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PHILEMON

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8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Oh, the many times that I have halted between the right and inappropriate issues of need before me. A turning of the head, closing of the eyes or going another route to avoid images of need and spiritual uplifting. Such cannot long tarry in the heart of Christians; children of God the Father of ALL. As did Tom Sawyer to avoid Aunt Polly’s verbal correcting stared at his bare toes wiggling in the sand, we must eventual face our responsibilities. We cannot do all alone but we are not alone. Christ who resides within our heart is with us and He has thousands of children. Howbeit, most of then never look up from the table to see the work to be done.

It does not lower one’s self esteem and certainly offend others to “step off our high horse” and lend a help to an outreached hand in need. Sometimes even to beseech, where, in strictness of right, we might interject our God given love and uplift a melting soul.

Here in these verses, we observe the apostle arguing from love, rather than authority in behalf of one converted through his means; and this was Onesimus (meaning profitable) the apostle allows that in time past he had been unprofitable to Philemon, but hastens to mention the change by which he had become profitable. Christ’s blood makes the difference. When you accept it you will be holy and profitable, if you deny the flesh. Unholy persons are unprofitable. Though children of Christ’s sacrifice, they answer not the great end of their being. Glorifying the Lord conteniously in the many ways given in commandments, is the sole purpose of our existance. That cannot be properly accomplished sitting in the pew or mail in tithes to apostate cryers. Leaving behind the fleshly, selfish needs is a part if coming to Christ for forgiveness and eternal life. What happy, thrilling and useful changes conversion makes! Religious servants are treasures in a blood bought family; also, to a worldy bunch dead in sin. Such will make useful their time and trusts as they accomplish all they can for the destraught. No prospect of usefulness should lead any to neglect their obligations, or to fail in obedience to senior church leaders.

One great evidence of true repentance consists in returning from the water and the blood to practice the duties which have been neglected. The unconverted state makes one oblivious to all except HIS. See, Onesimus had withdrawn from hid duties to his master's injury; Paul led him to know his sin and he repented. He was willing and desirous to return to his duty as servant in a foreign land. We come to a knowledge of our true calling or be let there by brothers and sisters. We surly realize that for His purpose unknown to us, the Lord leaves some in turmoil to change their life situations. It is our responsibility as Christians to gain knowledge, wisdom and understanding in God’s word. Only then will we be able to or engage in undertaking guidance of sedate Christians or souls still in darkness. Beware of evil motives. Had not the Lord overruled some of our ungodly projects, said NO to our requests and personal cries for deliverance, we can all reflect upon situations where our destruction was sure. Cling not so tightly to the pew in resistance that you have white knuckles; stand up and raise holy hands to God. Know God, know peace. Amen 12-04-2019 BLL