From a Slave to a Brother (Philemon 16)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 11-24-02

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  From slave to brother

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  Philemon 16

 

            Message of the verse:  “16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”  (NAS95)  “16 HE is no longer just a slave; he is a beloved brother, especially to me.  Now he will mean much more to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord.”  (NLT)  “16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave----a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”  (NKJV)

            It is interesting that Paul did not ask Philemon to free Onesimus from being a slave but was saying that the relationship between he and Onesimus would be not only as a master to a slave, but also as a brother in the Lord. Paul was saying that Onesimus was also a brother in the Lord to him also.  He also mentioned brother in the flesh, and this does not mean ones fallen nature rather in this physical life.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Perhaps the Bible never speaks of rebellion of slaves is because of that kind of relationship we have with Jesus Christ.  Paul has written in some of his letters that he was a “bond-slave of Jesus Christ.”  Paul meant by this that he was a voluntary slave of Jesus Christ.  Slavery was so bad because it is done by people with fallen natures and not done so much between man and God. 

              It is my desire to be a slave of Jesus Christ, for by being His slave here on earth I know that I will seek to do His will and I will never be mistreated by my Master.

 

The Word of God was refreshing to me today.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I need faith in the Lord not to fear, not to allow my IBS to have control of me in a way that it brings out bad stress and fear.

 

Memory verses for the week:  Romans 11:33-36

 

Oh, the debt of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

 

“For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has become His counselor?”

 

“Or who has first given to Him

And it shall be repaid to him?”

 

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.