Outline—Philemon 15–25

1. Teaching tact is:
   1. Teaching to see with eternity in mind (v. 15)—eternity
   2. Teaching to be ever mindful of who you are in Christ (vv. 16–17)—identity
   3. Teaching by giving a living example (vv. 18–19a)—entity
   4. Teaching to keep a humble heart (v. 19b)—humility
   5. Teaching through encouragement (vv. 20–22)—expectancy

Take Home Points

• Always keep an eternal perspective (v. 15).
• Tact is a great way to show you’re in Christ (vv. 16–17).
• Debt is apparently no reason to abandon tact (v. 18).
• What a believer does as a Christian act is beneficial to all believers (v. 20).
• Don’t be afraid to encourage better behavior among believers (vv. 20–22).

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Outline—Philemon 8–14

1. Appeal based upon the work (vv. 8–9)—proper priorities
2. Appeal on behalf of people (vv. 10–11)—Christ captured
3. Appeal driven by godly relationships (vv. 12–13)—brotherly bonds
4. Appeal harmoniously turned to high ethics (v. 14)—heavenly habits

Observations on Tact

• Tact (touch) is thoughtful application of other-centeredness in all relationships.
• In the Christian context, it is founded in a proper understanding of the image of God borne by the image-bearer to other image-bearers.
• It is the application of Christian grace to all men (in honor preferring one another, owe no man anything but to love him, speak the truth in love, etc.).
• Tact is a task.
• Tact is an obligation.
• Tact is an act of worship.
• Tact is an act of service.
• Tact is an act of obedience.
• Tact is an act of faithfulness.
• Tact is an act of competence.
• Tact is an act of self-control.
• Tact is an act of compassion.
• Tact is an act of grace.

Take Home Points

• There is no excuse for the Christian to be nasty to others.
• There is every excuse for the Christian to display the fruit of the Spirit.
• Make it your aim to do God’s work in God’s way for God’s glorious results.

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Outline—Philemon 1–7

1. Prayer of thanksgiving for grace (v. 5)
2. Prayer of thanksgiving for maturing (v. 6)
3. Prayer of thanksgiving for refreshment (v. 7)

Observations

• Tact is discretion or prudence in practical matters (touch), delicate perception of the right thing to say or do without offending.
• Christian tact is appropriate because you must show grace to believers and you are entitled to expect grace from believers.

Take Home Points

• Value the meaning of Christian brotherhood—to be loved (v. 5).
• Value the partnership of Christian brotherhood—to be joined (v. 6).
• Value the usefulness of Christian brotherhood—to be refreshed (v. 7).

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