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Opening

What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?  

 

Summary

Read Philemon 1-25

Last week we examined this letter through the lens of forgiveness and reconciliation. This week there is a second theme we need to explore: how all our relationships, including the master-slave relationship are re-oriented in Christ Jesus. The gospel subverts social hierarchy and relational divisions, and calls us into a grace-filled family in Christ. Paul’s concern is bigger than Onesimus’ freedom. He wants the Colossian church to be living out gospel implications in all its relationships so that even a slave is treated as a brother.  

 

Discussion Questions

1. What is Paul specifically asking Philemon to do? What is he implying that Philemon do?

2. What is important to remember as we think about Greco-roman slavery? How does it compare and contrast with other forms of slavery?

3. How would you respond to the statement “the Bible is pro-slavery”?

4. How does the gospel give us a different lens for viewing all our relationships? What is count-cultural about that?

5. In what ways is Philemon being invited to pay a cost by Paul? What are some ways that following Jesus might cost us in our relationships?

6. How are you doing in the steps of forgiveness and reconciliation that you took last week? How can we pray for you this week?