4: How God Rescues Us – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Here Paul contrasts our sinful existence with the blessings of God’s solution and celebrates the basis of salvation in the grace and creative work of God.
July 22, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:1-3.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What is the main idea about what Paul says Jesus has done for us?
Personal Application: How can we draw comfort in knowing that Jesus has the victory and we can share in that victory now? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What do these verses teach about the reality of the warfare between Christ and Satan? How can we draw hope that Christ has won when we seem to be caught up in the midst of the battle?”

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:6,7.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
In what sense do we participate in Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and exaltation? How would you respond to your friend?
Personal Application: How can we today have power, love, and a sound mind, and not be in fear? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does Paul recall so frequently the sinful past of his audience, inviting them to reflect on their pre-conversion lives?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:7..

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What are the essential elements and goals of God’s plan of salvation?
Personal Application: How do you explain your experience in being made alive in Christ? How can you keep that experience fresh? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How do you explain the wrath of God to your children, your non-Christian friends, and your Christian neighbors?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 2:8-10.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why is it important to understand that salvation is from God and is not rooted in our worth or efforts?
Personal Application: What important part do good works play in God’s plan for believers? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!