For Sunday, May 29, 2011

Bible Study preparation for Sunday, May 29, 2011.
1) Philemon 1-25
After reading this letter, what do you know about Philemon? Onesimus? What was their relationship? What was the problem? What did Paul suggesting for the solution? What other choices in handling the situation did he mention? What questions do you still have about the story?

2) Philemon 1-25
Onesimus means useful. How was Onesimus useful before “the situation?” How did Paul describe Onesimus’s usefulness at the time of the letter writing? What had changed? How are you useful to God’s kingdom?

3) Philemon 1-25

What does this story teach us about forgiveness? What was the responsibility of the one needing forgiveness? What was the responsibility of the one asked to forgive? How did Paul describe God’s view of forgiveness?

What does this story demonstrate about Paul’s view of slavery? About God’s view of slavery?

4) Philemon 1-25

How did Paul identify Onesimus in Colossians 4:9? How did Paul identify himself in Colossians 4:18? How did Paul describe his relationship with Philemon? What did Paul say about Onesimus’s debt? In what way was this an example of Christ? Who are you willing to sacrifice for, to pay their debt? How is this attitude related to witnessing?