Arizona sun., 1946-12-13


that Is just what it has done. We
study today a letter written about
a slave boy at time when slavery
was accepted as right. but 1t
stated principles Of Christian con-
sideration and brotherly love which
were eventually to overthrow slav-
cry. It is still at work today when
and where we let it!
This letter, written by Paul and
yet by the Holy Spirit. personal and
yet eternal and spiritual in its ap-
plication, is a model Of letter writ
ing. and equally a model of Chris
tian brotherhood. It concerns one
Onesimus, a slave who had desert
ed his master and probably defraud-
ed him ". 18). He had been con-
verted and now was being sent back
to his master.
1. 81 Might Be BOld-Yet Rath-
er Beseech Thee" (vv. 4-9.
After a fine spiritual salutation
wv. 1-3), Paul enters upon an ap-
peal to Philemon which is model
of tact and courtesy.
First he lets Philemon know of
his prayerful interest in him. Paul
had been praying for him. that's
why he could say such helpful
word.
Then he recognizes Philemon's
goodness and his effective testimony
for Christ. This was an excellent
approach to the making Of re-
quest, and be sure that it was not
empty or hypocritical fattery. We
do well to recognize the fine quail
ties Of our Christian brother. and
we could profitably speak Of them
more than we do.
Then Paul was ready to make his
request. See how nicely he does it.
He skillfully reminds Philemon that
he (PauD might make some de-
mands. and especially in view Of his
age and his Imprisonment. But he
will not do so; rather he says, 'T
beseech thee"
ii. without Thy Mind / Would
Do Nothing" (vv. 1910.
Paul, the aged prisoner, had found
in his new convert, Onesimus. real
helper. He would have liked to keep
him. In fact. says he to Phile-
mon, Onesimus could do for me the
things you would want to do If you
were here ". 13.
Paul could have felt sure of the
willingness of Philemon. He could
have assumed that the request
would be granted. And in any case,
Philemon did not even know where
Onesimus was, so why not keep
him? He did not reason thus.
True Christian consideration re-
spects the personal rights and the
property rights of another. We must
not assume, or demand, or put
pressure on anyone ". 1N to get
what they have or to draw out their
service.
Another expression of considera-
ton is found in verses Is and 16.
Philemon had lost a heather slave,
now he is receiving back Chris
tian brother. No worker will give
less in service, and no master will
demand more, because both are
Christians.
Now Paul touches on one of the
finest elements involved in Christian
brotherhood, namely. cooperation.
We are to live and labor together
for a common cause. Pleading for
his friend and brother, the young
slave Onesimus, he says:
iii. "If Thou Count Me a Partner,
Receive Him" (vv. 17-2D.
Partners share the benefits and
the burdens of their joint enter
prise. Partners in the gospel, like
Paul and Philemon. shared not only
spiritual blessings; but also the re-
sponsibilities. Paul was presenting
such an item to Philemon in the re-
turn of Onesimus. Something had
to, be done about the debt Of Onesi-
mus, his failure as a serv ant. Paul
says, Charge it to me, your part
ner."
1t has been pointed out that there
is here a blessed example of the
important doctrine of imputation,
which is the "act of God whereby
he accounts. righteousness to the
believer in Christ" because he has
borne the believers sins in vindi-
cation of the law" So we note that
verses II and 18 perfectly illustrate
imputation.
Paups promise, Il will repay it"
". 19). was the legal phraseology
of a promissory note in his day.
1t was bonafide partnership trans
action, yet it was coupled with a re-
minder of Indebtedness. Everything
Philemon had and was he owed to
Paul; but, says the latter. II will
not speak Of that now.''
No right-thinking person is con.
tent always to be on the receiving
end. The humblest recipient of ia.
vor or the smallest child who feels
the love Of another wants to respond.
The considerate friend will, there.
fore, not always insist on giving, but
xvill 0raciOIIS1v (1iko pa,N 0pon tho