People of Purpose
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the November 26, 2023 class, Dave Rich led the congregation through a study of Ephesians 4:1‑6, emphasizing the biblical call to unity and humility as a response to God’s work in the first three chapters of the letter. He used a nostalgic analogy of families gathering around a single television to illustrate how the early church’s singular focus contrasts with today’s fragmented media consumption, pointing out that modern distractions can fuel conflict within the body of Christ. Dave reviewed the doctrines covered in Ephesians 1‑3—predestination, calling, and adoption as God’s workmanship—then shifted to the practical application presented in chapter 4. He highlighted Paul’s exhortations to walk worthy of our calling with patience, love, and a diligent effort to maintain the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The class also celebrated the safe return of missionaries Charles and Pam from France and anticipated a future report on their experiences. Throughout, participants were encouraged to embody the virtues of humility, gentleness, and forbearance, seeking to resolve conflict and live purpose‑driven lives within the unified body of Christ.
Key Scriptures
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.