CELL NOTES 4/6/07

ICE BREAKER

What nick-names have you had during your life? What do they say about you?

THEME

It’s my right, isn’t it?

READING : Philemon - all of it

SERMON OUTLINE

1) Philemon is the letter sent, by Paul, to slave-owner, Philemon, explaining how his run-away salve, Onesimus, has become a Christian and is to return to Philemon. Philemon is urged now to view him as a brother, instead of an unsatisfactory slave.

2) We too will be in relationships where we either have a responsibility for, and power over, others, or are under the responsibility or power of others. This may range from the government in various ways, to the work-place, school, family etc.

3) So what may we view as “rights” in these relationships? What does popular culture say, and what does the Bible say? This is a very important question in our “rights” conscious society.

4) Over the years Christians have often fought for the rights of those who were oppressed. Wilberforce, Martin Luther King and Keir Hardie are three examples.

5) Whilst we are taught to obey those who rule ( see Romans 13), there may be times when we have to respond to a higher authority ( e.g. Acts 4 : 19 - 22).

6) Three principles to govern our conduct, from Scripture as a whole, and illustrated in Philemon :-

i) Our first responsibility is to the Lord - to follow Him, and live the way He tells us to in Scripture, and via the work of the Holy Spirit within.

ii) Our second responsibility is to honour one another, and to do so within the relationships referred to. This may mean putting up with things we struggle with. It may mean on occasions claiming a right ( see Acts 16 : 37), but basically we are called to live within the boundaries of our culture.

iii) Thirdly we need to love ourselves - and pursue the passions and callings God has put within us.

7) So are we to “fight for our rights” and demand our just dues if we feel slighted or abused in some way? In this personal way, it is hard to find that encouraged in the Bible. Jesus, of course, never did so. There is a big difference between championing the cause of others, and seeking to promote our own position.

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

1) What is your reaction to reading the letter?

2) What relationships involving power and responsibility are you involved in? Which do you find easy, and which less so? What specific dilemmas do you face?

3) Are there situations of “rights” that concern you - either at a personal level, or on behalf of others? What are you/ should you do about these things?

4) How might this theme challenge us to live in a different way to the values many people may hold today?

LEADERS NOTES

1) Leaders meeting tonight.

2) men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday - please encourage the blokes to sign list in the hall a.s.a.p.