3a. The text points us to Jesus with references to Him and the effects He has on peoples' lives who choose to be disciples: v.3-peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ v.5-faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus v.6-every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus v.8-I might be very bold in Christ v.9-a prisoner of Jesus Christ v.16-a beloved brother...and in the Lord v.20-let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord v.25-the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Paul constantly draws Philemon's attention (and the attention of the other readers) back to Jesus and what he has in Christ.
3b. The Bible's main theme. I'm sorry, I'll need help with this one. I have read the entire letter about 5 times, and I just don't see what she is looking for here...can someone please help me?
4a. What surprises me most in this book, every time I read it, is the way Paul shamelessly uses every "trick" he can to coerce Philemon into being merciful and gracious to his returned slave. I'm not saying he's wrong, or that the book is not inspired, I just find it a delightful (and rather amusing) surprise that he is so masterful at his "manipulation" of words and the structure of the letter to achieve the desired effect. Can't you just see Philemon heaving a big sigh at the end and saying, "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll take him back as a beloved brother in Christ! You almost make ME feel guilty for having a runaway slave!" Hehe...at least that's how I'd feel...
5a. The application...um, that we can use emotional manipulation if the end is in the Lord? JK!! That in Christ, we must go beyond what is REQUIRED of us (by the laws of God or man) and be merciful, gracious, and forgiving of one another, no matter what thy've done...just as God forgave us ALL our many sins through Christ. AND that our ATTITUDE must be generous; we don't serve the Lord and love others out of compulsion...it is completely voluntary. (not sure if that's the main application, but one of them)
5b. Specific personal application...hmmm. Well, if I apply this letter to myself, I would say that if a person wrongs me in some way, then repents, I must forgive him and treat him with the same love I would anyone else...I guess this would particularly apply if I had a subordinate or employee who stole from me in some way, then became a Christian! I have received so much grace and mercy through Christ, and in turn I show my gratitude and love by being merciful and forgiving toward others.
Onesimus is to be redeem by Philemon - like we are redeemed by Jesus - we and Onesimus deserved death for our actions, but O and us will received life instead.
So my answer to the application (5a) is to forgive those who wrong me - be able to not 'follow the rules/customs' - to restore a soul
2 comments:
3a. The text points us to Jesus with references to Him and the effects He has on peoples' lives who choose to be disciples:
v.3-peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
v.5-faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus
v.6-every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus
v.8-I might be very bold in Christ
v.9-a prisoner of Jesus Christ
v.16-a beloved brother...and in the Lord
v.20-let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord
v.25-the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Paul constantly draws Philemon's attention (and the attention of the other readers) back to Jesus and what he has in Christ.
3b. The Bible's main theme. I'm sorry, I'll need help with this one. I have read the entire letter about 5 times, and I just don't see what she is looking for here...can someone please help me?
4a. What surprises me most in this book, every time I read it, is the way Paul shamelessly uses every "trick" he can to coerce Philemon into being merciful and gracious to his returned slave. I'm not saying he's wrong, or that the book is not inspired, I just find it a delightful (and rather amusing) surprise that he is so masterful at his "manipulation" of words and the structure of the letter to achieve the desired effect. Can't you just see Philemon heaving a big sigh at the end and saying, "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll take him back as a beloved brother in Christ! You almost make ME feel guilty for having a runaway slave!" Hehe...at least that's how I'd feel...
5a. The application...um, that we can use emotional manipulation if the end is in the Lord? JK!!
That in Christ, we must go beyond what is REQUIRED of us (by the laws of God or man) and be merciful, gracious, and forgiving of one another, no matter what thy've done...just as God forgave us ALL our many sins through Christ. AND that our ATTITUDE must be generous; we don't serve the Lord and love others out of compulsion...it is completely voluntary.
(not sure if that's the main application, but one of them)
5b. Specific personal application...hmmm. Well, if I apply this letter to myself, I would say that if a person wrongs me in some way, then repents, I must forgive him and treat him with the same love I would anyone else...I guess this would particularly apply if I had a subordinate or employee who stole from me in some way, then became a Christian! I have received so much grace and mercy through Christ, and in turn I show my gratitude and love by being merciful and forgiving toward others.
My answer to 3b:
Onesimus is to be redeem by Philemon - like we are redeemed by Jesus - we and Onesimus deserved death for our actions, but O and us will received life instead.
So my answer to the application (5a) is to forgive those who wrong me - be able to not 'follow the rules/customs' - to restore a soul
Hope that helps, Ann.
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