Reconciliation: Beauty Mixed with Mystery 07/25/21

Series: The Art of Forgiveness

Reconciliation: Beauty Mixed with Mystery

Philemon 12-25

Philemon’s Purposes:

To reveal that God can forgive anyone.  

To admonish Christians to forgive and seek reconciliation. 

Recap

Philemon is the shortest letter of Paul. It was written to an individual member of the church at Colosse. The 3 main characters in the book are Philemon, Paul and Onesimus. 

Philemon 12-25

Biblical Lessons for Us

1.             Forgiven people forgive people.  

2.             Reconciliation is not the same thing as forgiveness

            Forgiveness deals with retaliation; reconciliation     deals with relationship.

3.             Reconciliation does not always mean the past relationship is the same.

4.             Reconciliation is a humble, volitional, two party activity.

            If you are the offender

ü Repent 

ü Ask for forgiveness, 

ü Make amends

Matthew 5:23-26

            If you are the offended

ü Release your right to retaliate

ü Work on your part

ü Acknowledge God’s sovereignty

ü Confirm repentance

ü Be realistic 

 Romans 12:16-19

5.             Reconciliation is a powerful witness. 

the Gospel in Philemon 

            All of our relationships provide an opportunity to point people to Christ, even those that require forgiveness.