September 25, Reading 3 – Philemon

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Philemon was a Christian who owned slaves. How does Paul persuade him to free Onesimus? How does someone refresh the hearts of the saints?

SJA Notes

* God of Grace and Mercy, please show us more of You today.

“… But I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.”

This is the other-centered upside-down heart-willing gospel!

Paul has a great deal of love for his brothers and sisters in Christ.

And he makes hard decisions that bring himself further limitation for the benefit of others.

This is love in action!

May we love as Paul does here.

And more, as with Paul, may our love be grounded and founded in the love God first showed us.

Hallelujah, what a Saviour we have!

* God Above,

You have given to us all good things.

You have showed us Your love so greatly in both You the Son Jesus and His work while on earth, and then in You the Spirit sent as a guide and companion for us through this life.

Please help us to love as You have loved Lord God.

Amen.