Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath , January 18, 2025.

Main Theme: By God’s grace we can be pleasing to God.

Read in Class: Luke 15:11-32. Have the class summarize this story.

Study: What does the parable of the prodigal son reveal about God’s compassion and love? What warning does it provide for those who, like the other son, remained home?

Apply: Interesting is the reaction of the other son. Why was this reaction such a human reaction, based at least in part on fairness, and so understandable, as well? What, however, does his part of the story teach us about how human concepts of fairness don’t capture the depth of the gospel or of God’s love for us?

Share: Your friend says young people will never appreciate being in the church until they have first gone out into the world and experienced sin. After all, people who have stayed in the church all their lives don’t have any amazing conversation stories to share. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Zephaniah 3:17 and Ephesians 5:25-28. Ask the class what the common thread is in these passages.

Study: How does Zephaniah 3:17 shed light on the parable of the prodigal son? What does Ephesians 5:25-28 say about the love we should display as well?

Apply: When you hear that someone who has left the church has returned, what is your first reaction? Rejoicing and celebrating or skepticism? Exactly how should we celebratee when soneone returns to the church? Throw a party like the prodigal son’s father?

Share: Your friend is very upset because her church is having a baby shower for a 15 year-old unwed mother. The 15 year-old girl is sorry and wants to come back God and raise her child in the church, but really? Why should the church reward this girl’s sinful behavior with a shower? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Isaiah 43:4, Psalm 149:4, and Proverbs 15:8-9. Ask the class what these passages are saying?

Study: What do these passages tell us about God taking delight in His people?

Apply: Think about how closely tied heaven and earth must be that God, the Creator of the universe, can be so intimately involved, even emotionally, with us. What hope should this amazing idea give you, especially if you are going through a hard time?

Share: Your friend says he hears people in the church talking bad about the youth and how worldly they dress and act. Everyone seems disappointed in them. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 8:1 and Romans 5:8. Ask the class what the main idea is of these passages.

Study: What do these texts teach about our standing before God?

Apply: Read 1 Peter 2:4-6 and compare it with Hebrews 11:6. What does this tell us about how we can be pleasing to God?

Share: Your friend asks how he can know if he is pleasing God or not? What do you tell your friend?