Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, August 5, 2023.

Main Theme: As we study the Bible more deeply, we receive even greater revelations of God’s love.

Read in Class: Ephesians 3:1-6. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the mystery that has been entrusted to Paul?

Apply: How can we learn to trust God and His ways amid what can be trying circumstances? 

Share: Your friend tells you ever since her divorce, everyone at church tells her they still love her and are friendly to her at church, but her church friends no longer include her in activities and socials. Her church claims to be inclusive but is obviously leaving her out now. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 3:7-13. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does Paul say about God and the actions of God in Ephesians 3:7-13?

Apply: If your own congregation took seriously Paul’s “job description” of the church in Ephesians 3:10, how might it change the way you and your fellow church members relate to each other?

Share: Your friend asks why Paul says he is the worst sinner? Are we all supposed to feel that way? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:16-19 and Ephesians 3:14-19. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: Compare Paul’s earlier prayer request, Ephesians 1:16-19, with his plea for believers in Ephesians 3:14-19. In what ways are the two requests similar?

Apply: What person or event has helped you the most to understand the depths of God’s love?

Share: Your friend says he has trouble trying to trust church members like they are family. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 3:20-21. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does Paul praise God for in this passage?

Apply: What blessings from God are especially valuable to you?

Share: Your friend says its beautiful reading about how God reconciles us to Himself, but she has fallen too far away from God to have her relationship with God reconciled and restored. What do you tell your friend? See also, Ephesians 3: A Shattered Relationship Perfectly Restored.