TOPIC:‌"The Loftiness of Christian Love"

                  by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap

 

TEXT:‌Philemon 1:1-10

 

"I appeal to you on the basis of love...I appeal to you for my son Onesimus" (vv. 9, 10, NIV)

 

‌The loftiness of God's love is found in the amazing fact that it is unconditional towards all people. It embraces everyone no matter who they are, where they live or what they have done. Such love is described for us by the Apostle Paul in these words: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). In order to receive such love man does not need to work for it, qualify for it, or do penitence for it. It comes to every person by means of the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

 

‌Now this is the background for what Paul had to say to his dear friend Philemon about Onesimus as he writes this magnificent letter of Christian love to him. Onesimus was a slave from Colossae who had fled from his master Philemon to Rome to escape the consequences of his crime. Under Roman law Philemon's power was unlimited in dealing with Onesimus. Recovered slaves were branded on the forehead, condemned to double labor, and death by crucifixion if caught stealing.

 

‌It is at this point that Paul sets forth what Christian love is all about. This fugitive from justice came within reach of Paul at Rome and was converted to Christ under his ministry. After his conversion, Onesimus had become a trusted friend and excellent helper to Paul in his work. Paul writes this letter to plead with Philemon to receive Onesimus back with forgiving love for he was now a beloved brother in the Lord and a son of the Kingdom.

 

‌Here Paul's loving heart is requesting not only for Philemon to take Onesimus back by forgiving him as found in the words of verses 9 and 15: "I appeal to you on the basis of love...that you might have him back," but as Joseph Lightfoot, great English theologian suggests, even emancipate him as indicated by Paul's words in verses 16 and 21: "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother...Confidence of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." In those words I believe we behold liberation.

 

‌There are four truths found in this marvelous and moving story of Christian love that I desire to bring to your attention.

 

I.

 

‌Consider, to begin with, Christian love MINISTERS to the MOST DESPERATE. Onesimus' character is intimated in verse 11: "Formerly he was useless to you." The King James renders these words to . . .