God Thoughts February 10
Memorize: I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. Philemon 4,5
Read Colossians 3:18-25
Paul does not condemn or condone slavery but explains that Christ transcends all divisions between people. Slaves are told to work hard as though their master were Christ himself (3:23); but masters should be just and fair (4:1). Perhaps Paul was thinking specifically of Onesimus and Philemon—the slave and master whose conflict lay behind the letter to Philemon. (Tyndale. Life Application Study Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 200215-200218). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.)
Paul does not condemn or condone slavery but explains that Christ transcends all divisions between people. “If, as we believe, Paul wanted Philemon to grant Onesimus his freedom so that he might continue in his service to the gospel, the emphasis on the slave’s obligation to obey the master in all things deflects any criticism that Paul encourages disobedience among slaves. Becoming a Christian does not cancel the requirement for them to show respect for authority and to fulfill their duties. ”
“Those under the Christ’s lordship serve others more gladly and faithfully. The situation with Onesimus may have been the immediate backdrop that explains the inclusion of these instructions on domestic life in the moral exhortations, but they also have a function in the letter’s theological argument. At first glance, they may seem out of place following, without any transition, the more rarefied atmosphere of counsels on life in the new age and the spiritual songs of the worshiping church. Yet the presence of these household rules in this context draws attention to two truths.
(1) The sequence suggests that “putting the age of the new life into practice begins at home.”5 Christ’s lordship finds conclusive expression in the day-by-day, routine experiences of life. The peace of Christ (3:15) is also to rule in the home, and the command to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (3:17) applies to the everyday world of family life, where we are most likely to show our cloven hoof. Nothing is more difficult than living in a family where the virtues of compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and professions of love (3:12–14) are tested daily.”
Excerpt From: David E. Garland. “Colossians, Philemon.” iBooks. https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/colossians-philemon/id398992905?mt=11
Prayer: Jesus, may my thoughts, words and, actions in my family display your love for all. Amen
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