Philemon
Big Idea: Our Earthly Affliction Is Great But The Lord’s Enduring Preservation Is Greater
1) Earthly affliction is real, but the Lord always preserves us (v. 1-2)
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
– 2 Timothy 3:12
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:8
2) Earthly afflicters are ruthless, but the Lord always delivers us (v. 3-4)
“I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
- Genesis 12:2-3
3) Earthly hate can be relentless, but the Lord always provides the victory for us (v. 5-8)
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
– John 15:18-20a
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
– Matthew 5:44
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
– Hebrews 12:1-3