Text: Philemon 1-21, Luke 14:25-35
Full Sermon Draft

This is one of those days where the assigned readings really help each other. What this sermon attempts to do is use Philemon and Onesimus as examples of the call Christ issues in the Gospel lesson. Like almost anytime the crowds around Jesus get too big you get a clear warning about the costs and order of discipleship – now the cross. Paul’s letter to Philemon is a great example of multiple ways that the cross can be seen. And the clarity of the choice being given when the cross comes.

Worship Note: I’ve left in two of the hymns for the day. The Hymn of the Day was LSB 688, “Come Follow Me the Savior Spake”. It is a 17th century presentation of the call of Christ to discipleship. Each stanza uses a slightly different metaphor that Jesus used and present it to us as the same call. LSB 685, “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”, was our concluding hymn. As we exit worship, after hearing the call earlier, and having heard how Christ has fulfilled the work for us, the close is our response.

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