Teaching Resources International

Forgiveness … (October 2024 Update) 

Nothing is more powerful or more important than forgiveness. Forgiveness sets us free so that we can love one another and so that we can display the glory of God by living new lives. There is probably no better picture of the power of forgiveness in the NT than what we see in Paul’s little letter to his friend, Philemon. In this little book, we see three men: Paul, a prisoner for the gospel; Philemon, a slaveowner who has come to Christ through the ministry of Paul; and Onesimus, a runaway slave who has also been led to Christ by Paul. 

In this short letter, we can see three powerful facts about forgiveness. In verses 1-7, we see that forgiveness changes people. In verses 8-16, we see that forgiveness changes relationships. Finally in verses 17-25, we see how forgiveness changes us. 

First, forgiveness changes people (vv. 1-7). In these verses, we see Paul and Philemon. Paul did not found the church at Colossae. It is unlikely that he ever visited the church. But he knew people in the church and he greatly loved them and the church meeting in their homes. How different this is from the Paul (Saul) we met in Act 8. Then he was going into the homes of Christians and dragging them out to be put into prison and put to death. When he met Jesus and experienced forgiveness, he was changed from a persecutor of the church and believers to a lover of the church and believers. 

Philemon was likewise changed by forgiveness. We don’t know any details about his former life, but we know he was a slaveowner. In verse 5, we see that he was full of faith and love toward the people of God. In verse 6, Paul says he was a partner in sharing the gospel. And in verse 7, Philemon even refreshed the hearts of other believers.  He too was changed by the gospel and forgiveness. 

Second, forgiveness changes relationships (vv. 8-16). Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had run away and even stolen something when he left. Now Paul is writing Philemon back telling him about the change in Onesimus. Onesimus had been converted and Paul was asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back in a different relationship. Not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Paul was asking a lot. But Paul reminded Philemon about some of the basics of forgiveness that they had both received from Jesus: 

1. He appealed to love (8-9). Paul says that he could command Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother, but we wanted Philemon to do so based on love, not because he was forced to do so by Paul. 

2. He appealed to redemption (10). To redeem is to be bought back, often from the slave market. Paul wanted Philemon to know that Onesimus had now been bought by Jesus – that’s redemption. He also wanted to remind Philemon that Jesus had paid his debt too. “He paid a debt, He did not owe; I owed a debt, I could not pay; I needed someone to wash my sins away….” That’s what redemption does for us. Paul wanted Philemon to consider doing the same for Onesimus. 

3. He appealed to ministry (11-14). Onesimus means “profitable.” As a slave, he had been profitable to Philemon. As a runaway, he became unprofitable. But now, in Christ, Onesimus had become “profitable” once again. In fact, Paul even says that Onesimus is now useful to both Philemon and himself – in ministry, as a brother in Christ. 

4. He appealed to brotherhood (15-16). Paul says God has changed Onesimus relationship with Philemon. He is no longer just a slave. He is now a brother! Forgiveness changes relationships!!! 

Finally, forgiveness changes us (vv. 17-25). When we are forgiven, it changes us. Or it should. Here’s what Paul tells Philemon about forgiveness and how it should affect him: 

1. When we forgive, we receive the other person (17), as Christ receives him. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to be “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” When we forgive, we need to remember HOW MUCH God has forgiven us. We need to remember HOW OFTEN He has forgiven us. And we need to remember HOW LOVINGLY He has forgiven us. Paul says, “Welcome him as you would welcome me.” 

2. When we forgive, we let go of the debt (18).  When someone has hurt us, we all feel like “they owe us!” But forgiveness lets go of the debt. Paul says, if he owes anything, put it to my account. That’s what Jesus did for us. He put our debt to his account. 

3. When we forgive, we remember our own debt (19). Paul tells Philemon to remember that he owes him “his very life.” In other words, Paul is saying don’t forget how you owe me. I left go off that, you should too. (see Matthew 18 for an excellent example of the need to forgive others as we have been forgiven). 

4. When we forgive, we bring joy to others (20). Paul tells Philemon that his forgiveness to Onesimus would “refresh my heart.” Forgiveness brings joy – not just to the one forgiven but also to everyone else too.  

5. When we forgive, we are motivated to “go beyond” (21). This was what Paul expected. He knew how Christ had changed Philemon and felt sure, that when Philemon rightly understood his own forgiveness, that he would “do even more” than he had asked. What is Paul referring to? By law, Philemon was not obligated to set Onesimus free even if he received him back. But Paul was saying, “I know you, Philemon, and I know you will not just receive him back, you will also set him free.” That’s what forgiveness does – it teaches us to go beyond what are the basic requirements for us. 

Paul closes out his letter with a number of precious reminders about the importance of relationships among believers. He looks forward to being a guest in Philemon’s home. He looks forward to seeing many other brothers in Christ. And he even remembers some who were also changed by forgiveness. I wonder what Paul thought as he wrote about his fellow workers and included the name “Mark.” If you remember in Acts 13, Paul was very upset with Mark for leaving them. When Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them on another journey, Paul refused (Acts 15). But we see in Philemon, Colossians and 2 Timothy that Paul had forgiven Mark and Mark, like Onesimus, was now useful to Paul and his ministry. Forgiveness changes people, relationships and even us! Aren’t you glad that God has forgiven you in Christ Jesus. Now refresh the hearts of many by also giving forgiveness to others. 

Teaching Ministry … 

I am currently teaching Evangelism for students at Kyiv Theological Seminary. I have 6 students, and we have had some very important and helpful discussions about the theology of evangelism, some practical approached to evangelism and apologetics. The first night was a difficult one for the students as Russia launched over 100 missiles and drones. But they were ready for class in spite of this. The rest of the week has been peaceful, and it was great to be teaching them every day.  

This week has been especially busy. I have been teaching class online and then, Friday evening, I will be teaching a Missions Cohort on “A Theology of Suffering.” Then early Saturday morning, we will leave for two weeks in Connecticut. I will also be preaching and sharing there too. Thank you for praying for me as I teach and train others! 

Family and House … 

Even with all the teaching, I have been able to get a number of things done with the house. I finished two bedrooms, installing the baseboards and painting the walls. We especially needed to get Katya’s mom’s room done before we leave for CT because her mom will be coming to live with us after we return. 

Additionally, Katya and I were able to get the posts for the fence for our garden up. When we return, we will need to install the fencing so we can put in berries and prepare for spring planting. We need the fence because we have so many deer in our yard every evening and morning.  

We were also able to get bookshelves up for my office. I had someone else do these because I just didn’t have enough time. When we get back, I’ll try to finish the office so that I will be able to work from home again. 

Katya continues to teach the girls in Homeschool and they are loving learning about the settling of our country. We learned about Lief Erikson and the Vikings and even had a Viking snack time. The last couple of weeks, they have learned about the Pilgrims and, when we go to CT, we will be taking time to visit Plimoth Plantation! One of the best parts of our homeschool is being able to study outside when the weather permits! (And I included a picture of me reading to Sullivan). 

In September, we celebrated two birthdays – Harlie’s and mine. My 70^th birthday party was much more relaxed (just like I like it!) with Katya and the kids preparing a special meal for me. Harlie’s party was much more exciting, including a pinata and a swim party for her 7^th birthday. 

Pray for Ukraine … 

Please remember to pray for Ukraine. World news has shifted away from the war in Ukraine and that works to Russia’s advantage. Ukraine has continued to expand their invasion into Russia in hopes that Russia will shift troops there. But it seems like Russia only cares about defeating Ukraine at any costs. Pray that the people of Russia will rise up against their leaders who are continuing this war with Ukraine. 

Also, pray for our friends and students who continue to minister and share the gospel even during the war. We have many friends who have switched from campus ministries to ministries to the military and their families. But some are continuing to minister to university students. Still others have been helping with refugees. Regardless of the type of ministry, all are committed to continuing to share the gospel. 

Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers for us. We know that our ministry would not be possible without you!   

By His Grace, 

Jim and Katya, Kristina and Nadia 

If you missed previous updates or just want to read some short theological reflections, you can find these at our website at https://teachingresources.org/ .  

Also, some have asked about how to support us. You can send checks to Teaching Resources International, PO Box 100, Goshen, AR 72735 (note: new address) or pay through PayPal on our website. Just put “#1000 Ehrhard” in the memo so our treasurer knows where to allocate the funds.  

Some have also asked about our personal address now that we are in the states. Our new address is 14680 Magnolia Ridge, Fayetteville, AR 72701.