In this sermon, we focused on the letter of Philemon, the shortest letter written by Paul, which offers a powerful example of how the gospel applies to daily life. We explored the context of the letter, understanding that Paul wrote it to address a specific situation involving Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus, who had since become a Christian. Paul’s message to Philemon was to receive Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a beloved brother, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel. This letter, though brief, shows that the gospel isn’t just about salvation; it has real, practical implications for relationships, community, and societal structures. We were challenged to consider how the gospel impacts every aspect of our lives, reminding us that following Jesus involves active choices that reflect our faith in all areas. As a church, we will continue to explore these themes in the coming weeks, allowing the gospel to guide and change us more completely.
