Brian DeCook

Teaching Notes

Guest Speaker: Brian DeCook | Philemon — “Grace That Transforms Relationships”

This powerful message from guest speaker Brian DeCook walks us through the short but deeply personal letter of Philemon, offering a rich look at how the grace of Jesus reshapes our relationships.

In Philemon, we meet three people: the Apostle Paul, the slave owner Philemon, and the runaway slave Onesimus. What unfolds in this letter is a beautiful example of how the gospel doesn't just reconcile us to God—it reconciles us to one another.

Brian unpacks how Paul, though an apostle, doesn’t command Philemon to forgive—he appeals to him in love. That humility models what grace looks like in action. Philemon is invited to receive Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. And Onesimus, once called “useless,” is now considered “useful”—a reminder of what happens when Jesus transforms a life.

The heart of this message comes from Paul’s prayer:

“That the sharing of your faith may become effective through the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” (Philemon 1:6)

Brian reminds us that as we recognize who we are in Christ—fully forgiven, loved, accepted, empowered—we begin to live like it. And that changes how we treat others. Grace doesn’t demand; it invites. It doesn’t shame; it restores.

This teaching challenges each of us to reflect:

• Where might God be asking you to extend forgiveness?

• Is there a relationship He’s calling you to restore?

• Could you be the peacemaker standing in the gap, like Paul?

Whether you're returning like Onesimus, releasing like Philemon, or interceding like Paul—God's grace is at work in and through you.

We are called to be a people that live out this kind of grace: in our homes, our friendships, our workplace, and within the body of Christ.