Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson:

1. Think back to when you were 10 years old. How did you answer when someone asked you what you wanted to be when you grow up? Considering that answer today, how realistic was it? Explain.

2. How about another question? At this point, are you really grown up? How do you need to still mature? How will that maturity be demonstrated in your life?

Read Ephesians 4:1-6.

1. Growing up takes effort. According to verse 3, what should we be striving for? Review Jesus’ words in John 17:20-23. Why is that goal so important? Circle the attitudes found in Ephesians 4:2 that help us attain that goal.

2. An old quip tells us, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” How have you witnessed the truth of that? Tell how the statements in verses 4-6 make up a roadmap that guides us into unity.

Read Ephesians 4:7-13.

3. Is unity the equivalent of “sameness?” Are we only unified when we are duplicates of one another? Explain. The language of verse 7 is difficult, but might be roughly paraphrased as, “Jesus gives you the gifts he wants you to have.” Consider this and Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 to explain how unity in the church can only come when we are all different, not all the same.

4. What is the most useless gift you have ever received? Why was it useless? Note that the gifts Jesus gives to the church are not useless. What are those gifts designed to accomplish?

Read Ephesians 4:14-16.

5. What are characteristics of one who is not a grown up? Answer by summarizing Ephesians 4:14, 17-19.

6. What are characteristics of one who is mature? Answer by summarizing Ephesians 4:15, 16, 20-32.

7. Review this and the past two lessons that describe the process of salvation: justification (being forgiven), redemption (being purchased for and adopted by God), and sanctification (being equipped to be a productive believer). Why are each of these vital to being completely saved?