1. One man’s journey from useless to useful
Onesimus
One man’s journey from useless to useful
Onesimus went from being useless to useful. He had a loving master in Philemon and a strong advocate in Paul, but the key to his transformation was that he had to stop running and be born again. The same is true of anyone who would become useful to the Master.

2. Background to the Epistle of Philemon
Paul wrote to Philemon from prison in Rome. The letter was delivered by Tychicus to Philemon in Colossae. (cf. Colossians 4:7-9)

3. This unexcavated mound in central Turkey is the location of ancient Colossae

4. Onesimus (One man’s journey from useless to useful)
Onesimus had a good master – Philemon
Paul regarded Philemon as a “beloved friend and fellow laborer”. (v.1)
Paul was thankful for Philemon (v. 4)
Paul had heard of Philemon’s faith and love(v. 5)
Paul prayed that Philemon would share his faith effectively (v. 6)
Philemon’s love had encouraged and refreshed others (v. 7)

5. Onesimus (One man’s journey from useless to useful)
Onesimus had wronged his master and run away.
“He departed” (v. 15) – literally “put some distance between”
“But if he has wronged you or owes anything” (v. 18)
In the original language the word translated “IF” is “a condition of the first class”– assumed to be true (as in verse 17).

6. Onesimus (One man’s journey from useless to useful)
Onesimus had a strong & loving advocate in Paul
Paul appeals to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus on the basis of love (vs. 8-9)
Onesimus had been useless, but had become useful. (vs ) (Onesimus means useful)
Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon (vs )
Paul could have used Onesimus to aid him in his work, but he would not retain Onesimus without Philemon's consent.
Paul reasons that “perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever” (Romans 11:33; 8:28)

7. Onesimus (One man’s journey from useless to useful)
Onesimus had a strong and loving advocate in the apostle Paul.
Onesimus is being returned to Philemon as a brother in Christ (v ; Colossians 3:10-14)
Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself (v. 17)
Paul offers to repay Philemon for whatever loss Onesimus caused him (v ; Exodus 22:1-11)

8. Is There An Onesimus Here Today?
Have you been running from your Master?
Onesimus had to stop running to become useful!
The goal of every man should be to become “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)
Once you stop running, you’ll find that you have a wonderful Advocate willing to pay the price for your transgressions! (1 John 2:1-2)
In order to be useful you must be born again! (v. 10; 1 Cor. 4:15; 1 Peter 1:23; John 3:3-5)