1. Slavery was practiced in the Roman culture and was not ethnically based. They were happy to enslave anyone.

2. Slaves might have been Greek doctors, educated scribes, or even important household slaves that managed estates or wielded power, as well as any menial tasks.

3. Slaves, in some cases, suffered all manner of abuse. Escaping could result in severe punishment or death!

4. A slave could be valued anywhere between $725 and over $600,000, depending on their worth.

5. The Bible does not openly tackle the social issue of abolition of slavery as much as it tackles the issue of proper treatment of slaves.

1. Paul was the spiritual father of a wealthy slave owner named Philemon.

2. Onesimus was the runaway slave who gave his life to Christ and came to Paul!

3. Paul’s appeal is on the behalf of Onesimus that Philemon would not only forgive and release him but might find him useful.

4. Paul’s appeal is because of Philemon’s faith and partnership in Christ!

1. We need to forgive those who have offended us, stolen from us, or who owe us. Holding bitterness only destroys us.

2. When we forgive, we may have to establish boundaries.

3. When we forgive, we need to let go of their past.

4. When we forgive and see evidences of God’s grace, we need to give them the freedom to become all that God has for them.

1. God has a plan for our future! He will change us from “useless” to “useful.”

2. God’s grace is great enough to overcome our past, allow God to assist you to forgive yourself!

3. Although God does not cause us to sin, He will use everything in our lives to bring honor to Him!

4. For us to be of value to God, we need to let go of the past and live in the present with an eye to the future!

Forgiving yourself…
Forgiving yourself is not about forgetting. It is about not bringing the offense up to yourself in negative ways. Forgiving yourself is simply letting go of what you are holding against yourself so that you can move on with God. If God has moved on, shouldn't we do the same?

Every bit of energy we give to negative activities and dwelling on regrets, robs us of the energy we need to become the person God wants us to be.

If you do not forgive yourself of past sins, it is a form of pride. Whenever we enact a different set of rules, a higher set of standards for ourselves over others, that is pride. When we can find it within ourselves to forgive others, but not ourselves, we are saying that we are less capable of making a poor decision than others. We are somehow more intuitive, wiser, more insightful, more careful than others, and therefore, we are without excuse and should not forgive ourselves. When we reject the forgiveness extended to us by God and others, when we refuse to forgive ourselves, what we are doing is setting ourselves above others and that is pride!

“Dear Heavenly Father, I understand that there is nothing to gain by holding myself in unforgiveness and there is everything to gain by releasing myself from unforgiveness and beginning the process of healing. I want to move forward and make a positive difference in the future. I confess the ungodly accountability, self-abasement, and the vows I have made to never forgive myself. Because Jesus died for my sins, I choose to forgive myself--to no longer punish myself and be angry with myself. I forgive myself for letting this hurt control me and for hurting others out of my hurt. I repent of this behavior and my attitude. I ask for Your forgiveness and healing. God, help me to NEVER again retain unforgiveness of myself or others. Thank you for loving me and for Your grace to move forward with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”

Coming Next :
February 12 – March 5
Loaners Not Owners – Luke 16:10