Finally, we arrive in our town. Our final destination is all about applying the main idea to our lives. 

goals

The primary goal is to get closer to our heavenly Father. Ask these questions:
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  • God, what does this say about who You are?
  • What is important to You here?
  • Why did you include this in Your word?
  • How does this reflect Your holiness and love?
We also want to grow as disciples – seeking to obey what God has said. Respond to what the Holy Spirit is teaching you by asking these questions:
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  • Is there a promise to believe?
  • Is there a command to obey?
  • Is there a sin from which I need to repent?

Let's Try It:

Learning about God. We can see Jesus in how Paul responds to Philemon:
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  • He encourages forgiveness
  • He seeks to restore, and not condemn
  • He loves both Onesimus and Philemon
  • He offers to pay for damage done by the sins of another
  • He encourages unity, hospitality, and fellowship

Growing as disciples. How does this apply to my life?

  • We see these promises of God present in this letter:
    • ​Christ puts His goodness in us (vs. 6)
    • When we believe in Christ we become His children and therefore brothers and sisters in Christ
    • Grace comes from Jesus
  • ​Although we receive no commands in this passage, Paul appeals to Philemon to extend grace and forgiveness to Onesimus. This makes us reflect on Christ's command to give grace and forgiveness to others as we have received these from Him (Col. 3:13)
  • Again there is no sin mentioned, however, the sin of unforgiveness is a potential pitfall that Philemon could fall into. The question we can ask ourselves is: Who do we need to forgive or give grace to?

make it personal

When applying the main idea, make it as personal as possible. Ask God how He wants you to change in light of His word. So, for example, instead of saying:

"I should be more forgiving"

I should say:

"I need to talk with my dad and tell him that I forgive him."

let's try it:

So what is your application of this passage?