1. As a dear brother

Paul was sending the runaway slave Onesimus back to his master Philemon. It was hard for him to do this, because he had come to love Onesimus like a son. But before Onesimus could serve Jesus freely, and serve Paul, he had to go back and settle accounts with his master. When a man meets Jesus, he gets the courage to face old problems and solve them.

2. Refresh my heart in Christ

Paul did not directly command Philemon to set Onesimus free. He appealed to him as a partner in the gospel, a co-worker. He asked him to welcome this slave, not as a slave, but as a man and brother in the Lord. Paul regards Philemon as a partner in the gospel. He asks him to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul himself. He offered to pay his debts. Paul also hints that he is coming for a visit soon.

Application: Lord, thank you for real freedom in Jesus. Help me to solve old problems through faith in him.
One Word: Not a slave but a brother