Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: Philemon 8-16
Speaker: Pastor John Neufeld

All of us have either heard or said, “I’m willing to forgive, but I’ll never forget.”  I think what we mean by that is we will no longer bring up a painful subject, but the relationship that we once had is now permanently broken.  We no longer trust, love or enjoy someone’s friendship.  Today we will find out that unless we learn to go beyond forgiveness to reconciliation, we will miss two very important lessons that God knows we desperately need.

A.  Reconciliation between Christians is a part of the gospel

            1.  It is commanded

            2.  But God desires a response from the heart

B.  Reasons why you must reconcile with fellow Christians

            1.  You are both Christians

            2.  Your brother or sister has been transformed

            3.  Your brother or sister is loved

            4.  You can practice the fruit of the Spirit

C.  What we learn from reconciliation

            1.  Providence

            2.  Real friendship  

“Beyond Forgiveness” (Philemon 8-16)

Pastor Jonathan Neufeld

This week’s message on Philemon 8–16 directs our attention to the very difficult but very rewarding act of reconciliation.  In our Bible study this week we take a practical look at why and how to seek reconciliation in our lives.   

Thinking – developing a biblical approach to all areas of life

1.      Read Philemon 8–16. 

a.      Paul says that he won’t be bold and ‘order [Philemon] to do what [he] ought to do.’ (v. 8)  On what basis is reconciliation something that is required of Christians?  (See Matt 5:23–24; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13)

b.      Instead of ordering Philemon to be reconciled with Onesimus, Paul asks him to be reconciled “on the basis of love.” (v. 9)  Certainly Philemon would not have felt love toward Onesimus so what kind of ‘love’ is Paul speaking about here?

2.      What are some reasons why forgiving and being reconciled is so hard to do?   

a.      Read Philemon 10–14.  What reasons does Paul give for why Philemon should be reconciled to Onesimus? 

b.      Does the fact that Onesimus has become a Christian lessen the seriousness of his crime?  Why or why not? 

3.      What are the ‘costs’ of failing to forgive and be reconciled with others? 

4.      In v. 16 Paul suggests that if Philemon reconciles with Onesimus, one of the results will be real friendship.  “Some of the best and strongest friendships come out of reconciliation.”  Why might this be?  Do you have a personal experience that demonstrates this truth?

Acting – putting faith into action

5.      When and how should we seek reconciliation with someone who has hurt us?  (See Matthew 5:23–24; Matthew 18:15–17) 

a.      Why is the process in Matthew 18, if followed properly, effective for ensuring that in most cases, both the person who sinned and the person who was sinned against will seek reconciliation before it needs to be taken to the church? 

6.      What if the other person doesn’t want to be reconciled with you even though you are willing to reconcile with them?  (See Romans 12:18)

To Small Group Leaders: 

You can pick up your Small Group Leader Resource CD/Cassette at the

Info Desk (or at www.willingdon.org/smallgroups/mp3.asp),

and as many Prayer Logs you need for your group.

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