Rightly Dividing Philemon – Application of Others Esteem

Focus	Thanksgiving	Petition	Promise
Reference	Verses 1-7	Verses 8-16	Verses 17-25
Topic	Mindset of Philemon	Conversion of Onesimus	Confidence in Obedience
Plan	Prayer of Thanksgiving	Petition For Onesimus	Promise To Philemon
Intension	A petition for Onesimus to be able to return to his master, and a plea for Philemon and the group at Colosse to have the same others esteem mind set.
Location	Prison in Rome
Time	About 60-62 AD

1. How did Paul describe himself? (Verse 1)

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2. By what term did Paul describe Timothy? (Verse 1)

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3. What two terms did Paul use to describe Philemon? (Verse 1)

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4. To what four people or groups did Paul address this letter? (Verses 1-2)

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5. What is the significance of Paul using the two greeting words: (1) grace (Greek, charis), and (2) peace (Hebrew, shalom). (Verse 3)

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6. What two things had Paul heard about Philemon and the group at Colosse? (Verse 5)

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7. For what does Paul thank God as he mentions Philemon in prayer? Why do you think Paul used the word koinonia, translated communication? (Verse 6)

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8. With what authority does Paul address Philemon? (Verses 8-9)

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9. What does Paul mean about Onesimus when he used the phrase, “Whom I have begotten in my bonds”? (Verse 10)

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10. What is the meaning of the name Onesimus?

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11. If Paul was to esttem himself higher than others, what would he have Onesimus do? (Verses 12-13)

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12. What was Paul’s petition on behalf of Onesimus? (Verses 15-16)

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13. What is the meaning of the word doulos, translated slave in verse 16?

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14. How does Paul want Philemon to regard his lost slave now that Onesimus is a brother? (Verse 15-16)

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15. What promise did Paul make to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus? (Verses 17-18)

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16. Was Paul confident that Philemon would do the right thing on behalf of Onesimus? (Verses 19-21)

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17. By what was Philemon condemned?

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18. By what was Onesimus freed from slavery?

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19. Can you see an analogy between Onesimus’ experience, and the deliverance God grants the sinner?

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20. Can you list some areas in your life that could be improved by applying this others esteem message of grace?

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