Philemon Outline

THE BOOK OF PHILEMON

I. THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LETTER: VS 1-3

A. This letter was from two great Christians: Paul and Timothy. v 1 B. This letter came with the greatest credentials: Paul being in prison. v 1 C. This letter was to the greatest people on earth: Christians. v 2 D. This letter desired the greatest blessings: Grace and peace. v 2 E. This letter was from the greatest source: God and Christ. v 2

II. THE PRAYER OF PAUL FOR PHILEMON: VS 4-7

A. This was the reality of his prayer. v 4 1. Paul prayed for Philemon. 2. Christians should pray for each other. James 5:16 B. This was the motivation of his prayer. v 5 1. Paul had heard of Philemon's character. a). Philemon loved the Lord. Matt. 22:36-40 b). Philemon believed in the Lord. Heb. 11:6 c). Philemon loved the saints. 1 Peter 1:22 2. The faithfulness of other Christians should motivate us to pray. Heb. 4:14-16 C. This was the nature of his prayer. v 6 1. Paul prayed that Philemon would grow in spirituality. 2. Christians need to pray for their brethren so that they can grow in spirituality. Eph. 4:13-16 D. These were the reasons for his prayer. v 7 1. Paul had a great consolation over the character of Philemon. 2. Christians should have a great consolation over the character of another Christian. Matt. 5:14-16

III. THE INTERCESSION OF PAUL FOR ONESIMUS: VS 8-22

A. This was the nature of his intercession. (Paul is asking Philemon to accept Onesimus back as being a Christian brother in Christ instead of being a run away slave.) B. These were the appeals of his intercession. vs 8-10 1. Paul could have commanded it. v 8 2. Paul used the greatest appeal for his request: for love sake. vs 9-10 a). Philemon, you can love me because I am old and a prisoner of the Lord. v 9 b). Philemon, you can love Onesimus because he is a Christian. v 10 C. These were the motivations for his intercession. vs 11-14 1. Onesimus as a Christian can be of service to you. v 11 2. Onesimus could be received with love. v 12 3. Onesimus could have ministered unto Paul. vs 13-14 D. These are the charges for his intercession. vs 15-22 1. Philemon, you can receive Onesimus as a Christian brother. vs 15-16 2. Philemon, you can receive Onesimus as you would receive me. v 17 3. Philemon, you can forgive Onesimus. v 18, Eph. 4:32 4. Philemon, you can fulfill my request. vs 19-22 a). Philemon, you know our relationship. v 19 b). Philemon, you know that I need joy in the Lord. v 20 c). Philemon, you know that I have confidence in your obedience. v 21 d). Philemon, you know that I need your prayers, and that I plan to come and visit you. v 22

IV. THE SALUTATION OF PAUL: VS 23-24

A. Greeting from my fellow prisoners in Christ. v 23 B. Greeting from my fellow laborers in Christ. v 24 C. Grace from our Lord Jesus Christ. v 25

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