Do you hold a grudge? Is there someone from your past orpresent you’ve struggled to forgive? In today’s episode on Philemon 1:5–12,Pastor Mike Massey dives deeper into Paul’s plea for grace and forgiveness ashe writes to Philemon about Onesimus—the runaway slave who has now become abrother in Christ. This verse-by-verse Bible study reveals the heart ofChristian love, humility, and how Jesus transforms us into new creations forHis kingdom.
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In this heartfelt episode, Pastor Mike Massey invites you toexamine your heart for lingering unforgiveness, while unpacking Paul’s loving,Spirit-filled appeal to Philemon. Paul hears of Philemon’s faith and love forJesus and the saints, and challenges all of us: Would anyone hear about yourfaith and love for Jesus? Is your walk with Christ contagious enough to be seenand talked about? Would there be enough evidence to convict you of being aChristian?
Mike explains the biblical definition of saints—notmiracle-working superhumans, but all believers in Christ. If you’re a followerof Jesus, you are a saint. Paul encourages Philemon, telling him that his loveand faith have refreshed the hearts of the saints. This encouragement remindsus that living boldly and lovingly in Christ has ripple effects that refreshand uplift others.
Rather than commanding Philemon to do what’s right, Paulmodels humility and appeals out of love. Mike reminds us this is a lesson forhow we should relate to others in the body of Christ—holding each otheraccountable not with condemnation, but with love, grace, and truth. Headdresses the false notion that confronting sin is judgmental. On the contrary,Scripture calls Christians to lovingly confront both believers andnon-believers, not to condemn but to point them to the saving grace of Jesus.
Paul also shares his spiritual resume—he’s aged,experienced, and a prisoner of Christ—and then appeals on behalf of Onesimus,whom he calls “my son.” Onesimus, once unprofitable, is now profitable for bothPaul and Philemon because he’s been transformed by Jesus Christ. Mike unpacksthis beautiful truth: through Jesus, people who once failed, hurt us, orwronged us can be redeemed and used by God for His glory.
If God has transformed Onesimus, a thief and runaway slave,into a man useful for the kingdom, imagine what He can do with you—or someoneyou’ve been holding bitterness against. The blood of Jesus makes all thingsnew.
This episode challenges listeners to lay down the burdens ofbitterness and grudge-holding, and to pick up the joy of reconciliation. Whenwe walk in God’s love, we become spiritually profitable—ready to serve, togive, and to refresh others. Let today be the day you forgive, love, and sharethe grace you’ve received through Christ.
Have an incredible and a blessed day, and join us next timeas we continue in Philemon 1:12.
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