The Impact of Conversion

1. CONVERSION PRODUCES CHRISTIAN CHARACTER
   (a) Philemon – converted through Paul/v.19b

• v.4-5-faith and love towards Jesus and saints!
• v.6-7-had impact on whole Xian community!
• resulted in Paul's “joy and comfort”
  (b) Onesimus – changed from “useless” to “useful”!
  (c) Paul – attitude to

2. CONVERSION POSTIVELY AFFECTS RELATIONSHIPS
   (a) Paul / Philemon – v.1-2 – “beloved...worker”

• v.8-9/ could order him but appeals “for love’s sake”!
• our attitude and action is to be 'for love’s sake”!

(b) Philemon / Onesimus – the letter is about reconciliation

• a test for Philemon!-v.16! - he is now to treat Onesimus as a “brother”!
• this will involve forgiveness
• so he must really welcome him!
• this also shows the power of the gospel to restore social order!