SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE DEVOTIONAL
Read Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th November 2022 Devotional Message. Go through Question(s) for Reflection, Practice/Word Application and One Year Bible Reading Plan. God bless you as you continue reading…
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TOPIC: From a Slave To a Brother
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: Philemon 15‐25
SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE 16TH NOVEMBER 2022 OUTLINE
Observe the following set of relationships: Paul and Philemon, Paul and Onesimus, Philemon and Onesimus. What ties them together? Yes, it is the brotherhood in Jesus Christ (v.16). Yet, Philemon appears to have had difficulty accepting Onesimus in this new relationship. Notice the nature of personal appeal that Paul makes to Philemon (vs.16‐17). Given this relationship between Paul and Philemon, Philemon is not only called upon to forgive, but also to let go of anything Onesimus owes him (vs.18‐19).
In the parable of the unmerciful slave, Jesus equated forgiveness with cancelling a debt (Matthew 18:25‐35). We forgive others when we let go of resentment and give up any claim to be compensated for the hurt or loss we have suffered. Paul is consistent in his view about the status of people in Christ. See 2 Corinthians 5:17.
The change that happened to Onesimus by accepting the gospel (v.10) is the same change that had occurred in Philemon’s life when he accepted the gospel and became a friend, fellow worker, and partner with Paul in the ministry (vs.1,6 & 17). As a result, the master‐servant relationship that existed before is overshadowed by the new relationship in Christ– brotherhood. This is the gospel!
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Practice/Word Application
For further thought: In Christ Jesus, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Thank God for this new relationship.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with 2 Samuel 7:29
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 15, 16; Romans 9; Psalms 121.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN
Wed, 16-Nov-2022
PRAYER FOCUS
COME LETS PRAISE THE LORD
Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1
THANK GOD FOR:
☀ Being a reliable God who deserves our worship.
☀ Being our strength and shield, hence our heart must always trust in Him.
PRAY FOR:
☛ Grace to praise the Lord always, no matter the situation we find ourselves.
☛ God to open our eyes to see that His loving kindness is better than life.
☛ The joy of the Lord to be our strength as we pray, sing and worship the Lord today.
PRAY AGAINST:
⚠ Allowing our soul to be downcast and disturbed.
⚠ Refusing to put our hope in God and praise the God of our salvation.
Thank you for reading Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th 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.