4/18/26

Philemon 1:8-9 NASB95 Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—

In this text I see Paul illustrate to all, a picture of Christ in a multitude of ways. Today I would like to reveal a few.

Picture in this text, that Christ is speaking instead of Paul.

Though I have enough confidence in God the Father, to order you to live a life that is proper (without sin). Yet because, I love you and desire you to choose, I instead appeal to you - since I am the Christ, the only BEGOTTEN of God and now also an atonement on the cross in obedience to the Father for you.

Paul has the authority because of Christ. Christ has the authority because of the Father. The authority is to order, but they choose to appeal instead.

The appeal is made in love. Yet it is still up to the person to in love choose to accept or not. Jesus paid the price yet all men must freely choose Him in love not out of force, but in a free decision to do so. Christ as God has the power but in love He appeals to you.

Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross to show His love. Paul, showed his love through many years of dedicated sacrificial service as he is now old. He also sacrificed his freedom as he was imprisoned, but he continues to serve sacrificially.

1. Authority is surrendered to Appeal.

2. Appeal is made in Love.

3. Love is shown through sacrifice.

This is a picture of how we should live our lives in the authority given to us by the power of God the Spirit who indwells us.

Authority is surrendered to Appeal.

Appeal is made in Love.

Love is shown through sacrifice.

This is a picture of Christ!

This is a picture of Paul.

Is this a picture of us?

Love Bro. Scott