The Coolidge examiner., 1936-11-26
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Impr0rea O SUNDAY
Uniform CC-O~r
= LES SON =
By REV. HAROLD L. LUNDQUIST.
Dean of the Moody Bible Institute
of Chicago,
g Western Newspaper Union.
Lesson for November 29
CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD
LESSON TEXT-Philemon 4.2O.

LESSON TEXT-Philemon APO.
GOLDEN TEXT-There is neither
bond nor free. for ye all are one IN
Christ Jesus. Galatians 1928.
PRIMARY TOPIC - Psul's Shortest
Letter.
JUNIOR ToPIC-Paurs Shortest Let
| ter.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-A Slave Becomes a Brother.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Christ Transforming Social Relation
ships.
Letters are always interesting,
and especially so when they bring
good news. The brief epistle to
Philemon is one of unusual charm.
Paul writes to Philemon, Christian
brother in Colosse, to inform him
that he is sending back to him
Onesimus, who was apparently
Philemon's brother (v. 16) but who
had through misfortune and sin (vV.
18, 19) become a slave. Evidently,
he had stolen from Philemon what
he needed to enable him to run
away. and had ultimately come to
Rome.
Having reached this great city he
no doubt was satisfied that he had
placed himself beyond the reach OF
anyone who knew him. But he had
reckoned without God, who not only
knew where he was (See PS. l39:
7-12) but also what he needed. He
is brought into touch with the i'm
prisoned apostle, Paul, and through
his ministry the fugitive slave be-
comes a brother beloved in the
Lord" ". 16). How marvellous is
the grace of God, and how patiently
he deals with those who attempt to
flee even from his love!
Our study of this epistle centers
around four great words.
/. Appreciation (vv. 4-8).
After an Introductory word Paul
speaks of his love for Philemon, his
appreciation of the latter'5 hospitali-
ty, his fellowship, ind his faith.
Is Paul fattering his friend in
order that he may grant his re-
quest? Certainly not, but he is eX-
pressing his true feelings toward a
faithful brother. We need a re-
vival of Christian courtesy and ap-
probation of one another.
The man who thinks that he must
show that he is true to Christ by
treating others with boorish rude
ness needs to learn a new lesson
from the Lord himself, and from his
Word.
III. Consideration wv. 9-14.
Paul could have kept silent, and
encouraged Onesimus to remain
with him. He needed help ". 13)
but without the consent of Philemon
he would not keep Onesimus (v. 14.
At the same time he reminds Phile-
mon very tactfully that he owes
them both loving consideration.
We have here a striking illustra-
ton of the candor and considerate
thoughtfulnesS which should charac-
terize the dealings of Christians with
one another. We need to put away
careless trampling upon the rights
of others in order that our work
may go forward.
III. Brotherhood (vv. 1910.
The fact of regeneration does not
change a mans social status so far
as the world is concerned, but with
in the circle of Gods household he
becomes a brother beloved" Let
us look less at the accidents of cir
cumstance, education, or birth,
which differ and rather magnify the
family relationship, for all who are
born again are brethren.
~. Partnership wv. 1920.
Paul counted Philemon not only
a benefactor and brother, but
partner in the great enterprise of
God on earth. Partners share both
joys and sorrows, gains and losses.
They stand by in the hour of need,
they plan and labor, weep and re-
joice together One wonders what
might be accomplished for Christ if
all Christians would accord one an
other even the ordinary considera-
tions of partnership.
1t should be noted in closing that
verses II and 18 present an illustra-
ton of the great doctrine of imputa-
ton. The wrong of Onesimus was
to be charged to Paul, and Paul's
standing with Philemon is the basis
of his acceptance of Onesimus.
Even SO the Righteousness o. Christ
is imputed to the believer, because
our sins have been laid upon him.
What a wonderful Saviour!