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What if you held the key to unlocking spiritual freedom and reconciliation in your relationships? Join me, Christie, as we uncover the transformative power of forgiveness through the Epistle of Paul to Philemon. This episode offers a profound exploration of Paul's heartfelt letter, crafted from his confinement in a Roman jail, which speaks volumes about love, sacrifice, and the path to spiritual liberation. Through Paul's words, we encounter Onesimus, once deemed useless, now cherished as a brother in Christ, illustrating the remarkable potential for change when we embrace divine forgiveness and break free from the chains of spiritual slavery.
Throughout the episode, we journey alongside Paul as he appeals to Philemon, calling for Onesimus's acceptance not as a mere slave but as a beloved brother. This powerful message underscores the essence of Christian fellowship and the boundless possibilities of reconciliation. Dive into this episode to reflect on the depth of God's forgiveness and discover how His divine inspiration can transform your heart and relationships. Let the lessons of this ancient letter inspire you to extend grace beyond earthly limitations and renew your own bonds through the power of love and spiritual freedom.
Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, one chapter at a time. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Feel free to send us a text to let us know how In the Field Audio Bible is impacting your faith journey. Until next time, may God’s Word guide and bless you.
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Welcome to the reading of Philemon with In the Field Audio Bible.
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My name is Christie, your host for this episode.
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If you are wanting to see how God works in a person's life, then the Epistle of Paul to Philemon is definitely a good listen.
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It is a short one chapter, 25 verse letter, where Paul teaches and applies forgiveness and reconciliation with transformation and sacrifice.
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When we think about the word slavery, we may think about a physical person and his owner.
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However, even though this was the case in this letter, it actually was spiritual slavery that affected them even more.
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The Apostle Paul reminds us through his writing that the church has always advanced through the work and dedication of everyday people like you and me.
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He does this through his writings as he is held captive in a Roman jail awaiting his fate.
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It is this spiritual change from within that Paul teaches, proving God's desire to set us free, which, in the end, will release us from our own slavery of sin.
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End will release us from our own slavery of sin, and part of this release is experiencing God's love and forgiveness.
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If only we can find a way to forgive those who sin against us.
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Remember, forgiveness has no boundaries, only earthly limitations.
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Therefore, it is up to us to turn our earthly thoughts over to divine inspirations, those that are desired by God.
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I, Paul, am writing this letter.
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I am a prisoner, am writing this letter.
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I am a prisoner because of Christ Jesus.
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Our brother Timothy joins me in writing.
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Philemon, we are sending you this letter.
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You are our dear friend.
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You work together with us.
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We are also sending it to our sister, Epphea, and to Archippus.
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He is a soldier of Christ, together with us, and we are sending it to the church that meets in your home.
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May God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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I always thank my God when I remember you in my prayers.
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That's because I hear about your love for all God's people.
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I also hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus.
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I pray that what we share by believing will help you understand even more.
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Then you will completely understand every good thing we share by believing in Christ.
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Your love has given me great joy.
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It has encouraged me.
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My brother, you have renewed the hearts of the Lord's people.
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Because of the authority Christ has given me, I could be bold.
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I could order you to do what you should do anyway, but we love each other and I would rather appeal to you on the basis of that love.
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I, Paul, am an old man.
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I am now also a prisoner because of Christ Jesus.
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I am an old man and I'm in prison.
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This is how I make my appeal to you for my son, Onesimus.
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He became a son to me while I was being held in chains.
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Before that he was useless to you, but now he has become useful to you and to me.
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But now he has become useful to you and to me.
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I'm sending Onesimus back to you.
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All my love for him goes with him.
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I'm being held in chains because of the good news, so I would have liked to keep Onesimus with me and he could take your place in helping me, but I didn't want to do anything unless you agreed.
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Any favor you do must be done because you want to do it, not because you have to.
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Onesimus was separated from you for a little while.
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Maybe that was so.
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You could have him back forever.
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You could have him back not as a slave.
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Instead, he would be better than a slave.
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He would be a dear brother.
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He is very dear to me, but even more dear to you.
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He is dear to you not only as another human being.
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He is also dear to you as a brother in the Lord.
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Do you think of me as a brother who works together with you?
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Then welcome Onesimus, as you would welcome me.
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Has he done anything wrong to you?
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Does he owe you anything?
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Then charge it to me, I'll pay it back.
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I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.
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I won't even mention that you owe me your life, my brother, we both belong to the Lord, so I wish I could receive some benefit from you.
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Renew my heart.
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We know that Christ is the one who really renews it.
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I'm sure you will obey, so I'm writing to you.
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We know that Christ is the one who really renews it.
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I'm sure you will obey, so I'm writing to you.
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I know you will do even more than I ask.
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There's one more thing have a guest room ready for me.
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I hope I can return to all of you and answer to your prayers.
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Epaphras sends you greetings Together with me.
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He is a prisoner because of Christ Jesus.
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Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke work together with me.
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They also send you greetings.
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May the grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ, be with your spirit.
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