Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School, August 26, 2023.

Main Theme: What the world considers wise God considers foolish, and what the world considers foolish God considers wise.

Read in Class: Ephesians 5:1-10. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: In what sense does Paul intend believers to be “imitators of God”?

Apply: In what ways are Paul’s words about sexual behavior applicable to your culture, wherever you live?

Share: Your friend says that the Bible teachings about premarital sex only applies to teenagers. He is a grown up so sex outside of marriage is okay. Plus his sex life is not the church’s business. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 5:11-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What powerful warning is Paul giving here, and how does this apply to our present situation?

Apply: How do you live the kind of lifestyle that can expose works of darkness for what they are?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean to rise from the dead? How can dead people raise themselves back up?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 5:15-17. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Consider Paul’s exhortations to live in a way that reflects prayerful, discerning wisdom. What is the difference between walking not as fools but “wise”?

Apply: How are we as a church and individuals “redeeming the time?” What does “redeeming the time” even mean to us?

Share: Your friend asks you how she is supposed to understand what God’s will is. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 5:18-20. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: In Ephesians 5:18-20, Paul imagines Christians gathered to worship. What does he depict them as doing in that worship?

Apply: How can you use music to enhance your own worship experience?

Share: Share with the class some things that you are thankful for right now.