Title [Text: Mon 1:8-22] Onesimus
The central character in this book is Onesimus. The purpose of Paul's special letter to Philemon was also for this Onesimus. That's how much Paul valued Onesimus. Now, I would like to receive grace by introducing Onesimus, as revealed in this letter.
1. It is said that he was a son born in prison (10).
As we already know, Onesimus was Philemon's servant. But he fled with Philemon's property, but was arrested and imprisoned in Rome, where he met Paul and was saved. This blessed process is being described as “a son born in prison.” ① Paul describes Onesimus as a son.
It is an expression full of love. The servant became a son. Sometimes there will be tears of joy at the fact that we are called children of God. The thought of a sinner like me being considered a son will rekindle gratitude and loyalty. Paul regarded Onesimus as a son even though he was a slave, so it is very precious.
②Paul said that Onesimus was born while in captivity.
It implies double jeopardy. Giving birth or giving birth is a great pain. Therefore, when the day of childbirth approaches, I feel very sad (John 16:21). How much hard work must it have been since he was in prison as well?
Getting a life is never easy. You have to go through the trouble of dissolution. We must be prepared for this kind of suffering in order to save one soul. But the important thing is that the son born through hard work is more precious and lovable. As each of us is a son born through the sufferings of the cross, I hope that we will become a church that cherishes the saints we have worked hard for.
2. He used to be useless, but now he is useful (11)
To Philemon, Onesimus was not only useless, but also a man who did a lot of damage. But now that he has become a Christian, he has become a very helpful person to Paul and Philemon. Christianity is a religion of change. Jesus' first miracle was to turn water into wine in Cana of Galilee. The religion that brings about this change is Christianity. Just as Onesimus turned into a useful man, we must change ourselves. By the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit, we must put off our old self and become a new person. You must become a person who benefits everyone. Your character must change, and your purpose of life must also change. Consciousness must also change. Lifestyle habits must also change. May the history of this change be among us today. We must also take the lead in changing the world. The first sign in the wilderness after crossing the Red Sea is also the event of change.
The Israelites, who suffered from lack of water for three days, found water at Marah, but the water was bitter and they could not drink it. At God's command, Moses threw a branch into the water. Then the water became sweet. We should preach the gospel with a sense of great responsibility, rather than complaining, complaining, and suffering while looking at the suffering world. The only way to change the world is the gospel. I hope that our church will strive to be a useful being by changing the world in the world.
3. Paul called Onesimus my servant (12).
Simbok means heart. It means someone who cares deeply, trusts, and loves from the bottom of their hearts. As a result, Paul had a desire to always have Onesimus by his side (13). Unity of heart in human relationships is very precious. It is very precious to be in harmony with God's work. You can be effective when you work with like-minded people. We want our members to participate in the work of the Lord as servants. May the servants of the Lord become co-workers who cherish, trust, and love with their hearts. I hope that we will become saints who are recognized as servants by superiors in the workplace or business field. The saints who have been transformed in Christ must be recognized in the same way in the world. Paul regarded Onesimus as a servant. I hope to become such saints.
4. It is said that he is a person who has left for a while, but is set to stay forever (15).
To leave for a while means that Onesimus ran away from Philemon. To be put on forever means that you are now part of an eternal household in Christ. These two events are understood by Paul as the providence of God. It means that God provided for Onesimus to depart from Philemon in order to become an eternal Christian. We all know that it is no coincidence that Joseph was hated by his brothers, thrown into an empty well, sold into slavery, and put into servitude and imprisonment. The Bible testifies that it was the providence of God to make Egypt prime minister and to save Israel. God's providence is mysterious. The process is not easily understood. But after the results appear, you realize and are thrilled. When we understand everything through God's providence, we can persevere in hope without becoming discouraged in the midst of any hardship.
saints? Let's not look at the current hardship in a negative way. Let's be positive about those who have harmed us. Let's entrust all our affairs to God, who works together for good while examining what God's providence is like. Some of them commit sins against God's providence in excess, and they fall into unhappiness on their own. That's stupid.
I saw Onesimus, whom Paul had affectionately and specially asked for. Whatever it was in the past, I hope that now, like Onesimus, we become God's people who are so much needed.