Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, August 12, 2023.

Main Theme: While are all different members, together we all contribute different talents and gifts in forming one church.

Read Together: Ephesians 4:1-16. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does Paul encourage believers to nurture the unity of the church?

Apply: Humility, gentleness, patience. Think about how these attributes would help unify us as a people. How do we learn to cultivate these virtues?

Share: Your friend asks you, if there is only one church does that mean the Adventist church is the only church there is, or does it mean that all the different denominations all make up one Christian church? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 4:11-13. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Drawing on Psalm 68:18, Paul has just described the risen, exalted, conquering Jesus as giving gifts to His people from on high. What “gifts” does the exalted Jesus give, and for what purpose?

Apply: What gifts do you recognize that God has given you for building up His church? What gifts do you recognize in others, and how do you appreciate their contributions to the church?

Share: Your friend says he does not believe in the gift of prophecy because all we need is in the Bible. We don’t need modern day prophets or even Ellen White. How might Ephesians 4:11-13 help you answer your friend? See also The Gift of Prophecy in Light of the Cross.

Read in Class: Ephesians 4:14. Define the main theme of this passage.

Study: What danger threatens the Christlike maturity of the church?

Apply: In what ways might you feel like you are still a child? In what ways do you feel like you have matured as a Christian?

Share: Your friend says that Jesus tells us we must enter the kingdom of heaven as a child. So why is Paul telling us not to be children anymore? What do you tell your friend? See also Grace Helps us Grow up.

Read in Class: Ephesians 4:15-16. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: In what ways does a healthy church function like a healthy body?

Apply:  How can we get every member to use their gifts and talents to increase the body and make it healthier?

Share: Can you think of someone who has been working hard helping out at the church lately? Can you speak a word of appreciation and encouragement to them or even send them a nice card this week?