Lesson 4

The Motives for Forgiveness

Philemon 19-25

As he was dying from their stones, Stephen said, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" (Acts 7:60). As He was dying on their cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

As he closes his letter to Philemon, Paul, the aged prisoner, like those before him, makes one final appeal for forgiveness. In this case, it is for Philemon to forgive, receive and restore his runaway slave who has returned a new creature in Christ Jesus.

Tonight, with this message, we conclude a four sermon study of the book of Philemon. Paul's concluding words give insight into the motives for forgiveness for Philemon and for us as well.

Because Of Your Unpayable Debt, v. 19.

It is believed to have been Paul's custom to dictate his letters to a scribe known as an "amanuensis". In many of his letters, however, he wrote a closing greeting "with his own hand." II Thessalonians 3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. That is not unlike a businessman dictating a letter and then signing it and adding a postscript in his own handwriting. Verses 19-25, if not the whole letter, are a handwritten note from Paul himself.

In verse 18, Paul had offered to make good any debt that Onesimus might owe Philemon. Paul is, in effect, signing a I.O.U. on behalf of Onesimus. Then, in verse 19, Paul assures Philemon that he will repay but reminds Philemon that he "owes his own self to Paul." Onesimus may owe Philemon a material/monetary debt but Philemon owes Paul a spiritual debt. Onesimus' debt to Philemon is temporal; Philemon's debt to Paul is eternal. Onesimus's debt can be repaid; Philemon's debt can never be repaid.

There is a principle that applies to us. Every one of us is in debt to many. I owe a debt to my parents for their care for me, for their supply of my needs, for educating me and disciplining me and especially for bringing me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord so that at a tender age I could come to Christ. I am in debt to my wife for her friendship, her love, her care, her wisdom and constant input into my life. I am in debt to my children for their love for me and for responding so wonderfully to the things that I tell them. I am in debt to many friends who minister to me, to many teachers, to many authors whose books instruct me, to you my congregation for your support and encouragement and fellowship. Listen, we all owe others a lot and we who owe so much to so many should be quick to forgive others who have offended us. Having received so many unpayable spiritual riches from so many who ask nothing in return, can I not forgive a offense against me? I should be willing to forgive because of the unpayable debts that I owe.

Because Of The Opportunity Of Being A Blessing, v. 20.

By forgiving Onesimus, Philemon would be a blessing to Paul. It would bring joy to her heart and refreshment to his life. Two men, both of whom Paul loved dearly, would be reconciled. Christian fellowship and the testimony of Christ and His church before a watching world would bring blessing to Paul. We all get a sense of relief, feel a burden lifted and are blessed when two Christians settle their differences, forgive one another and are restored to fellowship.

Because It Is A Matter Of Obedience, v. 21.

Paul was confident of Philemon's response. He knew Philemon to be a man of godly character who heart was to obey Christ. Forgiveness, I have pointed out in previous weeks, really is a matter of obedience.

Philemon was the kind of person who would do more than merely obey the letter of the law. Paul said that he was sure Philemon would do even more than what Paul was requesting. In other words, his reception of Onesimus would not be grudging or of necessity, but lovingly and cheerfully.

It ought to just be in our heart to obey what the Bible tells us to do - voluntarily, lovingly, joyfully, completely. And God's word commands us to forgive those who offend us.

Because Of The Possibility Of A Future Face To Face Visit From The One Who Asks For Forgiveness, v.22. 

It sounds as though, in verse 22, Paul has changed the subject from forgiveness to a possible visit. But there is an underlying idea that ties with the request for forgiveness. Paul is planning a visit to the house of Philemon and will see first-hand whether or not his expectations have been realized. Paul's plans would probably have an affect on Philemon's treatment of Onesimus. Philemon could hardly prayer for Paul to come to his house if he had not forgiven Onesimus.

There is a sense in which we need to consider those future encounters we will have with other Christians. If your relationship with someone has been strained to the point where you would never purposely see them, how do you feel when you run into them at store or a wedding or a funeral. Forgiveness will free you from the dread of future encounters and is a real motive to consider.

Because Of The Importance Of Maintaining

Fellowship, vs. 23-24.

In verses 23-24, Paul sends Philemon greetings from five co-workers in the ministry - Epaphras, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke.

The Christian life is not lived in a vacuum. Believers do not act alone, independent of the fellowship. Refusing to forgive one brother will certainly affect your relationship with many other brothers.

Because Of God's Grace To Our Spirit Through The Lord Jesus Christ, v. 25.

This familiar benediction of Paul is really a prayer that Philemon would receive the grace needed to forgive Onesimus. Forgiveness is not possible in the flesh but in the spirit through God's grace given us in Christ we can be motivated to forgive.