02 The Fugitive

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1.   As you think about the story of Onesimus, are you freshly aware of any “unfinished business” in your life? (That is, something you did that has been left unresolved, even though in Jesus you have come to have a completely different understanding of what happened and what you did.) What happened and how has your thinking changed “in Jesus”?

2.   As you talk about this issue with Jesus, is there anything you think he would have you say or do in relation to this unfinished business?

3.   What about your identity has changed now that you are “in Jesus”?
(Be careful with this one. It is a deeper question than it might appear. There may be parts of your identity that have changed, but that you don’t yet recognize are different now that you are “in Jesus”.)

4.   As you think about the story of Philemon, are you freshly aware of anything past or present in which you are still feeling the effects of being “ripped off”, mistreated, abused or taken advantage of? What it that happened? How do you feel about it now? What effects are you experiencing in your life as a consequence?

5.   How does being “in Jesus” change this situation. (Don’t settle for one thing.)

6.   As you talk about this issue with Jesus, is there anything you think he would have you say or do in relation to this unresolved injury?

7.   Have you come to see the ways people have mistreated you as part of God’s larger plan for you? How?

8.   What would it look like for you to forgive the one(s) who wronged you?
That is, what would it practically mean in terms of your attitude, your words, your actions, etc.?

9.   Should Onesimus’ attitude and course of action be any different if Philemon was NOT a disciple “in Jesus”? Why or why not?

10.   Should Philemon’s attitude and course of action be any different if Onesimus was NOT a disciple “in Jesus”? Why or why not?

11.   What is the difference between doing these things from compulsion or doing them voluntarily? Why is this an important distinction?
(Did you answer based on your own values or based on the gospel?)

12. Do you think it’s wrong, then, for a Christian leader (like a pastor) to command people to do something? Why or why not?
(Did you answer based on your own values or based on the gospel?)

13. What would it look like for you to forgive the one(s) who wronged you?
That is, what would it practically mean in terms of your attitude, your words, your actions, etc.?