Philemon 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever; I. AN ENCOURAGING VIEW OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 1. The minuteness of its operation. 2. The beneficence of its operation. "Why did God permit evil in the world?" (1) To bind man more closely, lastingly, lovingly to Himself. (2) To awaken nobler developments of human character. (3) To manifest more conspicuously His own character and glory. (4) To increase human joy. The joy of gratitude for redemption, of deliverance from direst perils, of victory over subtlest, strongest foes, etc. II. A VIEW OF THE PREEMINENCE OF SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS. 1. Christianity does not weaken any of the bonds of our civil or other earthly relationships. 2. Personal Christianity exalts and ennobles all other relationships. 3. Spiritual relationships are preeminently over all others. (1) They are independent of differences of rank and condition. (2) They are perpetual in their duration. (3) They centre and subsist in Jesus Christ. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;WEB: For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, |
    |