Discussion Questions for Our Study in Philemon
Sunday, March 9th, 2008Discussion Questions for Our Study in Philemon
(read the letter to Philemon before you begin)
1. Think back: is there a situation that occurred in your life when someone really offended you or stole something from you? How did that make you feel at the time?
2. If you happened to see them later on, what reactions did you feel?
3. Even if they paid you back for what happened, would you no longer have any ill feelings toward them?
4. The Bible says that every sin against others is also a sin against God; do you think that God is offended when we sin against Him?
5. But God’s love for us caused Him to send Jesus from Heaven to bring forgiveness of our sin. Whoever believes in Jesus with their whole heart is forgiven by God. Have you been forgiven?
6. Since God has forgiven you of all your sin, He wants you to live with a forgiving heart toward others. He has sent His Holy Spirit into your life to enable you to do this. Think about that person or those people who have wronged you. Why is it so hard to forgive them for what they have done?
7. If Jesus bore all the sins of every human who ever lived, who lives now, or who will ever live in the future, didn’t He bear that sin which was committed against you?
8. Read Philemon verses 17-21. Let these words be seen as Jesus’ words to you about that person or persons who sinned against you. Transfer their ‘debt’ to you upon the Lord Jesus. Did He pay for it?
9. Ask God to bring a release in your heart concerning that person or those people. Ask Him to put His love in your heart for them. They may never be your best friend ever again; but they are still loved by God. In doing this you will be set free because you have transferred their sin to Jesus and you can begin to have your soul restored (Psalm 23:3
) and live out His forgiveness.