Author: Paul
Written from: A Roman prison.
Written to: Philemon, a wealthy man who hosted a church in his home.
Written about: Onesimus, a runaway slave.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home…
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then,
Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him-who is my very heart-back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospe
LESSONS FROM A CHANGED LIFE
• DON’T DENY YOUR PROBLEMS; FACE THEM.
I am sending (Onesimus)-who is my very heart-back to you.
SO, WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM?
With your problem, you can
o Curse it.
o Nurse it.
o Let God reverse it.

This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's…Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'
• DON’T FOCUS ON WHAT WAS, BUT ON WHAT CAN BE.
Formerly (Onesimus)was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
formerly: pote (pot-eh'); in the old time, in time past, formerly.
but now: de nuni (deh, noo-nee'); no longer the past, but now.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Once you were alienated from God…But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death…
You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you belong to Christ Jesus…

2 Chronicles 201:517, Ephesians 2:12-13, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:21-22, Philemon 1:1-2, Philemon 1:7-11, Philemon 1:11-12 and Philemon 1:12-16