists his fellow workers in Philemon 1:23-24, one name really stands out: "Mark."

Mark's story doesn’t start here, however.  In Acts 13, Mark joins Paul and Barnabas on an important missionary journey.   Later, this theological powerhouse team stood shoulder to shoulder at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). Paul and Barnabas functioned as the original dynamic duo! A formidable force.

But---something unexpected occurs.  

Earlier in the story, Mark turned back. He walked away. He abandoned ship.  Scripture doesn’t provide many details. It does show the result.

The work continues. "The show must go on." But now it’s far more challenging.

People often forget that ministry role players, by definition, play vital roles. When someone unexpectedly abandons their ministry post others have to carry extra weight. Productivity and progress can be negatively impacted. Morale often takes a hit.

And that kind of disappointment is not easily forgotten. Those who value loyalty and fortitude as highly as Paul did can feel the apostle's pain.

Mark was someone Paul believed he could count on. Someone he trusted. Someone he invested in.

A Sharp Conflict Between Good and Godly Friends.

By Acts 15, the Mark issue resurfaces.

Barnabas wants Mark to rejoin them. He believed it was time to restore him to ministry.  The son of encouragement may have appealed to the perfect example of the Lord Jesus, who graciously restored Simon Peter, after epic failure(s)- see John 21:15-19; Matthew 26:69-75.  

Paul views things differently and has different plans. And Luke records it plainly in Acts 15: "There arose a very sharp disagreement."

Not mild tension. Not a quiet difference of perspective.  A very sharp conflict. 

Paul likely emphasized faithfulness and fortitude. Barnabas likely emphasized grace, forbearance, and forgiveness.

Both men love Christ, the lost, and the Lord's Church. Both men want the gospel to advance. Both men want Jesus to be cherished and glorified! 

And yet—they lock horns and eventually they divide and go separate ways!  

Philemon 1:22- Confident Faith and Prayerful Optimism

"At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you." — Philemon 22

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Christian life is prayer.  Every day believers ask God to accomplish things that only He can do.

We pray for prodigals to repent and believe the gospel. We pray for broken relationships to be restored. We pray for missionaries serving in dangerous places. We pray for persecuted believers to stand firm. We pray for revival in our churches and spiritual awakening in our nation.

In short, we regularly ask God to intervene in God-like ways.

And yet, sometimes when the Almighty answers our prayers according to His all-wise and sovereign will, we are almost shocked by His response.

The believers gathered in Acts 12 provide a memorable example.  King Herod had arrested Peter and placed him under heavy guard. The situation appeared hopeless. Humanly speaking, Peter's future looked bleak. Yet the church did exactly what Christians should do in moments of crisis.

They prayed.

Luke tells us that "prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God" (Acts 12:5).

Then God did the impossible.

An angel appeared in Peter's prison cell. Chains fell from his hands. Guards were bypassed. Prison doors opened. Peter walked out a free man.

What happened next is almost humorous.  Peter arrived at the very house where believers were gathered for prayer. When Rhoda recognized his voice at the gate, she was so excited that she forgot to let him in. She ran to tell everyone that Peter was outside.

Their response?  "You are out of your mind!" (Acts 12:15).

The church had been praying fervently for Peter's release, yet they struggled to believe God had actually answered their prayers.

If we are honest, we often find ourselves in the same position.

We pray. We ask. We seek. We knock.

Yet when God answers, we sometimes react with surprise.

Like the father in Mark 9, we find ourselves saying, "I do believe; help my unbelief."

Philemon 1:17-20: Gospel-motivated Obedience Refreshes the Hearts of Fellow Christians!

Let Me Benefit From You in the Lord: Refresh My Heart in Christ!

"Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ." (Philemon 1:20)

We come now to the moment of truth in Paul's letter to Philemon.  The groundwork has been laid. Paul has prepared the soil and plucked the heartstrings of his ministry partner, Mr. Reliable, Philemon.

Paul has spoken warmly of Philemon's faith and love. He has reminded him of Onesimus' genuine (unexpected) conversion. He has highlighted the remarkable power of the gospel to save fugitive sinners, transform messy lives, and mend broken relationships.

Now comes the big ask.

How will Philemon respond? 

Will he receive his runaway slave as Christ received him (Romans 5:8)?  Will he forgive him? Will he treat him as a beloved brother in Christ? Or will prejudice, cultural norms, and resentment win the day?

As we arrive at verses 17-20, we discover that this passage is about far more than Philemon and Onesimus. It teaches every believer how to honor Christ and refresh the hearts of God's people.

The Influence of a Faithful Christian

One of the recurring themes in Philemon is the refreshing ministry of encouragement.

Earlier in the letter Paul writes:

"Because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother." (Philemon 7)

Philemon had a reputation for strengthening God's people.

His faith was not merely private. His love was not merely theoretical. His Christian life brought comfort, encouragement, and joy to others.

That truth should cause us to pause and reflect.

Whether we realize it or not, every Christian is an influencer.

Our attitudes influence others. Our actions influence others. Our responses to trials influence others. Our obedience influences others.

Philemon's response to Onesimus would undoubtedly influence the entire church at Colossae.

The congregation would be watching.

Would he respond according to the flesh or imitate the perfect example of Christ?

The same question confronts us today: How can we honor Jesus while refreshing the hearts of fellow believers?

The answer is surprisingly simple: By fleshing out the implications of the gospel and living in light of our common union in Christ.

Paul Appeals Rather Than Commands

One of the most beautiful features of this letter is its warm and gracious tone.

Paul possessed apostolic authority.

If he chose, he could have simply issued a command.

Instead, he appeals as a friend, a fellow laborer, and a spiritual father.

Earlier Paul wrote:

"Though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you..." (Philemon 8-9)

By the time we reach verse 21, Paul expresses complete confidence in Philemon's obedience.

Why?  Because mature believers generally desire to do what is right. They are not perfect. But they are teachable.  They are eager to obey the Lord from the heart and not as mere man pleasers.

Paul presses into Philemon's godly reputation and character. He knows his proven track record.  Paul is optimistic that Philemon will once again respond to his big ask in a Christ-honoring manner. No matter the cost.

Receive Him as You Would Receive Me!

At the heart of Paul's appeal is this remarkable request:

"If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me." (Philemon 17)

What an astonishing statement!  Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus exactly as he would welcome the Apostle himself.

Think about that for a moment.

Onesimus had failed. He had sinned. He had wronged his master.

Yet because of the grace of God, Paul now views him differently.

No longer as a renegade runaway. No longer as a lazy and worthless worker.

He is now a beloved brother in Christ. A fellow saint.  A valuable co-laborer. A member of God's family.

The gospel changes how we view one another.  Our primary identity is no longer rooted in social status, ethnicity, occupation, or background. Our primary identity is found in Christ.

That reality lies at the very heart of Paul's appeal.

Forgiveness and Restoration

Paul goes even further.

He writes:

"But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account." (Philemon 18)

What grace! What mercy! What love! What a picture of the gospel!

Paul is willing to personally absorb the debt in order to facilitate relational reconciliation. He values unity within the of Body of Christ so much he is willing to do whatever he can to foster it.

At the same time, he expects Philemon to forgive Onesimus just as God in Christ had forgiven him (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12-14).

This is the pattern taught throughout the New Testament. Forgiven people forgive. Recipients of grace extend grace. Those reconciled to God pursue reconciliation with others.