Shady Grove Sermons

Bridge Builders Tell the Truth Philemon 1:17-22 (Week 5) Take your Bible and turn one last time to the little book of Philemon. This is Paul writing not as “Apostle with authority,” but as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” He calls Timothy “brother,” Philemon “fellow laborer” and “brother.” Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, had gotten in trouble in Rome, ended up in prison beside Paul, came to faith, and now is heading home carrying this letter. Paul’s request is bold: receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother. Let’s read the whole letter again together… [read Philemon aloud] Pray: God, you are loving and faithful. Break our hearts for what breaks yours and use us to extend your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Convict us today to become a person who obeys, forgives and restores.  Lead us in this life to live for you and not ourselves. - Amen Today, we finish in verses 17-22. Here are five steps Paul models to build bridges and bring reconciliation: 1. PUT ...

Love That Goes Above and Beyond the Law
 Philemon v9 Introduction / Story Background: Paul from prison writing to Philemon, a Christian slave-owner in Colossae Scenario: Runaway slave Onesimus steals from Philemon, flees, meets Paul in prison, becomes a Christian, and is sent back with Paul’s letter to seek forgiveness Paul’s radical request: Receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a free beloved brother Main Text Focus: Philemon v9: Paul chooses to appeal “for love’s sake” rather than command Five Key Principles for Building Bridges in Broken Relationships Operate from Love , Not Law (v9) Love does not avoid issues; it addresses them Love determines HOW we act, not IF we act “Appeal” = urgent, gentle, loving plea (same word used in Phil 4:2) Love pleads; Law demands Keynote: Love pleads, while Law demands Practical: Lower your voice, gently request, reasonably explain          2.   Believe That God Changes People (v10–11) Paul calls Onesimus “m...

Building Bridges – Week 3 
 Philemon v8–16
 The Grove, November 16, 2025 AM Hearers of the Word: I.  Introduction & Context ( 1–3)
 Short, personal letter from Paul’s own hand while  in prison about runaway slave Onesimus. Core Gospel Truth: In Christ, slave and free become brothers; social hierarchy is overturned by love. Paul’s Goal: Reconcile Philemon (A wealthy house-church host) and Onesimus without abolishing slavery outright; instead, persuade Philemon to exceed legal duty.
 II.  Commendation: Building Bridges with Truth (4–7)
 Thanks in Everything:  Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith and love that “refreshes the saints.” Focus on the positive: Not manipulation—genuine grace-based encouragement to act like the Christian he already is. Application: Begin reconciliation with gratitude, not attack; see the image of God in the offender, focus on the good done.
 III.  Biblical Principles for effective bridge-building         ...

See The Good   Part B  Philemon Hearers of the Word: I.   Bridge Builders See The Good
 a.  Develop an  attitude of Thanksgiving in everything.  b.  Focus on the Positive   in others rather than the negative.
 Statement of Truth:
If you are not careful, your greatest strength will become your greatest weakness Principle to Practice:  We must see people for who God is MAKING them and not for WHAT they are. c.  Focus on the good others have done and not the wrong . II.  Benefits of Seeing the Good in other people: It gives you something to enjoy thinking about It gives them hope and blesses others It draws others to you instead of repelling them It is consistent with God’s view of people
 Statement of Truth:  There are no enduring relationships without forgiveness .   Doers of the Word:   How can you be more thankful in the little things this week, this upcoming holiday season?
 How can y...

See The Good From Philemon  Bridge Builders Week 1 Theme: Bridge Builders learn to look past the momentary mess and see the eternal good in people and circumstances. Context Author: Paul, writing from a Roman prison cell (58–60 AD). Recipient: Philemon, a sincere Christ-follower in Asia Minor. Subject: Forgiveness and reconciliation. Backstory: Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, ends up in prison with Paul, hears the gospel, trusts Christ, and is sent back with this letter to seek restoration. Key Truth Paul is the ultimate Bridge Builder , not a Wall Builder . Wall Builders isolate, wound, criticize, and pull others down (often unaware). Bridge Builders cheer others on, speak grace, and connect people to Christ and to each other. Main Points I. Bridge Builders See the Good – by developing an Attitude of Thankfulness (v. 4) Paul, unjustly imprisoned, chooses gratitude: “I thank my God always when I remember you.” Statement of Truth:  Just because we do wh...