Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, July 8, 2023.

Main Theme: The Book of Ephesians tells us what God’s grace has already provided to secure our salvation.

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:7-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: “Redemption” is an idea that is used frequently in the New Testament. Compare the uses of the idea in Colossians 1:13, 14; Titus 2:13, 14; and Hebrews 9:15. What themes do these passages share in common with Ephesians 1:7, 8?

Apply: What does it mean to you that through Christ’s atoning sacrifice you are forgiven and redeemed? What if you feel that you are unworthy of it? (Hint: you are unworthy; that’s the whole point of the cross.)

Share: Your friend asks you how God’s grace has already transformed your life? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:9-10. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is God’s “plan for the fullness of time,” and how extensive is its reach?

Apply: How can you acknowledge and celebrate that the redemption you have experienced in Christ Jesus is part of something sweeping and grand, an integral part of God’s studied and ultimate plan to unite all things in Christ?

Share: Your friend asks how heaven and earth are united? What do you tell your friend? See also Why Heaven Needs to be Reconciled.

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:11, 14, 18. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Compare the uses of the idea of “inheritance” in Ephesians 1:11, 14, 18. Why do you think this idea is important to Paul?

Apply: What is the difference between working to get something and inheriting it instead? How does this idea help us understand what we have been given in Jesus?

Share: Your friend asks if you believe in predestination? What do you tell your friend? See did God predestinate us to be saved or lost?

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:13-14. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Paul tells in brief the conversion story of his readers. What are the steps in that story?

Apply: How does Paul reveal salvation by faith alone and not by works of the law? 

Share: Can you think of someone who needs to be assured they are included in the plan of salvation? How can you encourage them this week?