Religion & Spirituality
Series: The Art of ForgivenessReconciliation: Beauty Mixed with MysteryPhilemon 12-25 Philemon’s Purposes: To reveal that God can forgive anyone. To admonish Christians to forgive and seek reconciliation. RecapPhilemon is the shortest letter of Paul. It was written to an individual member of the church at Colosse. The 3 main characters in the book are Philemon, Paul and Onesimus. Philemon 12-25 Biblical Lessons for Us 1. Forgiven people forgive people. 2. Reconciliation is not the same thing as forgiveness Forgiveness deals with retaliation; reconciliation deals with relationship.3. Reconciliation does not always mean the past relationship is the same. 4. Reconciliation is a humble, volitional, two party activity. If you are the offenderü Repent ü Ask for forgiveness, ü Make amendsMatthew 5:23-26 If you are the offendedü Release your right to retaliateü Work on your partü Acknowledge God’s sovereigntyü Confirm repentanceü Be realistic Romans 12:16-19 5. Reconciliation is a powerful witness. the Gospel in Philemon All of our relationships provide an opportunity to point people to Christ, even those that require forgiveness.