Week 1:
Small Group Study: “From Slave to Brother”
Passage: Philemon 1–25
Theme: Forgiveness, reconciliation, and the cost of gospel-shaped love
Duration: ~40 minutes
Group size: 4–10 people
⏱️ 1. Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)
Leader intro:
“Tonight we’re looking at one of the shortest letters in the Bible—Philemon—but it’s packed with powerful truths. It’s about forgiveness, identity, and what it looks like to truly live out the gospel in how we treat others. It’s a challenge to see people not by their past or status, but as Christ sees them.”
Optional Icebreaker:
Have you ever had a relationship where things changed for the better—and it totally surprised you?
📖 2. Scripture Reading (5–7 minutes)
Read aloud:
Philemon 1–25 – Paul’s appeal on behalf of Onesimus
Context Note (brief):
Onesimus was a slave who had (within the perceptions of ancient culture) ‘wronged’ his master, Philemon. But Jesus has transformed his life - and now Paul sends him back, not as a servant but as a beloved brother.
💬 3. Group Discussion (15–20 minutes)
🔄 The Transforming Power of the Gospel
Onesimus’ name means “useful”—and now, in Christ, he discovers his truth worth and ability
Q: Where have you seen God take something (or someone) perceived by society as “useless” and turn it into something meaningful or redemptive?
🤝 Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Paul could command Philemon, but he appeals instead to love.
Q: Why do you think Paul chose a personal, relational approach rather than pulling rank? What does that teach us about forgiveness and leadership?
💰 The Cost of Unity
Paul offers to cover Onesimus’ debt. That’s gospel love in action.
Q: Are there situations where God is asking you to step in—to be a bridge, even if it’s costly or uncomfortable?
🔍 4. Reflection Time (3–5 minutes)
Silent reflection or journaling prompt:
“Who do I need to forgive—or advocate for—even if it’s not easy? What would it look like to love like Paul does here, stepping into the gap for someone else?”
Encourage the group to sit quietly for a minute, then offer this simple prayer:
‘Jesus, show me where You’re calling me to bring reconciliation.’
🙏 5. Prayer Time (5 minutes)
Use the following prayer points as either group prayer prompts or individual moments:
Lord, help me forgive as You’ve forgiven me—even when it’s hard or undeserved.
Jesus, give me courage to pursue peace and unity, even when it costs me comfort.
God, transform my heart so I see people through Your eyes—not through status, past, or failure.
🎤 6. Wrap-Up & Challenge (2–3 minutes)
Leader closing:
“Philemon is short, but it calls us to something big: radical love that costs something. It’s about stepping beyond cultural norms and into kingdom identity. This week, ask yourself: Who needs your forgiveness? Where can you be a bridge? That’s what living the gospel looks like.”
Week 2:
Small Group Study Guide: “Freedom in Christ”
Passage: Philemon 1–25
Theme: Bondage, freedom, and the power of gospel-centered love
Duration: ~40 minutes
Ideal for: 4–10 people
⏱️ 1. Welcome & Opening Thought (5 minutes)
Leader intro:
“Tonight, we’re continuing with the letter to Philemon—this time, focusing on what it says about freedom, power, and justice. In a world full of inequality and bondage—both external and internal—Paul offers a surprising challenge: that love, not force, leads to true transformation.”
Optional Icebreaker:
What does ‘freedom’ mean to you—emotionally, spiritually, or practically?
📖 2. Scripture Reading (5–7 minutes)
Read aloud:
Philemon 1–25
Context recap:
Philemon is a wealthy Christian. Onesimus, his runaway slave, has become a follower of Jesus through Paul’s ministry. Now Paul is sending him back—not as property, but as family. Instead of issuing a command, Paul appeals to Philemon’s heart.
💬 3. Group Discussion (15–20 minutes)
❤️ The Power of Love Over Force
Paul could’ve pulled rank but chose grace.
Q: Why do you think Paul appeals with love rather than authority? How does that mirror God’s approach to us?
🔓 True Freedom in Christ
Onesimus was still technically a slave—but spiritually, he was free.
Q: What kinds of things keep people feeling spiritually “bound” today, even if they look free on the outside?
✊ Faith in Action
Paul doesn’t directly condemn slavery, but he plants seeds that eventually challenge it.
Q: What does it look like today to take a stand against injustice, not just in protest, but through grace and relationships like Paul does here?
🔍 4. Reflection Time (3–5 minutes)
Silent reflection or journaling prompt:
“What’s one area of my life where I need to step into greater freedom—or help someone else step into theirs?”
Encourage participants to write down a word or sentence and offer it silently to God.
🙏 5. Prayer Time (5 minutes)
Use these prayer points as group prompts or individual moments:
Jesus, bring real freedom—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—to those who feel trapped.
Give me courage to love boldly, even when it’s easier to demand or control.
Transform systems, hearts, and relationships—starting with mine—so Your justice and mercy are seen in the world.
🎤 6. Wrap-Up & Challenge (2–3 minutes)
Leader closing:
“Philemon isn’t just about a runaway slave—it’s about how the gospel reframes power, freedom, and identity. Paul shows us what grace-driven justice looks like. This week, ask yourself: Where can I extend love over control? Where can I act for someone else’s freedom? That’s the real power of Christ at work.”