First Church Ministries

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9-22: Living as Family

(no recording today due to technical difficulty)

Philemon 17-25 (NIV)

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

As a family:

1 - We have to do the hard work of reconciliation.

a. We must use our influence.

b. We must remember we all have been impacted by others.

c. We see how reconciliation impacts others.

d. We must be working on reconciliation ourselves.

2 - We have to extend forgiveness to one another.

a. Be willing to receive input and correction from others.

b. Remember we are forgiven by God.

c. We must decide to obey Christ.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:12-13

3 - We have to depend on the grace of God.