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Paul’s Letter to Philemon

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Lesson 19

Presented by:

Email:

Jodel James

beccagayandeoro@gmail.com

Key Theme: Forgiveness

Forgive others as God forgives us

(Colossians 3:13)

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AIM OF THE LESSON

    • To study Paul’s letter to Philemon
    • To understand why forgiveness is important
    • To learn how God wants us to forgive others

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LETS SEE MORE

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BIBLE READING

    • Main Reading: Philemon (1 chapter)
    • Supporting Verses:
    • Colossians 3:23–24
    • Matthew 18:21–35
    • Galatians 3:28

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ABOUT THE BOOK OF PHILEMON

    • Written by: Apostle Paul
    • Shortest letter written by Paul
    • Written to an individual, not a church
    • Only 1 chapter

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WHERE AND WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN?

    • Written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome
    • Around AD 60–63
    • Sent to Philemon, who lived in Colossae

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MAIN PEOPLE IN THE LETTER

Apostle and prisoner for Christ

Christian believer and slave owner

Runaway slave who became a Christian

Likely Philemon’s wife

Paul

Philemon

Onesimus

Apphia

Likely Philemon’s son

Archippus

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WHO WAS ONESIMUS?

    • A slave belonging to Philemon
    • Ran away and may have stolen from his master
    • Met Paul in Rome
    • Heard the Gospel, believed, and was baptized
    • His name means “useful” or “profitable”

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WHY DID PAUL WRITE THIS LETTER?

To ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus

To welcome Onesimus back, not as a slave only

To receive him as a brother in Christ

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SLAVERY IN PAUL’S TIME

    • Slavery was common in the Roman Empire
    • Slaves were considered property
    • Punishments for runaway slaves were severe
    • Paul taught love and fairness between masters and slaves

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PAUL’S LOVING APPEAL

    • Paul did not command Philemon
    • He appealed with love and kindness
    • Paul offered to repay any debt Onesimus owed
    • Paul trusted Philemon to do what is right

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A CHANGED RELATIONSHIP

    • Onesimus returned as a new person
    • Still a slave by law
    • But now a beloved brother in Christ
    • Equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28)

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PUT YOURSELF IN ONESIMUS’ SHOES

    • Would you return, knowing punishment was possible?
    • Onesimus trusted God and obeyed Paul
    • He returned with faith and courage

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PUT YOURSELF IN PHILEMON’S SHOES

    • Would you forgive someone who wronged you?
    • Would you welcome them back?
    • Forgiveness shows true Christian love

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JESUS TEACHES FORGIVENESS

    • Read Matthew 18:21–35
    • Jesus teaches unlimited forgiveness
    • “Seventy-seven times” means always forgive

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GOD’S FORGIVENESS

    • God forgives us through Jesus Christ
    • God expects us to forgive others
    • Forgiveness is not optional for believers

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MEMORY VERSE

Colossians 3:23–24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men.”

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LESSONS FOR US TODAY

For our lesson today, we will study Paul’s letter to Philemon and learn about the importance of forgiveness. Through the story of Philemon and Onesimus, we are reminded that God calls us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us through Jesus Christ. This lesson teaches us how love, grace, and obedience to God can restore relationships and reflect our faith in everyday life.

Forgiveness brings healing

Obedience honors God

We are all servants of Christ

Love changes relationships

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REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS

    • How would you feel in this situation?
    • Would it be easy or hard to forgive? Why?
    • How does today’s lesson help guide your response?

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“A friend spreads a rumor about you and later apologizes.”

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REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS

    • How would you feel in this situation?
    • Would it be easy or hard to forgive? Why?
    • How does today’s lesson help guide your response?

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A classmate cheats in a group project and you get blamed.

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REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS

    • How would you feel in this situation?
    • Would it be easy or hard to forgive? Why?
    • How does today’s lesson help guide your response?

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Someone you trusted lies to you and breaks your confidence.

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FORGIVE OR HOLD ON?

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A Bible Game on Forgiveness

Lesson: Philemon

    • Listen carefully to each situation
    • Vote by typing in chat or raising your hand:
    • FORGIVE
    • HOLD ON
    • Be ready to explain your choice
    • No wrong answers—honest thinking matters!

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FORGIVE OR HOLD ON?

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Round 1: Quick Choice

Situation 1:

A friend ignores you for weeks but later says sorry.

👉 What will you choose?

FORGIVE

HOLD ON

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FORGIVE OR HOLD ON?

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Round 1: Quick Choice

Situation 2:

Someone laughs at your mistake in front of others.

👉 What will you choose?

FORGIVE

HOLD ON

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FORGIVE OR HOLD ON?

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Round 1: Quick Choice

Situation 3:

A teammate blames you for something they did wrong.

👉 What will you choose?

FORGIVE

HOLD ON

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💙 QUIET REFLECTION (NO ANSWER NEEDED)

    • Is there someone I need to forgive?
    • Is there someone I need to ask forgiveness from?
    • Will I choose forgiveness this week?

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THANK YOU

See you again next week