ABE Odunayo Olubunmi

STUDY THE BOOK OF PHILEMON ( NEW TESTAMENT) @ ABE ODUNAYO.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS (VS 1-3)
1 . Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear brother and fellow worker,

2 . And to our dear Apphia and Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house

3 . Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING FOR PHILEMON (VS 4-6)
4 . I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,

5 . For I hear of your love and faith which you have for the Lord Jesus and for all saints,

6 . That the sharing of your faith may become effective by knowing every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus.

PHILEMON'S LOVING BEHAVIOR WAS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO PAUL (VS 7)
7 . For we have great joy and encouragement in your love because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

PAUL'S REQUEST CONCERNING ONESIMUS (VS 8-21)
8 . Therefore, though I could be very bold in Christ to order you to do what is fitting,

9 . Yet instead, for love’s sake, I appeal to you as Paul an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

*(1:8-9 As a servant of Christ Paul could have set before Philemon his duty as a believer, and the commands of Scripture. But Philemon had already shown that he had love in his heart (v 7), and so Paul appeals to him on that basis.⚜)

10 . I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus; in my chains I have become his father.

11 . In time past he was not profitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

*(1:10-11 The name Onesimus means “useful”. He was a slave of Philemon (v 16) who had run away and become useless to him. But having become a child of God he became useful in a far higher sense.⚜)

12 . I have sent him back to you. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart.

13 . I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he could be of service to me in the bonds of the gospel,

14 . But without knowing your mind I would do nothing, so that your good deed would not be like something forced, but voluntary.

*(1:13-14 Paul was sure that Philemon would have gladly been a help to him if he had been where Paul was. But he would not try to use another man’s servant without consent. If a favor is forced and not free, it is no favor at all. This is true also of any gift we make to God or to His people – 2 Cor 9:7.⚜)

15 . For perhaps he left you for a time that you might receive him for ever,

16 . Not now as a slave📖, but more than a slave, a dear brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the body and in the Lord?

17 . So if you count me a partner, receive him as myself.

18 . If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that to my account.

19 . I Paul have written this with my own hand, I will pay it back; but I do not need to tell you that you owe me even your very self.

*(1:17-19 Paul had learned this from Christ. He knew that God accepts believers as He does His own Son – Acts 15:8; Rom 5:2; 14:3; Eph 2:18. He knew that we must accept one another as Christ accepts us – Rom 15:7. He knew that accepting someone a person sends is the same as accepting the person who sent him – John 13:20. He knew that all the wrongs, sins, and spiritual debts of believers have been put to Christ’s account and that Christ paid them in full – Isa 53:5-6; Rom 8:33-34; 2 Cor 5:19-21. Paul had learned what love is and what these divine principles mean, and was happy to put them into practice. So must we be. We should be happy to pay the debts of other believers as Christ has paid our debts, and to accept other believers who have offended us as God has accepted us who have offended Him.⚜)

20 . Yes, brother, let me rejoice in the Lord because of you. Refresh my heart in the Lord.

*(1:20 This benefit was not for himself but for one who was dear to him.⚜)

21 . I have confidence in your obedience and so write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

PAUL'S REQUEST CONCERNING HIMSELF (VS 22)
22 . Moreover, prepare a place for me to stay, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

*(1:22 Because of the prayers of Philemon (and others) Paul expected to be released from prison. Compare Acts 12:5-11.⚜)

CLOSING REMARKS (VS 23-25)
23 . Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

24 . As do Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow workers.

25 . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Amen).

LESSONS TO LEARN
Here are some key lessons to take away:

1. The Power of Forgiveness:
Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiving those who have wronged us, exemplifying Christ's attitude towards forgiveness.

2. Restoration and Reconciliation:
The letter highlights the significance of restoring relationships that have been strained or broken, encouraging believers to seek reconciliation.

3. Value of Every Individual:
Paul urges Philemon to view Onesimus not just as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ, emphasizing the inherent worth of every person.

4. Emphasizing Christian Brotherhood:
The concept of spiritual kinship transcends social status, urging believers to act as family members, regardless of societal norms.

5. Intercession and Advocacy:
Paul acts as an intercessor for Onesimus, teaching the importance of standing up for those in need and advocating for justice.

6. Living Out the Gospel:
The letter serves as a reminder to live out the Christian message in everyday life, showing how faith affects relationships and societal structures.

7. Responsibility and Ownership:
The call to take responsibility for one's actions is prominent, as Philemon is encouraged to make choices that reflect his faith.

8. Transformational Relationships:
The relationship between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus illustrates how the Gospel transforms not just individual lives but also the dynamics of relationships.

These lessons from Philemon offer timeless insights into Christian living and the importance of love and grace in interpersonal relationships.

CONCLUSION
The Book of Philemon is a brief yet profound letter in the New Testament, focusing on themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

NB:- PLEASE LET'S TAKE TIME TO READ OTHER BIBLE REFERENCES POINTED OUT FOR DEEPER ASSIMILATION.
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Abe Odunayo, aka AKOBI JESU.

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR WILLIAMS FOLORUNSO KUMUYI

Yoke Fellows

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body (Hebrews 13:3)

Someone said: “Our lives intersect with others all day, every day. Sometimes we know these other lives well; frequently, though, the points of connection are brief and transient. Who are these people? How might they tell their own stories? What thoughts preoccupy their minds? What joys and troubles are coursing through their feelings? Empathy is our tool for beginning to know these things. It asks the question: If we could catch a glimpse of others’ stories, would we treat them differently?”

These are trying times. Believers are daily persecuted in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, for instance, Christians are being murdered in some parts of the country under an insurgency that tends to target Christianity. The insurgents say their aim is to impose a form of religion on the nation. Since the crisis heightened in 2009, many believers and worshippers have lost their lives while inside the church on fellowship days.

Nowadays, some believers only mind their own business when it comes to bearing fellow believers’ burden. They shut their bowels of mercy. Although times are hard, the work of the Lord must be done nevertheless. Circumstances of life must not prevent believers from showing empathy to others.

Today, the Home Caring Fellowship system is no longer vibrant because people complain that the love that used to characterize the fellowship is no longer obtainable and that members are no longer enthusiastic about attending such meetings owing to the pressures of life. This is wholly unacceptable. We are to reach out to those who are going through persecution, hunger and deprivation, and be of help to them. Believers must also pray for those in bonds and fully identify with them.

A little deed of kindness is strong enough to revive a soul.
by: Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

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HOW TO KNOW GOD PERSONALLY

What does it take to begin a relationship with God?

Should you devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Become a better person so that God will accept you?

You may be surprised that none of those things will work. But God has made it very clear in the Bible how we can know Him.

The following principles will explain how you can personally begin a relationship with God, right now, through Jesus Christ…

Principle 1:
God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life.
God’s Love
“God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (a)

God’s Plan
[Christ speaking] “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” [that it might be full and meaningful]. (b)

Why is it that most people are not experiencing the abundant life? Because…

Principle 2:
All of us sin and our sin has separated us from God.
We Are Sinful
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (c)

We were created to have fellowship with God; but, because of our stubborn self-will, we chose to go our own independent way, and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is evidence of what the Bible calls sin.

We Are Separated
“The wages of sin is death” [spiritual separation from God]. (d)

This illustrates that God is holy and people are sinful. A great gulf separates us . We are continually trying to reach God and the abundant life through our own efforts, such as a good life, philosophy, or religion — but we inevitably fail.

Principle 3:
Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through Him we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our life.
He Died in Our Place
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (e)

He Rose From the Dead
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures…He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred…” (f)

He Is the Only Way to God
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.'” (g)

This illustrates that God has bridged the gulf which separates us from Him by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place to pay the penalty for our sins.

It is not enough just to know these three principles…
We Must Receive Christ
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (h)

We Receive Christ Through Faith
“By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” (I)

When We Receive Christ, We Experience a New Birth

We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation
[Christ speaking] “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” (j)

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for your sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. You receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will.

The following explains how you can receive Christ:-
* You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer.
Prayer is talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.
Please pray this prayers:-

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the doors of my life & heart and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”(amen)

NB:- I welcome you into the family of God, please as you journey into the new year 2026 find a Bible believing church to become a member and join a work force. Welcome into year 2026.
Shalom!!!

NOT EVERYONE WHO STARTS A RACE REACHES THE FINISH LINE. AS TODAY BEING THE LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER AND LAST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR 2025. WE THANK ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE JOURNEY SO FAR AND BEING A LIVING WITNESS. BUT MY QUESTION IS, HOW MANY OF YOUR SUNDAY SERVICES THIS YEAR HAVE REALLY TOUCHED HEAVEN AND PRICKS GOD'S HEART OR SERVE AS SAVOR IN HIS HOLY COURT. HAVE YOU BEEN GOING TO CHURCH FOR SHOWING OFF YOUR.........? OR TO BRING DOWN THE LORD'S PRESENCE? HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU INVITED TO CHURCH THIS YEAR SO FAR AND FOLLOW THROUGH UNTIL THEY ARE FULLY ESTABLISHED IN CHRIST? IF NOT THERE'S IS STILL 2ND CHANCE AS WE CROSS OVER TO THE NEW YEAR 2026 TO MAKE THE WRONG RIGHT. ARE YOU A SHEPHERD IN LORD'S VINEYARD? OR A WOLF AMONG THE SHEEP? OR SERPENT UNDER CARPET? REMEMBER WHAT GOD SAID IN REVELATION 22 : 11 - 12.
MY FINAL SUBMISSION & WATCH WORD FOR THE NEW YEAR FOR YOU.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8 :- FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE HONEST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE JUST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD REPORT; IF THERE BE ANY VIRTUE, AND IF THERE BE ANY PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS.
HAPPY LAST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR, MAKE SURE YOU INVITES SOMEONE TO YOUR LOCAL ASSEMBLY TODAY AND FOLLOW HIM/HER UP.
SHALOM!!!