Life Group Discussion Questions

Cracked Pots Onesimus: Freedom, Forgiveness, and Second Chances

Philemon 1:1-25 November 24, 2019 / Dr. Ron Jones

1. What is one thing from Pastor Ron’s sermon that stood out to you?

2. Identify the theme/verses of freedom found in this book. How would you characterize it? How can we capitalize upon this principle of freedom in the 21st-century context?

3. Identify the theme/verses of forgiveness found in this book. How would you characterize it? How can we capitalize upon this principle of forgiveness in the 21st-century context?

4. Identify the theme/verses of second chances found in this book. How would you characterize it? How can we implement this principle of second chances in our modern-day context? How do we extend this theme/principle to others?

5. Curiously, Paul calls out 10 people’s names in this short one chapter book. Why? Is there a significance to this? What does this show, if anything?

6. This book has the distinct themes of reconciliation and relationships between believers. Identify these themes and discuss how it restored the brokenness of the people involved directly to the story.

7. Why does Paul make a point of appealing to Philemon, on behalf of Onesimus, rather than command him as an Apostle of Jesus Christ? Is there an advantage to this approach? In what circumstances should we use this approach in our relationships with other people?