Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 November 2022 | Devotional
Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 November 2022 | Devotional
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
Today’s Topic: From a slave to a brother
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: Philemon 15‐25
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Other Daily Devotionals You Can Read Today:
- Rick Warren Daily Hope for Monday 14th November 2022
- Dr. Charles Stanley In Touch Devotional for 14 November 2022
- John Hagee Devotional 14 November 2022 – Monday
Today’s Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 November 2022
Observe the following set of relationships: Paul and Philemon, Paul and Onesimus, Philemon and Onesimus. What ties them together? Yes, it is the brotherhood in Jesus Christ (v.16). Yet, Philemon appears to have had difficulty accepting Onesimus in this new relationship. Notice the nature of personal appeal that Paul makes to Philemon (vs.16‐17). Given this relationship between Paul and Philemon, Philemon is not only called upon to forgive, but also to let go of anything Onesimus owes him (vs.18‐19).
In the parable of the unmerciful slave, Jesus equated forgiveness with cancelling a debt (Matthew 18:25‐35). We forgive others when we let go of resentment and give up any claim to be compensated for the hurt or loss we have suffered. Paul is consistent in his view about the status of people in Christ. See 2 Corinthians 5:17.
The change that happened to Onesimus by accepting the gospel (v.10) is the same change that had occurred in Philemon’s life when he accepted the gospel and became a friend, fellow worker, and partner with Paul in the ministry (vs.1,6 & 17). As a result, the master‐servant relationship that existed before is overshadowed by the new relationship in Christ– brotherhood. This is the gospel!
Practice/Word Application
For further thought: In Christ Jesus, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Thank God for this new relationship.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
2 Samuel 7:29; Luke 15, 16; Romans 9; Psalms 121
God bless you for studying! Please share!
- The Upper Room Devotional for 14th November 2022
- Dr. David Jeremiah Turning Point 14th November 2022