OPENING PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, as I study your word, let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILEMON
Philemon was a wealthy Christian in Colossae in whose home the church (Christian believers) met. One of his slaves, Onesimus, fled and went to Rome, apparently taking along some of his master’s possessions. While in Rome, Onesimus encountered Paul and became a very devoted Christian. He proved to be a great help to Paul during Paul’s imprisonment. Realizing the wrong done to a fellow believer by his former slave, Paul wrote this letter to Philemon’s family and the Church (vs.1‐2) to address the severed relationship and the wrongdoing of Onesimus. The letter was an appeal for Philemon to appreciate the transformation that the Gospel had produced in Onesimus and for him to receive Onesimus back not merely as his slave but more so as a beloved brother in Christ.

SCRIPTURE: Philemon 1‐14

SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE 15TH NOVEMBER 2022 OUTLINE

Paul never forgets to identify the good things in other people and offers a word or two of commendation. See how he commended Philemon in v.5. Notice the effect of Philemon’s faith and work on Paul (v.7). The issue Paul sets himself to resolve is very delicate. The sentence a runaway slave faces, if his master so decides, is death.

Read vs.8‐13 again and note the things Paul says first, about new Onesimus and then, about Philemon and his relationship with each of them. Paul is carefully stating all these to pacify Philemon and to let him know that Onesimus’s life is transformed through his relationship with Christ and with Paul.

The old man Paul could have given an order to Philemon (v.8) but he decides to avoid the temptation to use his seniority or power to secure his desire. He would rather that Philemon takes his own well thought out decision regarding his slave.

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?

Practice/Word Application
What Next? Think of the things you can do to show your love to the saints especially your Pastor and other itinerant Christian workers such as your Scripture Union Training Secretary.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Thank you, Father, that with you, no one is beyond redemption.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with Numbers 23:8

One Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 13, 14; Romans 8; Psalms 120.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN

Tue, 15-Nov-2022

PRAYER FOCUS

BENIN REGION:

LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 13:1

THANK GOD FOR:
☀ His goodness and mercy upon Benin Region.
☀ Our Regional Chairman and Regional coordinator and for all the committee members

PRAY FOR:
☛ Wisdom and knowledge for the Regional Chairman in order to move the work of God forward in Benin Region and to accomplish the Regional projects especially the Camp of Hope.
☛ God’ s favour and blessings on all our members in Benin Region.
☛ God’ s healing hands upon our brethren who are sick.

PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ All satanic devices against our souls in Benin Region.
⚠ The school work being neglected by the brethren.

Thank you for reading Scripture Union Daily Guide 15th November 2022. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.