“What’s in It for Me? And The Cost of Discipleship”

In this first section (verses 1-7) of Paul’s letter to Philemon, consider the cost of
discipleship under these three points.
1. Paul’s Greeting and Prayer: The Basis for Discipleship (v1-3)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own
doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may
boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come
to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
2. Philemon’s Love and Faith: The Fruit of Discipleship (v4-5)
“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love,
I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no
law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
3. Paul’s Prayer and Encouragement: The Expectation of Discipleship (v6-7)
(Douglas Moo paraphrases of verse 6): “Philemon, I am praying that the
mutual participation that arises from your faith might become effective in leading
you to understand and to put into practice all the good that God wills for us and
is found in our community, and to this for the sake of Christ.”
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to
completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 ESV)